This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Waterpik. All opinions are my own. I don't floss. Hubby flosses and my girls floss when he reminds them to but I never have, and I don't plan to. Flossing hurts and is hard for me because my teeth are so close together. My dentist reminds me every time I visit that flossing is good for my teeth and gums. Ugh, I hate that talk. My visit to the dentist this past Wednesday, however, went a whole lot different (and better). Why? Because last week I received the Waterpik® Aquarius Professional Water Flosser to try. I was happy to report to my dentist that I have been flossing! Ok, I'm not flossing in the traditional way. There has been no tricky string to get stuck between my teeth and no pain in my gums. Just a strong, pressurized stream of water easily cleaning between my teeth and around my gums. I can definitely floss this way! It's actually kinda fun! I asked both my dental hygienist and my dentist what they thought … [Read more...]

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post brought to you by Buzzy. All opinions stated are my own. I hate needles. Odd for me to say since my weekend job is a pediatric intensive care nurse at the largest pediatric hospital in the 5 state area. I work with needles every day I work yet I get anxiety every time I have to use one. I hate poking kids, I hate having to get poked myself, I hate when my daughters have to get poked, I hate needles. Needles cause pain and nobody likes pain. Alas, the pain cause by needles is unavoidable in some situations. Or is it? At my hospital we do everything possible to prevent pain. We use numbing medications, distractions, nerve confusion, aroma therapy, and anything else we can think of to lessen fear and pain in the kids we treat. That's not always true for other hospitals (especially ones that treat both adults and children) and clinics/doctor's offices are even worse! As a parent, however, with the help of Buzzy, you can help lessen the pain and … [Read more...]

Smashburger, the nation’s fastest growing “better burger” restaurant, opened up its tenth Minnesota location in Apple Valley on Wednesday, January 29, 2014.  Known for localizing its menu in every market with regionally inspired burgers, side items and local craft beers, Apple Valley Smashburger patrons can enjoy the Twin Cities Smashburger topped with layers of melted cheddar cheese, aged Swiss cheese and garlic grilled onions with lettuce, tomato and mayo on an onion bun.  My family and I had the privilege of attending a media preview the night before the restaurant opened to the public. I'm not much of a food expert but I appreciate a good burger and this Smashburger has them!  The secret is in the smash. It starts with 100-percent—fresh, never frozen, Angus Beef and is smashed on a 400 degree flat grill to sear in the juicy flavor. To further the “better burger” experience, the burgers are served on toasted artisan buns and topped with a selection of the freshest produce, … [Read more...]

As a pediatric intensive care nurse in my off-line world, I see the worst of the worst of what cancer can do to kids. I also see survivor miracles. Those miracles are what keep me going in my job. Without research, however, those survivor stories would be few and far between. St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is a world leader in childhood cancer research.  Through their efforts, they have brought 5 year childhood cancer survival rates from 5-50% in 1962 to 65-95% today (survival rates depend on the type of cancer).  St. Jude research is freely shared with doctors and scientists all over the world, including with the hospital in which I work.  All of this is done with NO COST to the patients and families that go to St. Jude.  That's right, they pay for NOTHING! That's where events like the St. Jude Red Carpet for Hope Golden Globes Viewing Party come into play.  St. Jude is funded by donations from large companies and regular people like you and me.  St. Jude Red Carpet … [Read more...]