top of page

Search Results

439 items found for ""

  • What Are Butterfly Clips (+ Where To Find Them)?

    Butterfly clips are adorable hair accessories that are super easy to install. Simply squeeze the butterfly wings to open the clip. Find a small section of hair for the clip to hold on to, and let go. There are fine teeth underneath the wings, that keep the tiny clips in place. How To Use Butterfly Clips? You can use butterfly clips as a colorful way to keep hair off the face. You can also use them to decorate different styles like buns, braids, or a curly fro. Do Butterfly Clips Hurt? They shouldn’t. Butterfly clips do not need to sit close to the scalp. This makes them way more comfortable than headbands with teeth or even bobbie pins. Are Butterfly Clips Heavy? No! Butterfly clips are typically made from a thin plastic. This makes them lighter than other accessories like bobbles, beads, or even barrettes. How To Stop Butterfly Clips From Falling Out? Butterfly clips can fall out the hair if they do not have a good grip. If you are putting the clip on a braid, make sure the teeth sink into the braid not just around the braid. If the hair is out, you can slightly twist a section of hair so that the clip has some texture to grip. Are Butterfly Hair Clips Bad For Your Hair? Nope! Butterfly hair clips are one of the gentler hair accessories. They’re lightweight and come on and off with a pinch. The only time butterfly clips create problems is if they get tangled in the hair or are pulled out. You’ll want to take butterfly clips out the same way you put them in — by pinching them. When the hinge opens it releases the hold so that you’re not pulling hair as you take them out. You can also prevent butterfly clips from getting tangled by making sure to not overstuff them. Butterfly clips are intentionally small and often only have a 1” (or less) opening. This means they are designed to hold onto small sections of hair. If stray hairs get caught in the teeth or hinges, just take your time in separating the hairs from the clip. Where Can You Find Butterfly Hair Clips? You may be able to find butterfly clips at your local dollar store or beauty supply store. If you're not finding what you're looking for, you can also try Amazon. They have a large selection of colors and styles. We list some below. Suggested Products Glitter butterfly clips Metallic butterfly clips Butterfly clips with wings that flutter/move

  • Is Amazon’s Subscribe & Save Worth It?

    If you never run out of items, you probably won't need it. As a mom with multiple children, we use Subscribe & Save as an organizational tool. It serves as a regular reminder to take stock of what we have in our home. What Is Subscribe & Save? Subscribe & Save is an Amazon service that allows customers to set up recurring deliveries for products they use frequently. Its goal is to save shoppers time and money. What Are the Most Popular Items on Subscribe & Save? Beauty Supplies (i.e. shampoo and conditioner) Groceries (i.e. coconut water and tea) Home Supplies (i.e. laundry detergent, trash bags, and toilet paper) Lawn/Garden (i.e. seeds and fertilizer) Pet Products (i.e. food and bedding) How Much Is Amazon’s Subscribe & Save Discount? Amazon shoppers save 5% or 15% on items. If a shopper adds 5 or more items to an order to the same address, they can unlock the greatest discount. Now that Amazon has added their 365 groceries, it's easier to unlock the maximum discount, because we run out of food more quickly than household items. Meaning, before groceries, it was difficult to have enough in the order to reach the max discount. What Is The Frequency of Subscribe & Save? You can get your deliveries every 2 weeks or up to every 6 months. Below are the different intervals. Can You Overspend With Subscribe & Save? I'm sure you can, but Subscribe & Save is unlike other passive subscriptions where you "set it and forget it." Because physical items are delivered to your home, you'll probably notice when you have too much of something (like toothpaste if you have it regularly delivered). As a customer-centric company, Amazon wants to make sure you are only purchasing what you need/want. Can You Cancel Subscribe & Save At Any Time? Yes! You can cancel at any time. Amazon also sends an email a week before your expected delivery. At that time, you can make changes to your order, delay some items, or cancel your delivery all together before it is shipped. Can You Use Coupons with Subscribe & Save? Sometimes Amazon will offer one-time coupons in addition to the Subscribe & Save discount. They're typically used to incentivize first-time customers. If the service is cancelled before the scheduled delivery, the discount will be cancelled too. How Does Subscribe & Save Benefit Amazon? Subscribe & Save offers Amazon and its sellers, a recurring revenue stream. This means that both Amazon and its sellers can roughly predict product demand and sales. What Are The Downsides of Subscribe & Save? While we strongly believe there are no other companies that can compare to Amazon, we think it's important to share what you may not like about this particular program. First, online shopping is super convenient, leading shoppers to easily spend more. You may be thinking, "you just said shoppers typically don't overspend." However overspending is different from spending more. Overspending implies buying something you do not need. Whereas, spending more simply means, shoppers are able to conveniently get everything they want. For example, if an item is not available in-store shoppers may have to figure out what to do without it. Since Amazon rarely has supply issues, shoppers can stock up. Second, Subscribe & Save orders are not shipped next day (like most Amazon orders). Shoppers really have to plan and keep inventory to make sure they do not run out. For example, if you are low on dish detergent, you can totally order it before your next shipment, but you won't get the same discounts Subscribe & Save offers. It takes time to figure out how much product your family goes through. Amazon displays "most common" next to the option other households choose. Three, food tends to arrive damaged. We've gotten dented cans as well as broken tops and seals. I'm sure the team will get better at shipping food through this service, but for now we think buying through Whole Foods on Amazon is a better option. Fourth, prices fluctuate. Some shoppers argue they can find better prices during Amazon sales. Amazon is known to follow the American holiday schedule. For example, there's a Spring Sale in March, a Mother's Day Sale in May, a Father's Day Sale in June, and so on. If you notice a drastic price drop, you can order the product at its marked down price and push your next delivery to a later date. However, we wanted to double check this theory against our own family's purchases. Since conditioner was one of the first items we bought on Subscribe & Save, we used it for our analysis. The following data only shows the prices at the time of our purchases. Meaning, prices could be lower or higher depending on when items are purchased. We noticed massive price fluctuations on our family's favorite conditioner, but overall prices dropped more than they increased. I remember noticing price spikes, and thinking we could get a better deal at a local Walgreens. After driving to the Walgreens, we noticed the same item was higher at the store than it was online at Amazon. There was also a limited supply in-store. This can create a problem if you like to buy in bulk. Now, I like to say the above graph depicts our family's loyalty to Amazon. Despite the highs and lows, we trust the company to give us the best deal with convenient delivery no matter how the market performs. In the following graph we took a closer look at the year-over-year price. We noticed the lowest price was in 2020 at the height of the global crisis. Amazon being one of the only retailers ready for the emergency could have totally taken advantage of the situation. Instead, they seemed to do the opposite. Amazon customers were rewarded with better deals. More specifically, our Subscribe & Save order was coupled with a "Multibuy Discount." Meaning, when we bought higher quantities in 2020 (6 bottles instead of our typical 3) we got a super low price. According to our records, we ended up spending a whopping $241.51 on conditioner in 2020 compared to only $55.02 in 2022. But this could also be a result of me taking the opportunity to teach our daughter how to do her hair since we were stuck indoors (she used a ton of product in the learning process). While some argue price fluctuations can be bad, we noticed Subscribe and Save followed those trends by consistently offering a better price no matter where the original price was. Finally, we also noticed prices varied if we ordered through Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods, or Amazon’s Subscribe & Save. All of these different shops can easily be accessed through Amazon.com, but each had different terms in the past. For example, Whole Foods used to charge a $9.99 delivery fee on top of purchases. Amazon Fresh also had a purchase minimum, meaning you had to order at least $100 worth of groceries for free delivery. I’m sure results would be different if we chose another product. However, we wanted to demonstrate the long-term impact of Subscribe & Save in our home. After reviewing our purchase history, we still think Subscribe & Save is the best option. How Are Reminders Different From Subscribe & Save? Setting reminders is another feature on Amazon. You can schedule email reminders at different intervals. The main difference is that setting reminders will not automatically order the items and the savings may be less. Is Subscribe & Save Free? Yes! Amazon Subscribe & Save is a free service. Meaning, you are only paying for the products that you are purchasing (plus taxes and probably delivery if you are not a Prime member). What's free is the email reminders and a convenient platform to organize frequently bought items. How Can Non-Prime Members Access Subscribe & Save? Non-Prime members can create an Amazon account and select the items they wish to subscribe to. Subscribe & Save is designed to make shopping more convenient and cost-effective for all customers, regardless of their Prime membership status. How To Find Subscribe & Save Items? Amazon is constantly changing their website and mobile app. We noticed you can access Subscribe & Save many different ways. Below are four options: The Amazon search bar is on the top of the screen in the middle. Click the black triangle and scroll down to Subscribe & Save (the list is in alphabetical order). If you’re using your mobile app click the three lines on the bottom right corner. The Subscribe & Save icon is one of the first icons. If you already have subscriptions, click the center icon on Amazon's mobile app. Your Subscribe & Save items will appear with your next delivery date. On website, click menu icon on upper left corner and scroll down to Subscribe & Save And if you're still having trouble, here is the Subscribe & Save page. It features the most popular subscription items, as well as items under $10. In conclusion, Subscribe & Save is a program that supports the company’s goal of making their customer’s lives easier. As a loyal Amazon customer for over 10 years, we honestly think it's an incredible service that helps buyers get the best deal on a regular basis.

  • 12 Unforgettable Flowers To Look Out For (In Boston)

    AI generated image of periwinkle growing through sidewalk Flowers aren’t just pretty to look at -- they are the superstars of nature! When Spring hits, they burst onto the scene, showing up in gardens, trees, and even sneaking through cracks in the sidewalk. Boston can thank these blooming wonders for attracting bees, cleaning the air, and helping our city smell amazing. Below are some of the most memorable flowers (including our personal faves) in the city... 1. Cherry Blossoms Pexels from pixabay via canva Cherry blossom trees are the most stunning sights in early Spring. The bloom typically lasts no longer than two weeks. As the flowers fall, they blanket the street with soft pink petals. 2. Wood Sorrel Анатолий Тушенцов from Getty Images via canva Wood sorrel is an edible herb that can be foraged in your own backyard. We're obsessed with the heart-shaped leaves and the tart citrus flavor. If you're going to consume the herb, just make sure it's on your personal property -- a safe distance from lawn chemicals and urinating animals. P.S. Wood sorrel does have a flower. It's yellow -- but we prefer munching on the leaves! 3. Buttercups AI generated image via canva Buttercups are dainty yellow flowers that resemble a cup or bowl. They have five overlapping petals that are the size of a fingernail (or smaller). As children, we were taught to hold the flowers underneath our chin. If a soft glow appeared, that meant the person loved butter. Despite their delicate appearance, buttercups are considered weeds (in Boston). You'll often see them on city fields before they're mowed. And the alleged threat goes deeper. Some believe the middle of buttercups are also poisonous if chewed or crushed. But other flower experts say the plant is medicinal. 4. Tulips Skitterphoto from pixabay via canva Tulips are a gardening favorite (in Boston). Their bulbs are planted in the Fall by city workers and residents alike, in hopes of beautifying the city when Spring arrives. Tulips come in all sorts of colors -- including yellow, purple, pink, and orange (to name a few). Tulips naturally embody strength. They're a top-heavy plant, meaning the flower head is bigger and wider than the slim stem it sits on. We're obsessed with how tulips are able to stand tall in the midst of Boston's strong winds. 5. Lilacs Pezibear from pixabay via canva Lilacs are absolutely gorgeous! They’re soft tightly clustered flowers in the shape of a cylinder. Truth is, you can often smell them before you see them. Lilacs purify the air in a way that only Mother Nature can. Their fragrance is clean, floral, and refreshing. Fingers crossed you'll get a whiff this season! 6. Chickweed OllgaP from Getty Images via canva We're amazed with how much detail this tiny plant has. Chickweed is a daisy look-a-like (but much smaller). It has white petals arranged in four couplets around the flower's core. 7. Coneflowers ulla4you from pixabay via canva Coneflowers look super exotic -- But low and beyond, these eye catching flowers can be seen in the city. We're fascinated with how open the flower is. It looks like there are two distinct parts, that do not necessarily belong together. The center ball looks prickly, and the petals fall downward from the center. Coneflowers are known for being hardy. Meaning, they can survive a range of weather conditions and first-time plant parents. 8. Dandelions RosZie from pixabay via canva Dandelions have three main recognizable parts -- the yellow flower head, the white seed head, and the green leaves. If you visit the Wake Up the Earth Festival in Jamaica Plain, you'll see tons of children wearing dandelion flower crowns. They're chosen because of their abundance and because the stems are long, flexible, and easy to tie. After children pick the flowers they can be used as a decorative headdress for the rest of the day. The seed heads are loved by both young and old. Simply make a wish, blow the seeds, and watch them fly! Finally, dandelions are considered a weed in Boston. But they're also labeled as a super food that is sold at local grocery stores and used for salad greens and tea. 9. Periwinkle 905513 from pixabay via canva Periwinkles provide a vibrant splash of color. They typically grow in partially shaded areas and are a pleasant surprise when walking past a green and brown ground. 10. Hyacinths EricWallacePhoto from Getty Images via canva The hyacinth has a unique gradient design. Their flowers are bell shaped and cluster at the top of a tall stem. They're beautiful to look at and their petals are surprisingly sturdy. 11. Azaleas manseok_Kim on pixabay via canva Azaleas are flowering shrubs with the most beautiful bloom. They are big, full, and loved by bees. 12. Daffodils Maria Tyutina from Pexels via canva Daffodils have an unforgettable trumpet-like shape. In Boston, they are used to line the streets in preparation for the Daffodil Dash. It's a kid-friendly version of the Boston Marathon. Want to get to know the plants around you? You can snap a photo and use Google Lens to help identify it. Or you can use iNaturalist. It's a free app for Citizen scientists that want to get closer to nature. Until next time... Love The Journey,

  • 14 Types Of Beads (For Braids)

    Unique hard-to-find beads make any style stand-out. From different materials and styles to different shapes and colors, we hope our picks give you some creative ideas for your next set of braids. 1. Colorful Beads Choosing a large pack of colorful beads allows so many options for patterns. You can do all of one color, alternate two different colors, or even do a random rainbow. Diameter (inner hole size): 4mm 2. Wood Beads Wood beads come in different colors including black, dark brown, light brown, and even white (which looks more like a cream). Despite being made of a strong natural fiber, wood beads are actually light and make a deeper sound compared to their plastic counterparts. Diameter (inner hole size): 5mm 3. Jumbo Beads Jumbo beads are designed for thicker hair and bigger braids. The hole is almost double the diameter of a small bead, but isn't twice as heavy. Diameter (inner hole size): 9mm 4. Striped Beads These adorable fashion beads are multi-colored and have two stripes running through them. Diameter (inner hole size): 4mm 5. Two Tone Beads Two tone beads are two colors (typically white and another color) blended to make a cool graphic design. We think they'd be cute with a denim outfit. Diameter (inner hole size): 9mm 6. Clear Beads Clear beads are a unique choice that go perfect with any style. Diameter (inner hole size): 9mm 7. Barrel Beads Barrel beads have an elongated tube shape. These ones are made of plastic, but hope to resemble wood. Diameter (inner hole size): 6mm 8. Glow-in-the-Dark Beads Who doesn't like glow-in-the-dark ? There are mixed reviews on whether these beads actually work. But if they do -- they're guaranteed to brighten your little one's day (pun intended). Diameter (inner hole size): 3.8mm 9. Painted Wood Beads These wooden beads have intricate designs painted on them. Some holes may have ragged edges inside that can damage the hair. Using a bead reamer can help open or clean up the hole. Diameter (inner hole size): 5.3mm 10. Colored Wood Beads Have you tried dyed wooden beads. This company has them in blue, green, pink, white, orange, and more. They're perfect for the eco-friendly mom who likes a pop of color. Diameter (inner hole size): 5mm 11. Metallic Beads Metallic bead colors include gold, brass, and silver. These shades can be great for matching metallic jewelry, clothes, or shoes. Diameter (inner hole size): 4mm 12. Glitter Beads Glitter beads have little speckles of glitter trapped inside. Diameter (inner hole size): 4mm 13. Shaped Beads This set of beads includes adorable heart and star shapes. You can choose to use only hearts, or a mix of hearts, stars, and round beads. Diameter (inner hole size): 4mm 14. Letter Beads Finally, there's letter beads. They're cubed shape with one letter per bead which allows you to spell full words. Maybe you want to fill your child's head with positive affirmations, like love, joy, and peace. The only issue is they have a super small diameter. The hole is the smallest out of our entire list (only 3.5mm versus the 4mm - 9mm for other beads). In the end, beads are a beautiful way to accessorize any look. Please know local dollar stores, craft stores, or beauty supply stores may have better prices. When shopping in-person, make sure the beads are from a durable material, so that they do not easily break. And if you don't have access to a local store, or prefer the convenience of knowing what's in stock -- Amazon works just fine!

  • What Are Milk Catchers (+ When To Wear Them)?

    Milk catchers are small, dome-shaped containers. They're worn inside a bra to passively catch surprise leaks. Lactating mothers may leak when their breasts are full, after warm showers, or when pumping or nursing. Milk catchers allow the mother to conveniently save every precious drop of liquid gold. What Is Passive Collection? Passive collection is a way of accumulating milk without active suction. In fact, most milk catchers function without suction. Instead they cradle the nipple and naturally gather the breast's let down. Are There Other Names For Milk Catchers? Yes! Milk catchers are also known as… breast shells milk collectors collection cups milk savers Can Milk Catchers Replace Breast Pads? It's totally up to the mom and her needs. Breast pads are cozy pieces of fabric making them naturally thinner, while milk catchers are sturdy, but flexible pieces of silicone. Can You Wear Milk Catchers Overnight? Brands do not recommend wearing milk catchers overnight. Having nipples enclosed in silicone for extended periods can lead to condensation. This can worsen sore and damaged nipples, and isn't the healthiest for normal ones. How Much Milk Does A Milk Catcher Hold? 1-5 ounces. Below's a table comparing top brands. How Many Milk Catchers Do You Need? Most brands sell two cups, but you can also buy one at a time. How Often Should You Empty The Milk Catcher? Every 2-4 hours (if you want to save the milk). How Often Should You Clean The Milk Catchers? After each use. Most brands recommend hand washing. With a wide mouth milk catchers are fairly easy to clean. Some are also dishwasher safe. Which Type Of Bra is Best for the Milk Catchers? Loose fitting bras that allow enough room for a little bulk. Nursing tank tops or shelf bras are great too. Whichever bra you choose, try to make sure it can hold the catchers in place, because they can move around. We unfortunately didn't know about milk catchers during our nursing journey. But if we were to choose one today, we'd try out this brand.

  • FREE Eclipse Events For Families (in Boston)

    The following events are family-friendly and have eclipse-themed crafts, and/or free glasses to take home. April 2, 2024 | 5:30pm - 6:45pm | Fields Corner Library April 3, 2024 | 10:30am - 11:00am | Chinatown Library April 4, 2024 | 4:30pm - 5:00pm | Chinatown Library April 4, 2024 | 4:30pm - 5:30pm | Adam Street Library April 8, 2024 | 2:00pm - 4:30pm | Brighton Library April 8, 2024 | 2:30pm - 4:30pm | Mattapan Library April 8, 2024 | 3:00pm - 4:00pm | Upham's Corner Library What Time Is The Solar Eclipse In Boston? According to multiple branches at the Boston Public Library, the eclipse will be at its maximum at 3:29pm on Monday, April 8, 2024. According to DESE (Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education), the eclipse will last 2.5 hours, starting around 2:00pm and ending around 4:30pm. It's also predicted that the eclipse may only reach 93% coverage. What Eclipse-Themed Crafts Are Being Offered? Chinatown and Adams Street are making space-themed crafts. Mattapan and Fields Corner are making pin hole viewing devices. If you miss the events or are unable to attend, we thought the following video was super helpful. It requires items you may already have at home like a toilet paper roll, aluminum foil, a rubber band, and paper. What's The Recommended Ages For The Eclipse Viewing Parties? Most of the events are family-friendly and for all ages. The story times and craft parties are for younger audiences. Which Boston Libraries Are Giving Away Free Eclipse Glasses? All of the branches listed above are giving away free glasses. Fields Corner mentioned one per person; Brighton mentioned a limit of 2 glasses per person; And Mattapan stated they are sharing glasses during the event, and will allow attendees to take them home after. Is The Boston Children's Museum Offering An Eclipse Viewing Party? No. While the Boston Children's Museum hosted an eclipse viewing party in the past, they appear to be closed for this one. The eclipse falls on a Monday, and the Children's Museum is currently only open from Wednesday to Sunday. If your family wants the museum experience, you can try the Museum of Science. Admission is required, but unfortunately there won't be a watch party. According to their website, "the sightlines from [their] location are not ideal for viewing." Spectacle Island also has a paid experience, Larz Anderson Park (in Brookline) will be hosting a free event, the Discovery Museum (in Acton) will have some space-themed activities, and DCR has free programming in Milton.

  • What Are Reusable Nursing Pads (+ How Long to Use Them)?

    Nursing pads are wearable milk collectors that typically fit comfortably in a bra. Their goal is to keep a nursing mother dry when she leaks milk. What Is The Difference Between Reusable and Disposable Nursing Pads? Reusable nursing pads (also known as washable nursing pads) are eco-friendly and cost-effective alternatives to disposable nursing pads. They are usually made from soft, absorbent materials such as cotton and bamboo, and are designed to be gentle on sensitive nipples. Reusable pads are also washable, which means they can be used multiple times, reducing waste and saving money in the long run. At cost, reusable pads typically range from $1.00 - $5.00 per pad, while disposable pads are around $0.10 - $0.20 per pad. Prices frequently change and will vary by brand. How Often Do You Need To Change Nursing Pads In A Day? Checking nursing pads every 2 to 3 hours is a great starting point. Consider changing the pads if they feel wet, damp, or heavy. Pad changes are also recommended if the pads smell, in order to prevent bacterial growth. Reusable nursing pads do need to be washed after each use. Can You Wear Reusable Nursing Pads Without A Bra? No. Reusable nursing pads need a place to sit. As long as the wearer has a close-fitting bra reusable pads should not move. A nursing tank or other camisole with a shelf-bra can also help hold the pads in place. How Long Are Reusable Nursing Pads Needed? It will vary by mom, but reusable nursing pads may not be needed beyond the first year, even if a mom is still nursing. What Are The Best Reusable Nursing Pad Brands? Medela (oldest brand) Lansinoh (trusted brand) Bamboobies (day and night pads) Haaka (beloved eco-friendly brand) Dr. Brown's (100% cotton) Momcozy (newest brand) If you're curious which brand we recommend, it's this one.

  • Behind The Game: Diaper Dash

    Daddy rarely changed diapers. To make light of the situation, I made a game. The goal?? To see how long a player could actually dodge diapers. I created a cast of characters including a floor bot, a dad, an alien, and a cat. The idea was to show that any and everyone would run away from this job (except for a super nurturing mom of course!) Players in Diaper Dash For sound, I loved the original game's soundtrack (more about this later). I specifically felt the lyrics matched the baby theme, even though they're talking about bees. One line reads, “they will attack anything that moves, anything that makes noise, smells, they don't care what they sting, they will [destroy] anything." The bass, upbeat tempo, and musical ride also beautifully adds to the gaming adventure. If you haven’t gotten that far in Diaper Dash, the musical climax starts around the two-minute mark. Intentional effects I included was an annoyingly loud alarm at the beginning, followed by a baby’s innocent and delightful laughter at random moments in the game. There are also screams of horror from each character — which I adjusted the pitch to give more depth and hopefully make you chuckle. And finally fart noises, which I recorded and made by doing raspberries with my mouth. Sound editor for fart noises in Diaper Dash When the game starts, poop-filled diapers of varying sizes fall from the sky. The player’s only recourse is to move from side to side in an attempt to avoid them. The fart noises serve as audio cues before the digital farts appear. They’re green clouds of fog that the player must avoid. The obstacles strategically alternate close to the player to test their priorities. First they have to guess which side the fart is coming from, then they have to choose their ultimate fate. Falling diapers, coins, and farts in Diaper Dash Oh…and there’s money. Gold coins fall from above and during the challenge there are many opportunities where the player has to decide between dodging a diaper or chasing money. The catch is the money doesn’t disappear, it collects at the bottom of the screen until the player picks it up. While you may think this is some clever design that symbolizes money will always be there. It’s actually a coding error. I have no idea how to make the coins exit the game. But I do feel like it accurately depicts the choice to focus on children, or material things. Uncollected coins at bottom of Diaper Dash game To make the player feel even more horrified by the idea of touching a dirty diaper, I added a screen shake and flash of whiteness every time a player gets hit. These effects hope to mimic the player’s life flashing before their eyes. The game was released in October and is my version of a thriller. No fictional violence, just pure chaos and real-life messiness that may be horrifying to others. Upon completion I LOVED the game, but my family’s reactions were not as excited as mine. In fact, I think they think the game is gross. Instead of smiling and laughing (like me), they were disgusted. But for years I changed diapers and wiped butts, so I’m proud to bring this experience to the gaming world. Things I still want to add include a splat of poop on the game over screen. As well as power ups like a potty or diaper pail that maybe slow down the obstacles or make the player invisible. A progress tracker would also be nice, so that the game is completion-based vs score-based. Meaning right now you can play infinitely, but I kind of want players to feel like they’ve accomplished something - like they potty-trained a virtual child. And I want multi-colored confetti to fall at the end once the milestone/game is achieved/won. Notes in Scratch code These ideas require that I learn new skills — so it may take some time for me to update the game with these new features. On the theme of learning, now I’ll describe how I actually made the game. It’s a remix!! Scratch encourages collaboration, creativity, and the love of coding through giving Scratchers the ability to remix projects. This means taking an existing project and making it your own. As a 30-something year old with no coding experience but an idea I wanted to bring to life, this feature is super helpful. So when I came across a futuristic-looking game with 3D rocks, I knew it was the perfect template for my diaper idea. (Thank you so much Reimagine!!!) You can try both games below. Diaper Dash by Me (DommiesBlessed) Speed (original game) by Reimagine P.S. The original game isn't mobile-friendly, so you'll have to play it on a desktop, or laptop. Good luck! P.P.S. As an ex-cloth diaperer, I'm fully aware that a sea of disposable diapers has a devastating impact on our environment. If you're interested, check out the company Terracycle. They believe in the idea of getting rid of waste and actually convert dirty diapers into pellets that can be used for new furniture (like park benches) That's it for now!

  • Interest Earning Checking Accounts (In Boston)

    Interest earning checking accounts are great for paying bills. They do not have transaction limits (like savings accounts) and can be used to earn a little while you wait for payments to clear. Below is a list of interest earning checking accounts in Boston. First Priority Credit Union | 2.50% Taupa Lithuania Federal Credit Union | 0.10% - 0.20% Members Plus Credit Union | 0.10% Needham Bank | 0.05% Energy Credit Union | 0.05% Cabot Boston Credit Union | 0.05% American Eagle Federal Credit Union | 0.05% Mass Bay Credit Union | 0.05% Berkshire Bank | 0.02% - 0.10% Eagle Bank | 0.02% TD Bank | 0.01% Boston Firefighters Credit Union | 0.01% Eastern Bank | 0.01% Wells Fargo | 0.01% Rates are accurate as of March 2024, but can change at anytime. Please check with each institution for the most updated rates. Does Boston Offer High Yield Checking Accounts? According to our research, rates in Boston range from 0.01% to 2.50%. If you want to go beyond the city, there are some online accounts that offer even higher earnings. For example, Presidential Bank, has a 4.62% checking account. What Is The Difference Between a High Yield Checking Account and An Interest Earning Checking Account? A high yield checking account typically offers a higher interest rate compared to a traditional interest earning checking account.  This means that with a high yield checking account, you have the opportunity to earn more with what you have. However, high yield checking accounts often come with certain requirements such as maintaining a minimum balance or making a certain number of transactions each month. On the other hand, an interest earning checking account usually offers a lower interest rate but may have fewer requirements. Feel free to compare the benefits of each account to determine which one meets your specific needs. Below is an example of a two sample banks. Bank 1 earns a higher rate, but also requires a higher minimum balance to avoid fees. Bank 2 has a lower rate, but doesn't require any minimum balance. How Much Should You Keep In An Interest Earning Checking Account? We think keeping the bare minimum (around 1 month of expenses) is plenty.

  • Grocery Delivery Options (In Boston): A Comparison Chart

    Grocery delivery memberships range from $60 to $200+ a year in Boston. Below are some of the services available in the city -- by price. Prices may change at any time. Last updated 3/25/24 Are There Grocery Delivery Services That Do Not Require Memberships? Yes! If you're not a regular shopper, or simply aren't interested in the perks that come with being a member, the following companies offer the ability to pay per order. UberEats Task Rabbit Roche Brothers Stop & Shop (previously PeaPod) Walmart Are Grocery Delivery Services More Expensive Than In-Store Shopping? Sometimes. Shipt says its customers spend $5 more on a $35 delivery. According to Shipt the added cost covers "picking, packing, and processing." For example, "a loaf of [bread] costs $2.29 in the store and $2.59 to have it delivered." Can You Set Up Weekly Recurring Groceries? Yes! Having a recurring schedule of groceries can help you manage your in-home inventory. For example, if you regularly run out of tea, you can add it to your recurring order at the frequency you need. This serves as a modern-day shopping list. Shipt calls it "Weekly Delivery, Thrive calls it "Autoship," and Amazon calls it "Repeat Items" and "Subscribe and Save." Why Are There Order Minimums? Grocery delivery requires many moving parts. To support the cost of this operation, most grocery delivery services require an order minimum. This means the smallest digital cart for the service to deliver to your home. This prevents the services from using a ton of resources to deliver one item, like a $7 jug of orange juice. Other stores say it's more eco-friendly to have full orders on trips, versus one-off items. How Much Time Does Grocery Delivery Save? According to Mercato, they predict their customers save 100 hours per year. Here's the breakdown: 30 minutes traveling 5 minutes parking 43 minutes shopping 5 minutes for checkout 1.4 weekly trips What Are The Downsides of Grocery Delivery? The shoppers may not pick the best foods. For example, when you shop for fruits and veggies, you are browsing through the selection to find the best ones. Whereas a shopper may not care about bruised bananas, or a little mold on a jalapeño pepper. We've also received dented cans, barely filled sandwiches, and items that just seemed too close to their expiration date. A good delivery service will allow you to give feedback and even get a refund for damaged or subpar items. Finally sometimes items are available in-store, but aren't available online. For example, we love a good salad bar, but you're not able to order a custom salad through grocery delivery. Also we've seen pancake mix in-store, but it wasn't available online. Is Grocery Delivery Worth It? It's super helpful for certain life situations. As a mom with small children the 10% - 20% increase on our grocery bill is minuscule compared to the extra hand it brings to our family.

bottom of page