It's already the end of January and I'm still having a difficult time getting back into the swing of things since the holidays. This isn't so much because it's a new year, but more than anything...because our family has been dealing with the stomach flu over the past couple of weeks. My daughter and I are feeling much better, while my two sons are still fighting some of the symptoms.

Aside from that, it's been bitter cold and freezing rain here for a few days now. Between getting over the stomach flu and the cold weather...only one thing sounded good for supper last night to our family. Can you guess what it was?!

Chicken Noodle Soup! There's just something about warm, delicious chicken noodle soup that seems perfect on a cold day, not to mention a day when you don't feel well. That's when I pulled out the recipe I grew up eating and got to work.

This is a simple recipe, and so delicious! It makes a TON which means lots of leftovers, or some to freeze. We LOVE it and wanted to share it with all of you as well!

What you'll need:

• A large pot
• 23  Cups Water
• 6  T. Chicken Base
• 2  12-16 oz Reames Noodles (I use 2 16 oz noodles because our family loves them!)
• 1  lg Carrot (chopped) (or to your liking)
• 1  Rib of Celery (chopped) (or to your liking)
• Slow cook 1 Med - Lg Chicken (or buy a rotisserie chicken - this is what we usually do)
• salt/pepper to taste

 Directions:
1. Put whole chicken in a crock pot for 6–8 hrs on low (Or use a rotisserie chicken bought from the store. That's what I usually do, as it's faster and less prep time).
2. In a large pot add 23 cups water, chicken base (to taste), Reames noodles, carrot and celery and heat on medium.
3. If you cooked the chicken in slow cooker, add broth from crockpot to the soup pot. Strip chicken off of bone and add to the pot. Let simmer and cook.
4. In no time the soup is cooked and ready to eat! ENJOY! 

I'd love to hear your favorite go-to soups during the winter months!

Motion sickness is a problem for both adults and kids alike.  According to an Omnibus Study in June 2011, 34% of households with children ages 2-12, have a child with motion sickness. This is three times the rate for adult motion sickness (10% of households.)  Motion sickness is most prevalent in cars, followed by airplanes and boats. Typical symptoms are nausea, dizziness, and vomiting.

When I read the previous statement, it came as no surprise since motion sickness is something myself and my children deal with on a regular basis. Since I was a young child, I have dealt with motion sickness and having to keep motion sickness medications with me at all times. Both Kaelyn and Kaden struggle with it as well, especially on long car rides. Whether it's a trip by plane, train or car...you can imagine that we have Dramamine with us wherever we go!!

Are you familiar with Dramamine? If so, you know that they are the leading brand of motion sickness relief for adults. But, what's really exciting is that they have expanded their line just in time for the winter travel season to include Dramamine for Kids! Also new to the line is Dramamine Less Drowsy, which offers the same great relief as original, but with less drowsiness.

 

Over the next couple of months we have a few trips planned. One is by plane and the others are longer road trips by car. That's why I was thrilled to learn that there's now Less Drowsy Dramamine and Kids chewable! I have never had a great solution for helping to keep the kids from getting sick on long car rides, but now I do thanks to Dramamine!

We were sent a Dramamine Travel Bag (great for traveling!) along with the entire line of Dramamine products.

Dramamine for Kids helps to treat symptoms on the spot, relieving nausea, dizziness and vomiting. It also helps to prevent motion sickness before it happens! As a mom who has used Dramamine for years, I trust it, believe it is safe, and feel comfortable taking it myself and giving it to my kids if needed now that there is an options for children!

Dramamine for Kids comes in a safe, precise children’s dose, avoiding the need to cut adult tablets. When I was a child, my mom had to cut the adult tablets and since I didn't know how to swallow a pill at that time, I chewed it. Needless to say, I think having a Dramamine specifically for kids is a fabulous option!! The Dramamine for Kids comes in a safety travel case with 8 chewable tablets that are grape in flavor.

For adults, Dramamine Less Drowsy relieves motion sickness symptoms with less drowsiness for up to 24 hours with only one tablet. This is something I greatly appreciate, as the last thing I want to be on vacation is drowsy and tired. My husband and I take a short trip coming up by plane and Dramamine Less Drowsy will definitely be on my list of things to take! It comes in a handy 8 count travel vial which is easy for me to throw in my purse so I have it wherever we go.

I'm thrilled to have these products for our upcoming travels! If you'd like to learn more about Dramamine for Kids, Dramamine Less Drowsy and other Dramamine products, be sure to visit www.Dramamine.com!

Win It: Dramamine is also offering two very lucky readers each a travel bag and Dramamine products like we received!

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

**The products for this review and giveaway were provided for free, however all opinions are 100% my own.

As many of you may have noticed, things have slowed down a bit around here. My kids are growing so fast and I'm soaking up every moment I get to spend with them. It's hard to believe that my oldest is already in school...and soon the other two will follow. How is that possible?! It hasn't been easy to balance the demands of being a wife, mommy and a blogger over the past 5 years, and as my family continues to grow it only becomes more difficult.  To continue bringing you the same great posts, product reviews and giveaways, I knew that I needed to add a blogger to share fun posts and product reviews with you as well!

That's when Erin came to mind! I met Erin through family and immediately recognized her love for writing. Not only that, but we had something else in common...she enjoys keeping an eye out for high quality baby/children's products that make life a little easier as a busy mom. In search for a blogger and product reviewer...I knew right away she would be the perfect fit here at A Mom's Balancing Act. I'm very excited to welcome her as a blogger here and for you all to get to know her a little better.

Meet Erin

I would like to introduce myself. My name is Erin. I’m twenty-six, I’ve been married to Man Of My Dreams (Jon) for two and a half years now and I have a one year old son, Cameron.

 

I’m originally from Washington State, but after I graduated college I bought a one-way ticket to the Central Coast of California and I’ve been quite a bit warmer ever since. I live in San Luis Obispo, CA which was named happiest city in America in 2012. Happiest city is quite a lot to live up to, but I will admit that I am pretty happy here.

My husband works full-time and goes to school full-time so we are learning to make the most of the time we do get together. I could say a lot here about why I love him and respect him so much, but I’ll save that for another day.

  

We can also be a bit of a weird bunch…

My son Cameron is a mover and a shaker. He’s already a rough and tumble boy who hams it up when a camera is pointed in his direction. I love his smile. I stay home with Cam and I watch a three year old boy a couple days a week as well. I wasn’t much of a “kid person” before having one, but now I’m discovering how much fun being a mom can be. Sometimes it’s crazy too, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

I love to write. I love adventures. I love being outdoors and breaking a sweat. I feel most alive when I am organized and when I do spontaneous things. I like artsy stuff. I wish I knew how to sew.

I’m passionate about having a great marriage and family life. I believe it is the foundation for all other things.

You could easily describe me as a highly emotional person. I feel everything – the good and the bad. And I think a lot. This is perhaps my greatest strength and deepest pitfall all at the same time.

I’m excited to be here as a guest writer and product reviewer and I hope to get to know you more as well. If you wouldn’t mind, please leave a comment below introducing yourself. I’d love to know who you are and learn a little bit about your family life and why you read this blog.

Thanks for meeting me! I think this is the start to another great adventure…

I don't know about you, but January is usually a time for me to reflect on the previous year and areas I'd like to improve upon in the coming year. Whether it deals with parenting, exercising more, or something else...I, like many others, have have resolutions that I hope to stick to.

As moms we often put our families first, and their needs ahead of our own making it difficult sometimes to stick to personal goals and resolutions. That's why I love Ivy Bridge College and the fact that they know moms juggle it all. They have designed an online education that caters to busy schedules, making it a great option for moms with resolutions to further their education!

No matter what your academic background may be, Ivy Bridge's unique program allows stay at home or working moms the freedom to pursue an Associate's degree at their own pace, then transfer to one of their partner schools to complete a 4 year degree! Offering support services we busy moms need, such as free success coaching, academic advising, career advising, online classes, tutoring, etc...Ivy Bridge can be a successful tool in helping moms achieve their educational goals.

Another thing I was impressed with when learning more about Ivy Bridge as that an advanced educational with them is about 1/3 of what it can cost to attend other private universities. School can be so expensive these days, so it's great to hear when there is a more affordable option. Love this!

Since becoming a parent, I have not gone back to school but have thought about it to further my education more, especially when my kids are a little bit older. I do have a college degree and am happy to have that. Although I stay home with my kids, I am still able to have the option of substitute teaching or working if I needed to.

If I should ever go back to school to further my education, I will definitely consider Ivy Bridge after learning more about them. They seem like a great option for moms seek a college degree because their focus is on helping them succeed by offering great services, flexible schedules, and the ability to earn an associate's degree in as little as 17 months!

WIN IT: As part of the opportunity to share with you about Ivy Bridge College, I have been given teh chance to offer one VERY lucky A Mom's Balancing Act reader a $1,000 tuition discount on classes at Ivy Bridge College!!

To enter this giveaway, simply leave a comment letting me know why you want to go back to school. "To be eligible for the $1,000 discount off tuition at Ivy Bridge College (IBC), the qualifying individuals will need to be degree seeking, enrolled in IBC a minimum of part-time, and new to IBC (specifically, not someone who has already applied to, enrolled in, or requested information from IBC). Classes at Ivy Bridge College Extension are not eligible for the discount. Limit one per person."

*I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Ivy Bridge College. I received a promotional item as a thank-you for participating and a discount on classes at Ivy Bridge College.”