Saving money on gas and groceries in 2022 is a hot topic. With prices rising left and right, there's a reason people are downloading more and more apps for saving money in 2022. I've been using apps on my phone to save money for many years now after becoming a mom and wanting to stretch our paychecks, and these are the best money saving apps I have found that actually save us money!

Updated Oct. 2022

How to Save Money with Apps

Not all parents have a lot of things in common — even if they have the same child-rearing philosophies — but one thing most parents agree on no matter their chosen form of upbringing is saving money to cut down on bills and make each paycheck go a bit further. As long as you plan out your targets and put your mind to saving, it's easily done, and well worth it (without cutting a bunch of paper coupons, even)!

Saving money with apps isn't a new thing, but it is definitely the talk of the time this year! Now more than ever parents are trying to stretch paychecks to make ends meet and this list of money saving apps will really help. They've helped me!

But how do these money saving apps actually work?

Well, I get into the specifics with each app down below, but money saving apps work by allowing you to clip coupons inside of the app that either work directly in the store when linked to your store account, or by offering rebates after you upload receipts of your purchases.

Here are 6 free savings apps that will save you money that you should download right now if they're not already on your phone.

Money Saving Apps That Actually Save Money

1. Cartwheel

This is hands-down my favorite money saving app right now. Cartwheel is a savings app for Target stores that includes a list of store items you can either get a percentage or dollar amount off on. Simply select the deals you like then show your coupon barcode to the cashier at the register. This coupon barcode is typically taken after all other coupons and can be combined with both manufacturer and other Target coupons (Update: Target now includes manufacturer coupons in this app so be careful you don't try to combine those). Try using printed coupons with a Target mobile coupon (normally available in the Target app but temporarily unavailable right now) and Cartwheel!

Available: Google Play, iTunes, Online

2. Just For U

This is another store-specific coupon app (Safeway), but it's super helpful. Before heading to Safeway, simply look through the money saving app for your store's weekly specials and coupons to add them to your card. On top of that, the app will have new coupons selected just for you (hence the app name) that sometimes includes free items!

Available: Google Play, iTunes, Online

3. ibotta

This money saving app uses rebates to help save you money on groceries. Search the app for the stores you shop in, then scroll through the rebate offers. If you find one you like simply Unlock the offer by taking quick quizzes, watching videos, or posting to social. Unlocking is typically easy, and there are some offers that let you earn on any bread or milk you purchase instead of a specific brand. After an offer is Unlocked, scan the item and your receipt and you're set! You can also earn money by referring others or redeeming a certain number of rebates within a certain amount of time (just don't let it dictate your shopping trips). Cashing out is easy, simply transfer your amount of $10 or more to PayPal, or select one of the gift card options.

Available: Google Play, iTunes

4. Checkout 51

Similar to ibotta, it's a money saving app that gives you rebates for what you purchase with valid receipts. Unlike ibotta, your offers don't need to be selected from specific stores, and the items available for rebates are a bit different. It's basically just one more way to get a little cash back.

Available: Google Play, iTunes

5. Shopkick

This app lets you earn “Kicks” or points for every purchase you make in certain stores if you link your card. You also earn Kicks for walking into stores (which is easy if you live near a shopping center or mall with several of these stores and you walk by them a lot). Sadly, Kicks don't always register, but when they do you can save them up and turn them into mobile gift cards. (I use Shopkick to walk into Target, then turn my Kicks into Target gift cards). To earn even more Kick points, scan the barcodes of select items after you walk into stores and invite other friends to join the app!

Available: Google Play, iTunes

6. GasBuddy

Well, we all shop for gas, right? There are a few other money saving apps and store apps, but when vying for the last spot on this list, GasBuddy wins. This app allows you to look at either the closest gas station (with prices and directions) or view gas stations based on price within a certain radius. When you think about how different gas prices can be from one street to the next and with service fees and whatnot, this app is a real money saver.

Available: Google Play, iTunes

After saving money comes saving time, and this list of time saving apps will help you do just that! Wanting to save even more? Check out this post for the best apps for buying and selling kids clothes!

I hope this list of money saving apps helps you save some money on groceries and gas! If you have any other money saving app recommendations, comment them below!

The post Best Money Saving Apps That Actually Save Money appeared first on Navigating Parenthood.

If your fall season is anywhere near as busy as mine, I'm sure you've been on the hunt for ideas for simplifying fall chores for a while now.

Sometimes there's simply way too much to get done in a single day when you're a parent. There's the laundry, home maintenance, car maintenance, work, kids, your partner, yourself  . . . everything needs attention and there's never enough time. Usually, something gives and you excel in one area and a few others really suffer. I'm no pro at the balancing act myself, but I have picked up a few tips that help tremendously. 

Here are three of my best tips for simplifying fall chores.

This is a sponsored conversation courtesy of YourMechanic and may contain affiliate links. All opinions are mine alone. 

Three Tips for Simplifying Fall Chores

My best tips when it comes to easing up on fall chores include:

• having a mechanic come to you
• asking for help with chores
• creating a rotating chore schedule

Have the Mechanic Come to You This Fall

I was like a kid on Christmas morning when I found out that there's an app and website called YourMechanic that allows you to schedule car maintenance and repair appointments at your own home or office. One thing you should do each season is have your car checked out and have regular maintenance preformed. YourMechanic made this one of my fall chores SO easy! No more dragging the kids to the dealership and trying to figure out how to get home or what to do while waiting there. Yesss! I had a mechanic come out and do an oil change, tire rotation and multi-point inspection on my husband's car using the YourMechanic Back-to-School special where it's only $89.99 (ends Sept. 30). The entire service only took about an hour, saved me from the 100-degree heat and dragging the baby from his nap to the mechanic, and is backed my a 12-month/12,000 mile warranty! My mechanic even found a leak and nail on a tire (huge save) then patched it for me. Watch my video below to see how my car service went then enter to win your own YourMechanic Car Care Kit with a $50 gift card and other goodies at the bottom of this post! You can also get $10 off your first service by scheduling using my referral link, HERE.

Ask for Help With Chores This Fall

You know that friend or family member who always “Let me know if you need a babysitter” or “I'm here if you need me” that you never ask for help because you think they just said it to be nice? Take them up on it. This fall, give yourself time to get some things done. This is one of my favorite ways to simplify fall chores. Personally, I'd be pretty excited to be able to fold and put away my laundry. That's something I don't want someone else to do that I find super rewarding and that gives me a sense of organization and togetherness.

If I can get that done then I feel on top of things. The longer you wait to do things, the more it piles up and the harder it becomes. Ask for help while it's still simple. This means even asking your partner and kids to pitch in. When Savannah was born I told my husband that it was up to him to wash and put away his own clothes now, and he has ever since (unless I actually have time to do it). Now that Savannah is 6 I have her help me load her clothes in the wash not easy while holding the baby) and then put away her clothes later. That was one of my favorite ways I've simplified chores!

Create a Rotating Chore Schedule to Simplify Fall Chores

Not everything needs to be done at all times and that goes for chores too. When you have too many plates in the air, they all fall down. Come up with a system based on a rotating schedule this fall for chores where items of higher priority are handled first, then the other items are handled next time, and so on. If your schedule doesn't allow for this then take some of the pressure off yourself by saying no to things more often, and simplifying your fall schedule. Don't sign the kids up for so many activities (or maybe start a carpool so you don't have to handle busing them around all the time). Combine credit cards and cut a few costs (do you really need that TV service?) so you have fewer bills to watch for and pay. Doing the work to set up a schedule for your fall chores will totally pay off in the months and years to come (plus make you feel super organized).

Click here for some more tips for de-stressing your life.

Win a YourMechanic Car Care bundle with a $50 gift card and other car care goodies by filling out the form at THIS LINK!

What did you think of these tips for simplifying fall chores? I hope they were helpful!

The post 3 Tips for Simplifying Fall Chores Like a Boss appeared first on Navigating Parenthood.

Kids and tech can be a touchy subject for a lot of parents. I didn't allow my daughter, S, to watch shows/have screen time until she was about 2 years old. But let me tell you, it's been a huge part of our lives since then. So much so, that now that she's a big first grader, she has a special new tablet of her own and I wish I'd gotten it for her sooner. You're not going to believe the reasons why…

This post was sponsored by Amazon and contains affiliate links at no cost to you, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Her kids' tablet fosters independence

Since getting S the new Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition tablet ($129) she's been more than happy to do her own thing. Not because she's sitting there mindlessly watching YouTube, but because she's exploring everything available to her in the Amazon FreeTime Unlimited space that's included free for a year after buying an Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Tablet (then as an optional monthly service at around $3 for Prime members and $5 for non-Prime members). Since Amazon FreeTimeUnlimited allows me to set up a profile specific to S based on her age, I know that all of the books, apps, and shows available to her are appropriate — meaning I don't need to helicopter parent over every single thing she's doing on her tablet.

There are some shows and books that I just don't care for, so I simply enter the Parental Controls section of Amazon FreeTime Unlimited and select those items as options that don't show up in S' Amazon FreeTime Unlimited options. If there are shows you're OK with that aren't listed under a specific age, you can Whitelist them to add them to your child's profile, too. Honestly, kids need time to unwind after school, so when it's too hot to go outside this gives her a chance to disconnect from the pressure of schoolwork and create some really beautiful artwork, or simply have fun!

Her Kids Tablet Builds Confidence

What surprised me the most about giving S her new Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition tablet was that her favorite part of Amazon FreeTime Unlimited is the apps. We don't have PBS Kids but we love the shows, so I thought she'd be most excited about being able to access that content. She was excited about the PBS Kids content in her Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition tablet, but all of the amazing apps are what really sparked her joy and my excitement for this tablet. I've watched her grow more and more confident as she explores new educational apps and creative apps on her own. Whether she's coloring a masterpiece or creating a scene using different pictures, she's super proud of her work.

Her tablet helps her reach her goals

One of the biggest reasons I got S her own Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition tablet? The Parent Controls section allows me to set how long S is able to watch shows, use apps, and read books. I also set educational goals that must be met before the fun entertainment can be unlocked using Learn First. I can even set a Bedtime so that the Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition tablet shuts down for the day! I love that I can review the apps S uses and her overall usage in the Parent Dashboard. I haven't tried Discussion Cards yet, but I'm excited to check it out soon — it offers parents discussion questions based on the reading your child has done or shows they've watched!

Want to learn more about why I bought my daughter an Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids tablet? Check out my other posts about Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids tablet: Why It's OK That My Daughter Missed Spring Camp This Year or How Amazon’s Fire HD 8 Kids Tablet Reduces Holiday Stress.

The post 3 Reasons I Gave My First Grader Her Own Amazon HD 8 Fire Kids Edition Tablet appeared first on Navigating Parenthood.

It's one of those things that you don't know you need so badly until you have it — a smart home. A fridge that texts you a grocery list or house that talks to you might be a bit extreme for the everyday family, but there are ways to have a smart, helpful home that isn't only practical but more affordable. Keep reading for 3 ways to make your home smarter!

I was sent an indoor/outdoor Nest Cam and Nest thermostats for review. This post may contain affiliate links. All opinions are mine alone. Photos by Sincerely Me Photography.

Switch Out the Thermostat

This is an easy one! All the wiring is already there — All you need to do is drill in a new faceplate and attach a smart digital thermostat like the Nest! Having the Nest Thermostat was a huge help in the early weeks home after delivering River since I went between chills and night sweats. Without getting up (because I really couldn't if I didn't want to wake the baby), I could simply change the temperature in the room (yesss). I love that the Nest thermostat knows to turn down any heating or air conditioning while you're away and has suggestions for saving energy (and your wallet) by staying within certain temperatures while you're home.

Update Your Gear

Update the gear in your home and you'll be running a more energy-efficient home that's smarter, too. Our Smart TV allows for so many digital app connections that I don't even know what most of them do (I just use it for Hulu, Netflix, and Amazon Video) and it uses a whole lot less energy than our older one. The washer/dryer combo in my home is smarter and more energy-efficient too — there's even has an app I can connect to my washer! The ceiling fan in our master bedroom? It has a remote! A smart home is definitely about making life more convenient in ways that work for you (and hopefully the environment too). Look for ways you can update your gear and run things smarter.

Install Security

Cameras are one of the most important parts of a smart home, I think. Before we got the Nest Cams for outside and inside our home we didn't realize just how much we were missing out. Besides allowing us to see what's going on in a certain area of our home in real time (or earlier if we want to look through recordings), our Nest Cams allow us to talk through the camera. No getting up needed. Yessss. This is a huge bonus when I'm holding the baby and need to quietly tell Savannah or the husband something, or even tell a solicitor at the door “no thank you.” I took advantage of the Nest Cam press to speak feature in the Nest app while recovering after River's birth by talking to my husband through the kitchen camera to ask for snacks.

With the help of our cameras, I've spotted my daughter sneaking ice cream from the freezer and the dog sleeping on the couch (literally as soon as soon as we all left the room, too). It's actually pretty funny watching the replays and my husband has become obsessed with our cameras. He even bought some covers on Amazon to make the outdoor cameras blend with the house and the indoor cameras blend, too. We have a cool hidden camera clock, a compact cord cover, and minion cover for some of our indoor cameras (we bought a few sets of 3 indoor cameras) so that they blend into the areas of the home they live in.

Is your home smart? What's your favorite way to make it smarter?

The post 3 Ways to Make Your Home Smarter appeared first on Navigating Parenthood.

How many apps do you have on your phone right now? I have over 100 apps on my iPhone, all asking me to do something ASAP with notifications going off constantly. But being so available on demand can be draining when everyone at home wants mommy to do something ASAP too, so I've been looking into wellness apps that help remind me to take a break, unplug, de-stress and be mindful of my own feelings. After all, it's important to be aware of how you're feeling with everything going on, and how it can be managed. Keep reading for the 411 on my new favorite app for just that.

This post was developed in partnership with Pfizer as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central. This is not medical advice, please always check with your doctor.

Makes Time For You

An average of 6.7% of adults experience depression at some point in a given year. Even if you're not dealing with depression per say, it's easy to feel burnt out and like there isn't enough time for everything, let alone time to address some serious emotions you're feeling. So how do people stop a minute to assess their mood, track progress and see changes or how they're doing until the next doctor's appointment? The free Moodivator App available in the iTunes store.

Tracks Progress

Using the Moodivator app allows adults to say how they're feeling on any given day and add notes to the day's mood. After a period of time, you can actually see how your moods have changed, what may have triggered or caused certain moods, and share info like charts to your care provider if you have one. This app is sort of like a partner in care that you can take anywhere since it's an app on your phone, which is pretty awesome. Check out the Moodivator video, here, to see how it works!

Sets Goals

Moodivator allows users to create a goal that's obtainable and important to progress. Your goal can be about work, treatment, wellness, family, or social situations that you'd like to focus on. Choosing a goal is simple — Simply create your own or choose one of the goal options such as “Set aside ‘Me Time'.” After selecting a goal, you're prompted to state why the goal is so important to you so that you have something to reference later, followed by the option to add an action step for helping yourself to achieve that goal such as a technology curfew. I personally selected the option to have more family time and so set a tech curfew for myself to ensure that I'm not always on a device in front of my daughter (which makes me feel awful) and that I'm not burnt out from constantly being available for work 24-7. The information can also be shared with your doctor so that he/she knows how you are doing between visits.

How do you make time for your own feelings?

The post This Free New App Helps As You Manage Depression appeared first on Navigating Parenthood.

When there's little time in the day to get the laundry list of to-do's done, saving time and money is important. So why not load up your phone with apps that can help with that? I mean we're not talking time warp stuff, or that you’ll be heaping up massive riches using these, but hey . . . every little bit helps, right? So go grab a cup of coffee and read on for 5 free time-saving apps that just might make your days run a bit smoother.

Gboard

This is a brand new app for the iPhone or iPad that lets you search for information and send it right from your keyboard. You heard right. No more switching out of your email or message app to get the info you want to copy. We’re talking emojis, addresses, websites, places of business and just about any info you Google. Gboard also uses the glide-typing feature, where you can simply slide your finger around the keyboard instead of tapping to type out your query. And don’t worry, things on your iPhone or iPad are personal, so it’s designed to keep your private information private. Gboard only sends your search query to Google’s web servers to process it and send you the search results. Nothing else. Everything you search is stored only on your device and is not accessible by Google or by any other apps but Gboard.

Available: iTunes

CheckPlease

I hate it when the bill comes after dining out, and everyone has to sit there for 20 minutes trying to figure out what everyone owes. This app stands alone as the top tip calculator in the App Store for splitting a bill between multiple people. There's a free Lite version and a paid version of the app but just get the free  one, it’s all you’ll need. Simply type in the amount of the bill, swipe the dial up or down to choose the tip percentage you would like to add to the bill and choose the amount of people splitting the bill. That’s it. You can round the tip up or round the total up (but not both) if you’d like, too. Make sure to set your area sales tax rate by tapping the Info icon at the bottom left. That way you don’t have to figure that in and it won’t include the tax in the tip calculation.

Available: Google Play, iTunes

TaskRabbit

This is the go-to app when you just need a helping hand. I love their mantra: “We do Chores. You Live Life.” TaskRabbit is a service based app where you can hire a Tasker for things you just can’t get to around the house or at your place of business. Each task is billed at different rates, ranging from $20 to $60/hr. based on experience and task needed. Taskers are skilled in just about anything – they fix stuff, they shop for you or run errands, they will pack or put furniture together. Need cleaning or organizing? They’ve got you covered. Need a few extra hands for a party? Done. Same-day trustworthy help is available wherever you are, and you pay for the work done via the app.
Available: Google Play, iTunes

Evernote

This is one of the best apps for capturing and storing your digital life all in one place. It’s a pretty powerful app and if you only use one or two features, that alone will shave minutes off your tasks. I use it when searching online. I can “clip” articles or bookmark websites that I want to look at later, organizing it all in handy project Notebooks so I can find them fast! I can create notes, make to-do lists and file documents by typing the info in, taking a picture of it or downloading it from another device. It’s seamless and quick with a couple of clicks thanks to Evernote’s Web Clipper extension for your browser. Best of all, I can install the app on my computer, phone or tablet which gives me access to everything I’ve filed on any device at any time — Nice!
Available: Google Play, iTunes Apps

Favor Cart

Need anything? Favor Cart is a simple way for friends to help each other out. It works at any store like Trader Joe’s, Costco and Target, and there are no service fees attached. Simply create a “favor request” with a few taps to tell your friends what you need – It can be anything like milk, eggs, light bulbs, school supplies . . . whatever, you name it! Then your friends see your request and can accept it if they have time, grab what you need and deliver it to you. Well hey, they were already at the store anyway, and happy to help out. That’s what friends are for right? You get notified of the amount you owe and can transfer money directly to them from within the app. FavorCart saves the day (and sanity)! Then you can then return the favor next time you’re out and about.

Available: Google Play, iTunes Apps

Shyp

Sending gifts this holiday season? Brave the post office lines or partner up with Shyp. No one has time for those lines! Shyp comes to you, picks up your package, and ships it anywhere in the world. They use the best, cheapest and most reliable carriers available, too. Just download the app, take a pic of the item you want to ship, fill out the destination and tap the request for pick up. Done. So easy! Shyp will come to you and send your item on its' way so you can actually get to the things in life that really matter!

Available: Google Play, iTunes Apps

Loretta Jones ‪helps non-techie types to become more confident (and smarter) using their iPhone or iPad. Her blog, lets modifi, is filled with tutorials, tips and tricks that will take you from “$x#%!” to “Ahhhh!” Download all of her simple step-by-step instruction cheatsheets HERE.

The post 5 Free Time-Saving Apps You’ll Want to Download This Week appeared first on Navigating Parenthood.

Gathering for special occasions is one of the reasons the holidays feel so magical. Well, that and there are presents involved. But with these big events comes the stress of putting it all together. Sometimes ensuring dinner is set and ready on time while also taking the time to decorate just right and be sure you have enough food (or people coming) can be a real bear! Fortunately, there are some very cool apps that make all this more of a breeze and less of a sandstorm. Keep reading for 10 apps that will make hosting holidays a little bit easier.

Paperless Post

Paperless Post is basically a digital invitation with pretty virtual stationery options for those of us who are hardcore in love with stationery and just couldn't move into the world of virtual invites (before this). Choose your design, add your message or event info, then send it to friends without paying postage! Some designs do cost a bit to send, but you get your RSVPs a lot sooner and they're easier to keep track of than all the loose paper RSVP cards.

Available (Free): iTunes App, Google Play

Pro Party Planner

If you're hosting a large gathering Pro Party Planner is your go-to for keeping track of the guest list(s) and managing your seating chart.
Available ($5): iTunes

Instacart

Have you ever been in the middle of cooking a big meal only to realize that you're missing a few ingredients? Leaving the house while trying to finish putting things together or with something already in the oven that needs your attention may not be possible, but using Instacart could be your solution. Simply shop the stores (like Whole Foods and Costco) in the app and someone who is already shopping at the store will pick up your groceries too then drop them off!

Available (Free): Google Play, iTunes Apps

BigOven

This app is your secret weapon when guests are staying for a bit! Not only does it let you clip recipes and split up shopping lists, but you can tell the app what's in your fridge and get suggested recipes that will work with those ingredients!

Available (Free): Google Play, Windows Phone

Green Kitchen

This app is handy to have loaded on your phone in case you have some vegetarian guests coming to your home, or if you want to make a healthy vegetarian meal once in a while. It's filled with vegetarian recipes, stunning pictures, and easy to follow step-by-step instructions.

Available ($5): iTunes

Paprika

See a party recipe online that you really want to use? Paprika lets you grab recipes from online, pin recipes, create shopping lists and meal planners, and save your recipes across devices.

Available ($3): Google Play, iTunes, Mac, Windows

Substitutions

Whether a guest has a certain food allergy or you just realized you're out of milk in the middle of a recipe, the Substitutions app is here to save the day. This app lets you search health-related substitutes and ingredient-specific substitutes.
Available ($2): iTunes

Epicurious Recipes & Shopping List

Looking for some fun new recipes based on dish? The Epicurious app is overflowing with recipes based on food type and if it's in season, and it even lets you save recipes and create a shopping list based on your recipes to make meal planning for parties easier.

Available (Free): iTunes

What are your favorite apps to use when you host for the holidays?

The post 8 Apps That Make Hosting Holidays Easier appeared first on Navigating Parenthood.

Schools have been showing the balloon on the hair trick to teach students about static electricity for some time now. My daughter just learned it in her preschool's science class last year. But why stop with that and how different conductors can work? Why not show our kids how it can be applied in a creative sense to better the world? Keep reading for a few ways to teach your kids about power with the help of electric vehicles.

I have been given compensation for this post by Kia Motors. However, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Give Real Life Examples

One of the best ways to share how green power works is to show your kids electric power in action! Charge Across Town is celebrating EV (electric vehicle) Week from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Oct. 8-9 at Pier 27 in SF and the 100% electric Kia Soul EV will be present for families to check out. I test drove the Kia Soul last year and am so excited to see it be a part of such a great event. By getting a chance to see an EV in person and test it out your family will get a genuine real life look at how electric power can be used to better the world and save money (Kia Soul EV drivers get up to $7,500 in Federal Tax Credit).

Easier to Understand

I don't know about your family, but mine is far more interested in learning about science by checking out a car than staring at facts on the internet. Trying to grasp a concept that you can't see, hold and feel makes it seem abstract and hard to understand. But by taking the family out to look at an electric car and speak with a rep you're sharing a tangible example that's logically a bit easier to understand through visuals and hands-on experience.

Offer Critical Answers

By seeing an electric vehicle in person and learning about power through its use the family can get some critical answers about how things work. Create a few conversation starters and possible questions for the kids to ask about an electric vehicle, like “How long does the battery last” and “Does it take hours to charge?” The kids will be amazed to find that the Kia Soul EV battery is 80% charged in just 30 minutes (less time than it takes to get a pizza delivery), can connect to an outlet already in your home, and takes you 90 miles on a single charge. It's even the first vehicle to be manufactured with a true driver-only ventilation system to save energy! After all, why have vents on everywhere else in the car if it's just the driver? By going into the experience equipped with a few starter questions, the kids will have time to learn more about the concept and also think of more questions to ask as they hear the answers.

The post How Electric Vehicles Can Teach Kids About Power appeared first on Navigating Parenthood.

My daughter isn't filling up diapers anymore, but she still gets gas, so between her, the cat's litter box across the way in the master bathroom, the dog and the husband I have been in desperate need of some fresh, clean air. And guess what? I found the solution! 

This post is made possible in partnership with Dyson. It is not a sponsored post, but I was given an item to facilitate my review.

I had an air purifier back in college but it stopped working about 7 years ago. It used to make a weird smell and crackling noise, too, so I didn't even think of getting an air purifier to combat the bedroom stink at first. I tried opening windows, bi-weekly cleanings, air sprays, etc. and none of it really gave me air I felt confident about. After all, even if the stink wasn't as bad, what about the bacteria?

When I was browsing some of Dyson's latest vacuums (I've had my original Dyson for about 11 years or so now) I noticed that the Dyson Pure Cool Link air purifier was just released in the United States so I reached out about giving it a try. It looks completely different from the purifier I had back in my college days. To clean it, you simply wipe down the loop part of the tower! Putting together the tower was a simple 2-step process, too, then I just followed the directions on the box to connect the tower to my wifi and phone so that I have more options when using it. Now that everything is linked I can either use the remote the air purifier came with or control it via the Dyson app on my phone! I'm so obsessed with this aspect of the Dyson Pure Cool Link. If I'm not sure what the house will be like when I get home, I just turn the tower on while I'm out and about and come back to fresh air.

Because my cat's litter box is in the master bathroom directly across from my bed I was worried about bacteria and allergens (despite scooping it daily). The Dyson Pure Cool Link takes care of allergens and pollutants using a 360° Glass HEPA filter projected by Air Multiplier technology. I can choose to have the Pure Cool Link purify my bedroom in auto mode where it monitors and detects the quality of the air then turns off and on itself (it's so cool seeing this in the app). I can also choose a nighttime mode, certain speed or to run it on a timer. When it's on, Pure Cool Link just sounds and feels like a Dyson bladeless fan. It offers a nice breeze we kind of need in this heat, but without noise, and with the added benefit of ridding my room of the stinky stuff. Kinda like the short 15-second video I posted to Instagram about my own “smelly cat,” here.

I'm so very glad that the Dyson Pure Cool Link could be the newest addition to our home just when allergies are the highest where we live. Having it in the house has kept me happy (fresh air!) and everyone healthy.

Have you seen the Dyson Pure Cool Link before? Have you ever used an air purifier?

The post How I Combat House Stinkies AKA Pet & People Odors appeared first on Navigating Parenthood.

When my daughter was 1 I didn't let her sit and watch TV. I was extremely active in taking her outside to explore the world, and playing with her age-appropriate toys with her. But when she turned 2 I slowly allowed educational programming until by the time she was 3 and 4 she was hooked on watching shows on my phone. A lot of it had to do with the shift in her age, but also my having to work on the computer more and so allowing her to continue watching longer. It's bothered me for some time, but I wasn't sure how to balance my workload and also not be the bad guy who tells her she's done with electronic devices for the night (sometimes I have to be sensitive in how I give her information). I was sent the KoalaSafe Box ($99, Amazon) for this review— A wireless router that allows you to set time limits and other parental controls on specific devices while in-home — and I knew this is exactly what I was looking for.

Parental Control

After opening the KoalaSafe package and plugging it into a power source and my current wireless (super easy!), I was ready to create an account in KoalaSafe's free app (available for Windows, Android and ios). Once logged into the app, parents are able to create profiles for each member of the family and set limits on electronic devices based on the settings you create. This allows parents to say there's no Internet between 4-5 p.m. or after 7 p.m. on weeknights. You can also restrict certain websites and apps then get a detailed report on the apps/sites your child is spending time on (and for how long) so that your child/teen gets to live their life and you the parent are in the loop about what's going on in their life at least a bit more.

My daughter isn't on social media yet and not allowed on YouTube unless we hand her a specific video to watch then get the phone back so I pretty much know what she's watching — It's just a matter of how long. KoalaSafe allows me to let her discuss with her the new Internet rules ahead of time but then not have to fight over actually turning the device off when time's up. Creating these set times has allowed us to limit electronics a bit more and have fewer meltdowns. Plus, I get to see where she's spending most of her time so that we can chat about maybe more time in her learning app and less on Netflix.

Work-Life Balance

I don't think this new router is just for kids — A lot of parents need it too. I created a profile for my own in-home Internet usage so that I'm “unplugged” for a good two hours after picking the kiddo up from school. This allows us some bonding time, and time to get lunch or dinner ready together instead of me telling her I have “just one more thing to do” again and again until next thing I know it's been hours. Setting these limits allows me to not be so glued to my devices and have quality time while she's awake. I do enjoy vegging out when she's finally asleep, but I'm trying to balance it out more so awake time is just for her. For $99, I think KoalaSafe is a great deal that offers parents a lot of insight in their own work/online habits as much as that of their children!

How do you set limits on Internet and device usage in your own home?

The post This Router Helps Parents Set Digital Boundaries at Home appeared first on Navigating Parenthood.

When you're breastfeeding there's a natural system in place to help you lose the baby weight, but remembering to stay active during your day gets harder each day. Remembering when it's time to feed the baby (bottle or breastmilk), take a pill or get up and play outside with the kiddo can get lost in the shuffle of a hectic day, too. Sometimes when the kiddo finally falls asleep it's on your arm and you know you can't move an inch or nap time is all done so you get in the habit of vegging out. After getting through the toddler and baby years it wasn't until my kiddo was 4 that I realized I had waited too long to make active, healthy living a party of my day, too. I found the LEAF by Bellabeat online and reached out to them about testing it out. I'm so glad I did. I've watched as friends and family bought other activity trackers and none of them really felt like a fit for me until this one.

Female-Focused Design

The LEAF comes in two different colors now (they used to offer Gold, too): Silver ($120) and Rose Gold ($150) and allows users to wear it as a necklace, bracelet or clip on the shirt and waist. Though men could certainly utilize the LEAF too (it would look great clipped to a dress jacket), it seems to be made with women in mind. The beautiful hypoallergenic stainless steel blended with wood design makes the LEAF something you'd want to wear every day, whether you're dressing up or working out (just don't let it get wet, it's not waterproof). I get complimented on my cool bracelet every time I wear it and then people are over the moon about it once they hear it's an activity tracker. I wear the LEAF as a bracelet during the day (it tracks my steps/activity best), on my waist when using the meditation option in the app (to track breathing), as a necklace when I'm out and about, and clipped to my shirt at night to track sleep cycles and breathing. I do think Bellabeat should come out with a few more bracelet options for people with larger wrists (I barely get mine to fit and since my circulation isn't great it can hurt after a bit).

I was sent the Silver LEAF first and adored it because I wear white gold or silver most often, but I couldn't get it to connect to the LEAF app on my phone to track my activity. I went through all the tests with customer service until it was deemed defective (it's a startup so things like this could happen and I understand). I mailed back the Silver LEAF and Bellabeat sent me a Gold LEAF for the replacement — I'm in love with it. The Gold LEAF came with a little screw driver for easy battery changes in the future, which is great because I had to take out and the battery then put it back in after deleting the previous Silver LEAF from my app so the two would sync. After doing that the LEAF worked fine and I'm really enjoying using it to track everything and wear it everywhere! It's taken me a while to write this post, but you've probably noticed the LEAF in my pics for the Her Gift Guide post, when I met Oakland Raider Fullback Marcel Reece and in the snack stadium tutorial post. I haven't posted pics from when I wore it to Coyote Hills in the East bay and Donner Lake in Truckee yet so I've included those above.

Simple Activity Reminders

The corresponding free Bellabeat LEAF App (iTunes, Google Play) allows you to set reminders for alarms, medicine and anything you want (you just enter what the reminder is)! This is great for new moms trying to remember when to feed the newborn, or take a birth control pill post-birth. The LEAF simply vibrates to remind you, wake you up (if you've set the alarm) or get you to stand up if you've been sitting too long (based on what you've chosen in the app settings). Bellabeat's app shares daily tips about sleep and health alongside the charts with your tracked sleep, activity and meditation results, too. I like learning these little tidbits, like how if you get a better night's sleep you're less likely to make risky financial decisions, or that a minimum of 20 minutes of active time is recommended a day. I set my goal to 20 minutes of active time a day (you can customize this to your own goals) and 10,000 steps a day (which I haven't met yet).

Whole Health Activity Tracking

The Bellabeat LEAF app recommends meditating for at least 10 minutes a day and offers several breathing exercises to learn how to breath and re-center. I was in a car accident with a freight truck just before Christmas and it has caused me a lot of neck, shoulder and back pain, but it lessens when I actually make the time to go through the 10 minutes of meditation/breathing exercises in the app to release tension. Love that! I'm pretty sure every mom could use a little cool down to help her re-center when everything that could go wrong in a day does. A few minutes of breathing and just letting the frustration go does help. It's so great how the LEAF focuses on whole health, and how emotional health can affect physical well-being.

Initially, one of the biggest draws to the LEAF for me was that it tracks your menstrual cycle, and the feature does not disappoint. Before the LEAF, I'd attempt to track my period by adding a note to my iPhone calendar or writing something down in my daily planner, but those both got lost in the shuffle and buried under other notes and things. With the LEAF, I simply need to look in my menstrual cycle history within the app to see everything written out. Bellabeat's LEAF app even warns me days before my period is coming and tells me when I'm ovulating! These features allow me to keep up with daily life without an interruption like “Oh crap I'm out with the kiddo, my period just started and she's too cranky to venture to the store with me again . . . ”

If you want to track a bit more than just steps and “active time,” which registers after 5 straight minutes of active movement, then you can manually enter activities like Yoga, sports, walking, and even sex! Based on the number of minutes you did each activity the Bellabeat app will automatically calculate the number of calories burned and active workout time. Be sure to click the Sync button and double tap your LEAF to sync the info daily for a full view of your stats, though.

Have you tried the LEAF? How are you staying active for a healthy lifestyle?

I was sent a Bellabeat Leaf for this review. This is not a sponsored post and all opinions are mine alone. The information and opinions in this post are not meant to be taken as medical advice.

The post The Must-Get Activity Tracker Moms Need to Snag appeared first on Navigating Parenthood.

Trying to remember the last info from baby's doctor's visit isn't always simple, and tracking down that slip of paper or getting a moment to call into the medical office isn't easily done when you're a new mom, either. Finding ways to keep track of milestones, get valuable advice and stay organized with a baby in tow is tough, so I'm excited to share a bit of info about a helpful website called Kinsights, and their $50 Amazon gift card giveaway.

Kinsights is a free online pediatric personal health record keeper that allows parents to log on and track all of their child's health information (and even send it electronically to an ER or out-of-town doctor if needed). Organize your child’s developmental milestones, immunizations, medications, and allergies in one place, without the excessive amount of paper.

Like to gab about your little muffin, or ask advice from other parents who have been there? Kinsights consists of a parenting community where you can ask parenting questions and share advice with the larger group, or within a smaller group consisting of a particular interest/topic like potty training, single parenting, grandparents, and kiddo fashion. The best answers to questions get pushed to the top through votes so that you can find the information that's most relevant and useful. I wish I knew about this site when my daughter was a baby, but I can still use it for handy info tracking and the helpful parent forum now, too.

Have you used Kinsights before? I'd love to hear your thoughts about the site. If you've never tried it, sign up via the Rafflecopter link below and you'll be entered to win a $50 Amazon gift card!

$50 Amazon Gift Card From Kinsights

Kinsights is giving one lucky reader a $50 Amazon gift card. Reader must be 18 years or older and U.S. resident to win. No compensation was given to Savvy Every Day (this isn't a sponsored post). All opinions are my own.

The post An Easy Way to Digitize Your Child’s Medical History (Plus $50 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway) appeared first on Navigating Parenthood.

There are a ton of apps out there, but which ones are actually helpful? Whether you're cooking up a big meal for the family, entertaining for guests or looking for tips and substitutions for tonight's dinner Savvy Every Day has some worthwhile apps to try. These 12 apps have been rated as the best in their categories and are sure to get you through today's kitchen dilemma. Keep reading to find your favorites!

Instacart

Have you ever been in the middle of cooking a big meal only to realize that you're missing a few ingredients? Leaving the house while trying to finish putting things together or with something already in the oven that needs your attention may not be possible, but using Instacart could be your solution. Simply shop the stores (like Whole Foods and Costco) in the app and someone who is already shopping at the store will pick up your groceries too then drop them off!

Available (Free): Google Play, iTunes Apps

Food52

From Start to finish, Food52 is your go-to party assistant. It shows you how to plan, shop and cook for your special occasion based on course and food type.

Available ($4) iTunes Apps

Cook4Lyfe

Figuring out what to make as a last-minute appetizer is a lot easier with the Cook4Lyfe app — it tells you some recipe options based on what's already in your fridge and pantry!

Available ($2): iTunes

Green Kitchen

This app is handy to have loaded on your phone in case you have some vegetarian guests coming to your home, or if you want to make a healthy vegetarian meal once in a while. It's filled with vegetarian recipes, stunning pictures and easy to follow step-by-step instructions.

Available ($5): iTunes

Paprika

See a party recipe online that you really want to use? Paprika lets you grab recipes from online, pin recipes, create shopping lists and meal planners, and save your recipes across devices.

Available ($3): Google Play, iTunes

Substitutions

Whether a guest has a certain food allergy or you just realized you're out of milk in the middle of a recipe, the Substitutions app is here to save the day. This app lets you search health-related substitutes and ingredient-specific substitutes.

Available ($2): iTunes

Epicurious Recipes & Shopping List

Looking for some fun new recipes based on dish? The Epicurious app is overflowing with recipes based on food type and if it's in season, and it even lets you save recipes and create a shopping list based on your recipes to make meal planning for parties easier.

Available (Free): Google Play, iTunes

How To Cook Everything

This app goes with Mark Bittman's book: How To Cook Everything and includes over 2,000 recipes as well as how-to illustrations. If there's a recipe you've been wanting to try, it's probably in this app.

Available ($5): iTunes

Hello Cupcake!

We all want to make pretty cupcakes, right? The Hello Cupcakes! app is the first step. Peruse through some tasty designs and shows you just how to construct these cute little cakes. Reviews say the extra in-app purchases are worth the buy for more cupcake designs, too.

Available (Free): iTunes

Foodie

Ready to eat seasonally? Foodie is like a little food magazine filled with gorgeous photos and simple recipe steps in your phone. Food experts and bloggers join forces to create seasonally-themed dishes for each month's release of recipes made to inspire the meals in your home.

Available (Free): iTunes

MealBoard

Based on the recipes you plan to cook, select which items are already in your fridge and which you may need to pick up, then watch as MealBoard creates a grocery list and tells you which nearby stores may have the items you need for the week.

Available ($3): iTunes

Food.com Every Day Is a Food Holiday

Ever wonder what the national food of the day is, or what yo should try to make in the kitchen today? Explore your adventurous side by trying out the Every Day Is a Food Holiday: Celebrating Food, Classic and Off-Beat, Every Day of the Year app.

Available (Free): iTunes

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