My son was scanned for Invisalign treatment a few weeks ago, and when our orthodontist, Dr. Jensen called and said we were candidates we were both thrilled. It only took a few days for Dr. Jensen to map out a treatment plan for us, and a week later to get my son's aligners.

My son will be wearing Invisalign for 9 months. He has overcrowding and a slight overbite on one side. Invisalign will correct all of this in less than a year. Invisalign can do the same thing that braces can do.

The first step to getting my son's Invisalign aligners, was to get attachments on his teeth. Attachments are tooth-colored buttons that are attached to the teeth. They are put in different locations on the teeth so that the aligners can grab onto the teeth to move and strengthen them. Aligners need something to hold on to, and the attachments are the perfect solution. My son had 9 attachments added to his teeth. Most of them are on the back of his teeth so they are not visible unless you are really looking for them. He also has one right in the front to move a tooth that is coming in on top of another tooth.

Our orthodontist office taught my son how to take his aligners in and out carefully so that the aligners would not get caught on the attachments. We were given three sets of aligners; each aligner will be worn for two weeks to move my son's teeth to a desired location. Once he is done with the two weeks, he moves on to the next aligner. During the third week of treatment, my son's aligner got caught on his attachment, and ripped it a little. Because he was so close to putting in the next set of aligners, Dr. Jensen told us to move on to the next tray. He is now more careful when he takes his aligners in and out. He carefully loosens them in the areas that have attachments so that he doesn't tear them.

We were told that the first week is the hardest part of getting aligners. They are tight around the teeth and immediately start moving them to a desired position. I have heard that some people get headaches, and their teeth are sore in the beginning. My son has not complained once. I actually forgot we were at the beginning of his treatment because it was so easy.

My daughter is currently wearing traditional braces, and when she gets her braces tightened she is sore for weeks. She also gets canker sores in her mouth where her wires rub on her checks. My son doesn't have these issues, and he is also quick to his older sister that he can eat anything he wants. He simply takes them out, eats, and then brushes his aligners and teeth before putting them back in. Nothing is off limits when you wear Invisalign. It is actually one of the best benefits of his treatment.

As a mother to a teenage boy, my biggest worry was whether he would lose his aligners at school or on the go. I am happy to report that he has done really well with keeping track of them. When he eats he keeps them in a small container. After he is done eating, he uses a small tooth brush so he can clean his teeth. So far using Invisalign has been amazing convenient and simple to use.

Dr. Jensen really stressed the importance of hygiene to my son. If any of his patients at Smile Ranch don't take proper care of their teeth and gums during treatment, Dr. Jensen will stop treatment until the patient demonstrates improvement in these areas. This was enough to scare my son into brushing his teeth and gums two times a day. Score!

Here's my son with his Invisalign aligner in and ready to go. Can you tell he is wearing them? Me neither.

Have you worn braces or Invisalign? What was the best part of your treatment?

I am a member of the Invisalign Moms Advisory Board. I am receiving complimentary Invisalign treatment as part of this program. All opinions are my own and based on my own treatment experience. Full disclosure can be found here. 

The post Straight Teeth: The First Month With Invisalign appeared first on Mom it Forward.

Ambiance and Space

Create two separate settings on your deck or patio—one that is casual where people can mingle for appetizers, and a second that contains the formal sit-down dinner area for people to migrate toward as the meal is ready to serve. When you have only a dinner table some people may feel awkward because sitting down around the table feels so formal. This separate space is especially important if your event includes people who don’t know each other. Make the appetizer area open and comfortable so people can mix and match conversations with the person next to them or the whole group, and so that people can stand or sit and not feel awkward. Here are a few other suggestions:

• Find a rustic low table and place a beautiful, season-appropriate table runner on it. We’ve chosen this bright yet subtle flower pattern on a white background (shown above)—perfect for a summer evening! We found some delightful tablecloths and table runners from La Redoute.
• The chairs you choose can set the tone of this area. We’ve left a lot of space around them, but not too much, to indicate people can stand and talk to those sitting. View a modern range of dining tables and chairs from Shop 4 Furniture.
• If you’re having a large party you can make a little card that has potential allergens or indicates if a dish is vegetarian or vegan so people won't need to ask.

• Set up an area for beer, wine, and cocktails. If you have the manpower, have an assigned person making drinks for guests. Choose a specialty drink this person can make. We chose to make blended grapefruit margaritas (see below for recipe) and found that over half of our guests chose this drink. Having a specialty drink is fun, and it can also take the pressure off the guest in choosing their first drink and breeds a sense of welcome and camaraderie into the party.

Foraging for Flowers

It’s summer! That means you might have a garden that is just blooming or there are some beautiful flowers you can find just down the street, or around the local lake, marsh, or wildlife area. My favorite thing to do is pick wild flowers. For this dinner party we chose some from the yard and some from a walk around our neighborhood. And if you’re friends with your neighbors, they won’t mind if you take a blossom or two. This is an easy way to really set the tone of your party. A few well-placed flower arrangements can make all the difference.

Here's how to do it:

1. Scrounge around your cupboards and find those vases you haven’t used in months. If you can’t find them, or don’t have any, this is easily remedied. Sift through your recycling and find old beer and wine bottles, or you may have some old Bell jars around. These all work really well as vases.
2. Fill the vases full with water.
3. Carefully snip full blooms (allow those little ones to come to full fruition) appropriate to the vase you intend to place them in. We chose tiny vases as somewhat of a different choice from the usual. They really popped, and their simplicity made just as much of a statement as a big vase and complicated flower arrangement.

Choose a Dinner Theme

Doing themes is fun because the menu just seems to flow from the original inspiration. American from burgers, Asian from fresh cabbage rolls, Mexican from fajitas, Portuguese from empanadas. We chose Mexican for this dinner. We grilled flank steak to be the main ingredient in a fajita with bean salsa, tomato salsa, and lettuce. We heated the tortillas up and put them in dishware to keep them hot. We then made personal ramekins of baked beans with cheese on top. Delish!

Ambiance

• Make sure you have a big enough table to fit all your guests. The last thing that speaks casual comfort is being squished in at a dinner table.
• Pick out some really colorful place mats. We went with simple cotton light green place mats that fit the mood perfectly.
• Place some of your flower arrangements at the dinner table where appropriate.
• Have the silverware, napkins, and basic condiments out from the beginning.

Food

1. Choose something that is seasonal and appropriate.
2. Start developing a menu. Give yourself at least a week to mull this over. You may find inspiration comes to you while reading before going to bed, or driving in the car.
3. Solidify the menu a few days before the party.
4. Start buying produce that needs time to ripen 2-3 days ahead, i.e. avocados.
5. Buy the rest of your groceries the day before the party. How many times can one make the mistake of buying the groceries day of?  No more. You will be cooking, prepping, and directing the day of. Ensure you have helpers, someone who can run to the grocery store for last minute ingredients, etc.
6. Have the appetizers ready to go as soon as the first guest arrives. Make sure to have them prepared 10 minutes before the start of the event.
7. Make sure you have someone to greet people as they come in if you’re finishing up food preparation. You should only have easy things to do last because people will want to talk to you in the kitchen, regardless of your appetizer seating area, so be prepared for it.
8. Serve dinner 60-90 minutes after the bulk of people have started to arrive. Some guests may not have had lunch in anticipation of a big dinner, and if it starts getting too late people may begin to get anxious. It’s also nice to eat as the sun is setting, not when it’s completely dark.

Relax and Enjoy

People don't expect blue ribbon culinary perfection when they attend a barbecue. So set the tone for your guests by kicking back and having fun. If your guests see that you are happy, it makes it easier for them to have fun as well.

 Feature image by Christopher Yardin via Flickr.

The post Outdoor Dining with a DIY Flair appeared first on Mom it Forward.

NetzZero 4G Mobile Broadband provides secure, mobile, super-fast 4G Internet access for your laptop, iPad®, netbook or tablet in over 80 cities across the U.S. With a NetZero 4G device, you become your own hotspot. You do not have to stress about locating the nearest public WiFi hotspot to enjoy 24/7 internet access. Your Internet connection is private and your personal information is protected from hackers and data thieves.

Don’t forget to mark your calendar and join us on Tuesday, June 18 as we chat about summer traveling with NetZero. Click here to learn more about the #gno Twitter party.

Giveaway Post Prize

This week's giveaway is all about summer traveling. One lucky winner will receive a free iPad mini and a NetZero 4G Hotspot with three months of Platinum service (ARV: $500). Please follow the instructions in the Rafflecopter widget below in order to enter for a chance to win a prize.

Terms and Conditions No purchase necessary to enter. This giveaway ends at 11:59 p.m. ET Wednesday, June 19, 2013. See all terms and conditions here. This giveaway is available to U.S. residents only. a Rafflecopter giveaway

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The post NetZero Giveaway: Win a NetZero 4G Hotspot and iPad Mini appeared first on Mom it Forward.

Now you don’t have to track down the nearest coffee shop to check for important emails or get up-to-date on what’s happening in social media, NetZero has your bases covered. NetZero 4G Mobile Broadband provides secure, mobile, super-fast 4G Internet access for your laptop, iPad®, netbook or tablet in over 80 cities across the U.S. With a NetZero 4G device, you become your own hotspot. The only reason for you to visit the coffee shop while relaxing on the vacation is to grab your morning bagel… not the Internet.

NetZero is celebrating summer 2013 with free devices and double the data, on select plans for all new subscribers, all in order to keep your family plugged in during all your summer adventures. Click here to learn more.

Party Topic

Join NetZero, Mom It Forward, and our panel of experts as we chat about summer traveling. The party will be held on Tuesday, June 18 from 9-10 p.m. ET (8CT, 7MT, 6PT). Click here to see details about the giveaway and enter for a chance to win.

Party Details

• What: Girls’ Night Out (#gno) Twitter party (Click here to learn about #gno!)
• When: Tuesday, June 18 from 9-10 p.m. EST (8CT, 7 MT, & 6 PT)
• Where: Party with us on our very own Custom Tweetgrid!
• Hashtags: #gno #NetZero_4G
• Topic: Summer Traveling
• Who: Brand Panelists: @NetZero_4G Community Panelists: TBD Moderator(s): @jylmomIF@Dadventurous@troypattee and @MomItForward
• Party Favors: Please click here to see more information about the giveaway.

RT @MomItForward Join the @NetZero_4G #gno Twitter party on 6/18 (9-10 ET) on summer traveling (ad) http://bit.ly/13CNUg7 #NetZero_4G PLS RT

Note: Mom It Forward accepts paid sponsorships for most #gno Twitter parties. During the parties, brand sponsors provide tips, techniques, expert advice, and information on party topics. Mom It Forward is grateful for the giveaway prizes, coupons, and discounts that sponsors also provide to the Mom It Forward community in conjunction with #gno Twitter parties. Photo courtesy of Flickr.

The post NetZero: Tuesday #gno Twitter Party appeared first on Mom it Forward.

The American Dental Association (ADA) offers some amazing facts, tips, and resources for taking care of our precious teeth. They shared some tips to take care of your teeth in a recent Twitter party with Mom It Forward.

Perhaps the most important thing the ADA wants you to know about maintaining good dental health is this: "Dental health impacts overall health. Your teeth are connected to your bloodstream. If you get a dental infection, it can spread [and affect other parts of your body]."

"Taking care of your teeth and gums isn't just about preventing cavities or bad breath," says the ADA. "The mouth is a gateway into your body's overall health. Brushing and flossing are more important than ever."

To maintain good dental and overall health, the basics are brushing twice a day for two minutes, flossing once a day, eating a balanced diet and scheduling regular dental visits. Beyond that, what can you do?

How to Keep Your Mouth Healthy

• First, consider that brushing your teeth correctly does much to prevent the loss of enamel and the development of tooth decay. "Brushing too hard or drinking acidic juices are common causes of enamel wear." The ADA offers this PDF on correct brushing technique, and notes that: "it's not how hard a brush you have, but how long you brush. It's better to have a soft brush." Brush for two minutes, which may seem hard until you think that the average t popular song is longer. Pull out your MP3 player while you're brushing. The ADA provides a list of approved brushes and products.
• Second, keep in mind that Fluoride is nature’s cavity fighter. When you brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste, or use other fluoride dental products, you're helping to rebuild weakened tooth enamel and reverse early signs of tooth decay. You can achieve the maximum reduction in tooth decay by both drinking and brushing with water that has been fortified with fluoride.
• And thirdly, avoid brushing teeth after vomiting especially when pregnant. Instead, rinse your mouth with a teaspoon of baking soda in a cup of water to help prevent erosion.

So, what if you're already experiencing tooth decay, discomfort, bleeding, or other symptoms?

How to Know When to See the Dentist

• People often wonder about bleeding gums. The ADA's advice: "If your gums are bleeding easily, go and see your dentist immediately."
• If you don't have a dentist, utilize the ADA’s tips to help find a dentist.
• Pregnant moms should be especially conscious of their dental health. The ADA says: "Moms: don’t put dental care concerns on the back burner, as the complications could outweigh potential risks!"
• If you’re experiencing a dental health issue, visit the ADA’s Symptom Checker to learn more. And when in doubt, always go see your dentist.

Our teeth are truly precious resources, often taken for granted but ever so necessary. After all, we all need to be "mouth healthy!"

Family photo courtesy of Flickr. Toothbrush picture courtesy of Flickr as well.

The post Mouth Healthy: Tips for Staying on Top of Dental Health appeared first on Mom it Forward.

Ideas for Encouraging Active Play

1. Walk Outside

Begin at an early age by taking your child on stroller walks. This helps them to appreciate and look forward to being outdoors. As you walk, remember to point out sights and make observations. This can help nurture your child's curiosity. Talk about the physical activity by saying things like, "Wow! Mom is walking really fast." Or, "Oh my! Can you smell the freshness of the air?" This helps a child learn to appreciate nature, and thus ready to walk for longer duration.

2. Base Movements on Playing

This involves encouraging your child to make movements which are based on playing even before he is able to move things. You can help him wave his arm so that he can delight in making a rattle shake or bell ring. This gives the baby sensory experience as he moves.

3. Encourage Movement

This is based on how you handle your baby as you go about your own daily activities. Subconsciously, while folding laundry or writing a report, you may be restricting your child's movement by holding her. Simple things like putting her on a jumper instead of a stationary chair while you are busy with your tasks can be beneficial. This may help her appreciate movement as a positive experience. Kids generally like moving, thus be sure not to hinder their positive movement.

4. Create a Safe and Friendly Playing Environment

Ensure that sharp objects are not around as kids play. If a child is hurt while playing he may learn to associate the discomfort or pain with playing. To avoid this, put safety first. Cover sharp corners on furniture or doors, and cover hard flooring with soft mats or carpet to make the playing space more comfortable.
5. Get Musical

Active play becomes more enjoyable if combined with music. Kids are usually attuned to rhythms. These rhythms teach how to associate with motion, for example, by helping them stomp their feet, clap hands, or reach low or high as they move with the beat. Use their favorite songs to do these activities.

7.  Participate in Toddler's Games

It's more exciting to your child when you join in her games. Kids may find movement and playing complex at the beginning, but the presence of a grown up can make playing more fun and protect the child from taking risky actions.

8. Take Classes Based on Play and Movement

If you have access to places meant for kids to dance, tumble, swim, or do yoga classes it's good to take advantage of these areas. This helps him understand that physical exercise is of great worth. These places may also have training professionals who will teach him how to do the activities.

9. Reward Movement

This may be through tickles, cheers, and high-fives whenever she plays or is active. Enjoy a glass of lemonade with your child after a game. This makes her feel appreciated for what she did.

10. Create Active Family Rituals

This can be through family walks in summer or after dinner around the neighborhood. This helps your child appreciate the real worth of active play. You can organize games after every walk. This may involve chasing each other around.

11. Take Art Outside

This may involve sending kids out for a nature scavenger hunt to pick leaves, cones, or sticks. As they do so they will fully exercise their brains and have healthy physical activity.

How do you make sure your child is getting enough playtime in their day?

Feature image by Ambro via FreeDigitalsPhotos.net.

The post Encouraging Active Play: 11 Ways to Get Your Child Moving appeared first on Mom it Forward.

Skype is used by homesick college students to share their new adventures. Military families use Skype to keep in contact with deployed personnel. A grandparent can watch as her young granddaughter dances across the stage in a pink tutu. Skype supports families to share special moments like never before.  Or a missionary can Skype home to wish his mother a Happy Mother’s Day.

Don’t forget to mark your calendar and join us on Thursday, June 13 as we chat about creating and sharing special moments with Skype. Not only will there be info about using Skype on your TV, but there’ll be news about the brand new #CoolMyCouch contest – as well as the chance to win a brand new Skype-enabled Smart TV or some cool goodies to help you and the family get more comfortable while sharing Skype moments.  Click here for more details about the party.

Giveaway Post Prize

This week's giveaway is all about sharing special moments and making new memories. One lucky winner will receive a Skype-enabled Smart TV from Skype (ARV: $1,500).

Please follow the instructions in the Rafflecopter widget below in order to enter for a chance to win a prize.

In-Chat Giveaway Post Prize

During the #gno Twitter party, you’ll have a chance to win a prize. You will need to join the party on Thursday, June 13 from 9:00 – 10:00 p.m. EST in order to enter the giveaway. Giveaway requirements and instructions will be explained during the #gno Twitter party. Three lucky winners of the In-Chat giveaway will win a Skype swag bag (ARV: $400)

Terms and Conditions

No purchase necessary to enter. This giveaway ends at 11:59 p.m. ET Friday, June 14, 2013. See all terms and conditions here. This giveaway is available to U.S. residents only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The post Skype Giveaway: Win a Skype-enabled Smart TV appeared first on Mom it Forward.

Taking photos and videos are great options to share the experience with family and friends far away. However, using Skype to share such moments with Grandma and Grandpa accomplishes two items.  It shares moments as they are happening and makes new memories to treasure.

Skype enables families and friends to talk to each other from long distances, all in your living or even at the zoo.  Skype can be used on your computer, laptop, and now on Skype-enabled Smart TV’s.

Skype will also be sharing news about the brand new #CoolMyCouch contest – as well as the chance to win a brand new Skype-enabled Smart TV or some cool goodies to help you and the family enjoy quality comfort while sharing Skype moments.

Party Topic

Join @Skype, Mom It Forward, and our panel of experts as we chat about using Skype to share memories while creating new ones. The party will be held on Thursday, June 13 from 9-10 p.m. ET (8CT, 7MT, 6PT). Click here to see details about the giveaway and enter for a chance to win.

Party Details

• What: Girls’ Night Out (#gno) Twitter party (Click here to learn about #gno!)
• When: Thursday, June 13 from 9-10 p.m. EST (8CT, 7 MT, & 6 PT)
• Where: Party with us on our very own Custom Tweetgrid!
• Hashtags: #gno #SkypeOnYourTv
• Topic: How to share moments and make memories
• Who: Brand Panelist: @Skype @SkypeMoments Community Panelists: @bkissesoflove @JaMonkey @DashingElements @TheCreatvPrncss @RoseTintedLani @MommyTravels @TCreativeBlogs @KristenMiles @beautybesties1 @mmc67
  Moderator(s): @jylmomIF@Dadventurous@troypattee and @MomItForward
• Party Favors: Please click here to see more information about the giveaway.

RT @MomItForward Join the @Skype #gno Twitter party on 6/13 (9-10 ET) on ways to share mom ents http://bit.ly/19hw4FR #SkypeOnYourTV #gno PLS RT

Note: Mom It Forward accepts paid sponsorships for most #gno Twitter parties. During the parties, brand sponsors provide tips, techniques, expert advice, and information on party topics. Mom It Forward is grateful for the giveaway prizes, coupons, and discounts that sponsors also provide to the Mom It Forward community in conjunction with #gno Twitter parties.

The post Skype: Thursday #gno Twitter Party appeared first on Mom it Forward.

4th of July Fun

1. Fireworks
The bright lights of the holiday are a must and an obvious for the top of the list. For the bigger celebrations, you'll probably have to try a few events before you find your favorite spot. My family likes to head to our local drive-in movie theater where we can lay on the hood of our car and watch the fireworks as they erupt directly above us. It's as close as you can get while being safe.

2. Geocaching
Getting the kids outside is important for the occasion, and for all summer long, actually. With Geocaching, it's the thrill of the hunt and a surprise all in one since you never know exactly what treasure you'll come across. You can find coordinates to geocaches online, or for easier access on the go use the apps for your phone.

3. Road Trip
What better way to make the most of the day than to go somewhere new? Road trips don't have to be long and tedious. 90 minutes will get us to a big city with a great zoo my kids love to visit. You don't even need to take that long, however. Find a park in the next town over or check out historical landmarks close by.

4. Ice Cream Party
Anyone can do barbecues, and those are well and good. But it's the dessert afterwards that hits the spot. You also need a treat to help you cool down during a hot day. This is why a festive ice cream party is such a great idea! Try this Patriotic Ice Cream Cone Wrapper or these Spangled Sandwich Pops to make your ice cream that much more fitting for the celebration.

5. Arts & Crafts
If your kids are big into arts and crafts, there are a number of great ideas to make. A site like Pinterest will help you find many fun suggestions, plus you can also find a plethora of Independence Day coloring pages to print just by doing a quick Google search. My tutorial for making homemade play-dough uses Kool-aid colors to create a patriotic effect. I've also found instructions to make your own flag T-shirts or even a 4th of July Hat.

The most important thing you can do to ensure 4th of July fun, however, is to stay safe. Always use caution, especially when dealing with fireworks.

What are your 4th of July family traditions?

Feature image by Teerapun via FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

The post 5 Ways to Make the 4th of July Fun appeared first on Mom it Forward.

• Organizing and cleaning up the garage after winter.
• Restoring the lawn to a lush, green.
• Removing dirt, grime, and grease from the grill, patio or deck furniture.
• Installing after-dark lighting.

It might look a little daunting, but people can find all the items on their list at Lowe’s! Get everything you need for a quick summer clean, all in one spot, so you can spend less time cleaning and more time relaxing.

Join us for the Summer Done Bright Twitter party as we tweet with Jennifer Hadfield from Tatertots and Jello about everything from brightening your whites to how to plan a fantastic summer event! We’ll share fantastic tips you won’t want to miss. We’ll also be rewarding prizes to help you do summer bright.

Don’t forget to mark your calendar and join us on Wednesday, June 19 as we chat about summer entertaining with @Lowes and @jenjentrixie. Click here to learn more about the #gno Twitter party.

Giveaway Post Prize

Two lucky winners will receive the following prizes from Lowe’s (ARV: $268):

• Mr. Clean Outdoor Pro Spray
• Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Outdoor Pro
• Bounty
• 4-pack of Duracell AA Batteries
• Tide Pods samples
• $250 Lowe’s Gift Card

Please follow the instructions in the Rafflecopter widget below in order to enter for a chance to win a prize.

In-Chat Giveaway Post Prize

During the #gno Twitter party, you’ll have a chance to win a prize. You will need to join the party on Wednesday, June 19 from 9:00 – 10:00 p.m. EST in order to enter the giveaway. Giveaway requirements and instructions will be explained during the #gno Twitter party. The winner of the in-chat giveaway will win a P&G prize pack and $250 Lowe’s gift card (ARV: $250).

Terms and Conditions

No purchase necessary to enter. This giveaway ends at 11:59 p.m. ET Thursday, June 20, 2013. See all terms and conditions here. This giveaway is available to U.S. residents only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The post Summer Done Bright Giveaway: P&G Prize Pack and a $250 Lowe’s Gift Card appeared first on Mom it Forward.