Mommypants!

Work Is Something

2012-01-20T15:08:00.001-08:00

Guest post written by my buddy Royce Heath

Work is something I love to do, not do something I have to do, but I think part of the reason is because I love my job. I know not many people feel this way about going into the office but I guess I'm just one of those lucky ones who found the right position at the right time for the right price. The only thing I don't really like about my job is a lot of my coworkers… They don't really seem to understand professional boundaries when it comes to e-mailing or calling me at home. I spent a lot of time in the office but when I leave I expect to be left alone until I come back the next day but for whatever reason as soon as I get home my phone is almost always ringing off the hook. I recently got clear wire wimaxand I was a terrible decision because now I'm e-mailing with my colleagues all night long instead of spending time with my husband and children!

How Do You Feed a Hungry Giant?

2012-01-09T15:29:00.000-08:00

As a mama that loves to cook, I feel blessed that I have a mini-me who shares my kitchen enthusiasm.

When we received How Do You Feed a Hungry Giant written by Caitlin Friedman and illustrated by Shaw Nielsen. Both ladies of the kitchen were excited

First it was fun to see all the ways that the boy in the story tries to feed the Hungry Giant that he finds outside his door, making the book even more fun are plenty pull tabs and doors and windows to open and look through, that keep even straying eyes focused on the book!

We also really appreciated the recipes that went along with the book. Giant Chocolate Chip Cookies are always lots of fun and we are excited to try more of the giant recipes from the book!

A sure winner in every house How Do You Feed A Hungry Giant is sure to impress!

I received a free copy of How Do You Feed A Hungry Giant for this review. All opinions are !00% mine. I did not receive any monetary payments for this review.

Kidz SuperFood

2012-01-09T15:16:00.000-08:00

I'll admit it, my baby who once ate everything in her eyesight, is not so good about eating her greens anymore, add that in with a mama who simply doesn't have the time to crank out a green smoothie every morning and you have my frustration.

How do I get my two year old to eat everything that she needs?

There was a time when I had all the time in the world to puree foods into other foods and hide the goodies, but my time (and my food processor) have been a bit inaccessible lately which is why I was happy to try

Kids SuperFood Chocolate

This product from Amazing Grass, is like chocolate milk that is GOOD for your little one (no actually good for them, not like what you tell yourself when the little one is downing chocolate syrup and some milk)

Its a green drink in the form of a powder which is tasty and makes your kids want to eat......err drink their greens!

Each serving contains 3 servings of fruits and vegetables but only 1 gram of sugar!

(already we are beating that chocolate milk)

And its non-dairy, non-gluten, non-caffeinated, non-GMO and VEGAN!

I love it as a before school meal since my little one isn't the best about breakfast, its very easy to persuade her with the word 'chocolate'

So give Kids SuperFood from Amazing Grass a try! Its only $24.99 on sale now for 30 servings! Less then a dollar a day!

I received a free trial of Kids SuperFood from Amazing Grass for this review. All opinions are 100% mine. I did not receiveD any monetary payments for this review.

Start the New Year Healthy with Sun Ridge Farms!

2012-01-04T14:13:00.000-08:00

If one of your New Years Resolutions is to stay healthy this year then you should give Sun Ridge Farms a try.

A company based out of Santa Cruz California (an area where I have recently discovered makes some super yummy and nutritious foods) Sun Ridge Farms is a company with products that are not only delightful for your taste-buds, but good for you and easy on your wallet!

I'll be honest and tell you that the first thing I devoured from the box of goodies was the Dark Chocolate Almonds, the only part of that that I regret was that so few were left after I finished! Made with all natural dark chocolate, a personal favorite of mine. I was happy to enjoy a good 2/3 of the bag.

The Tamari Roasted Mixed Nuts are the perfect snack to bring along on a hike or for a long car trip. Different then the usual salted variety of nuts, Cashews, Almonds, Peanuts, Sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds are coated in Tamari adds a taste that is less harsh then salt. Everyone in the family enjoyed these!

Finally I gave the Organic Nutcracker Crunch a try, Its a delightful Asian inspired trail mix. Which like the Tamari Roasted Nuts, is a great surprise from the usual trail mix of cashews, Chex-mix and m&m's. I loved the Sesame sticks and really felt a boost of energy. It was a great selection when I brought it as a snack for a full day of giving chair massage! Just a handful between every few massages and I was able to keep sustained through out the day.

I really enjoy the way SunRidge Farms has been able to bring such modern twists to such classic snacks. All the above snacks cost under $5 which make them a great choice when you're low on cash or in a hurry!

So next time that you're stocking up on snacks head on over to the SunRidge Farm site and see if there is a retailer near you, or order some straight from their site!

I received a free box of products from SunRidge Farms for this review. All opinions are 100% mine. I did not receive any monetary payment for this review.

Einkorn Pasta

2011-12-12T19:13:00.000-08:00

I had never even heard of Einkorn till very recently, when I was approached by the folks over at Jovial Foods

The pasta from Jovial Foods is made from Einkorn which was cultivated nearly 12,000 years ago is one of the earliest species of cultivated wheat.

The pasta contains 9 grams of Protein per serving and it outperforms super-foods like the blueberry in nutritional value.

Its also a healthy source of fiber, zinc, iron, and the antioxidant Lutien.

With no egg, the Einkorn Pasta is a great option for Vegan, or vegetarian eaters.

I think its a great option for toddlers. The pasta is hearty like a whole wheat pasta and it goes well in hearty dishes like casseroles because it really holds its shape.

Besides the great taste, if you cover it with some cheese, most toddlers don't even notice the difference so its a simple way to take a normally unhealthy meal and turn it into something that will really rock the lunchbox, AND have your toddler filled with all the protein she needs in just a 2-ounce serving!

We made the Einkorn Rigatoni with Broccoli, Olives, Herbs and Lemons which went great with a roast chicken that I cooked for the night!

If you want more recipes for Einkorn Pasta check out the Jovial Foods Recipes Page

I received a free sample of Einkorn Pasta from Jovial Foods for this review.. All opinions are 100% mine I did not receive any monetary payments for this review.

Gracie's Gift

2011-12-07T15:03:00.000-08:00

If you have a little girl and choose to do things to her hair, then there has probably been a point in your parenting that you've dealt with your little one loathing the hair-bow or pigtails.

Ever since my daughter was born, I have been guilty of decorating her adorable little cranium,

From Headbands

To Hats

To Tutus

To Bags

Headlamps

or even Pigtails

She Much prefers it like this

Gracie's Gift is about a little girl who dislikes hair-bows about as much as my daughter does.

When her birthday comes and she see's her birthday outfit set out on a chair complete with a bow, Gracie is not so excited.

But as the day goes on, Gracie notices the beautiful bows that complete her birthday presents, are just like the bows that her mother gives her everyday, a way to celebrate Gracie as a special gift!

Annabella really enjoys this book, of course she always enjoys reading books about girls and the more pink the more she is convinced that the girl is 'princess'

She also loved the birthday party idea, I think that every young kid can relate to a birthday being a special and exciting event.

I've found that Annabella wants to do her hair as soon as I'm done reading the book. And while it doesn't work during a temper tantrum, it certainly has turned a few mornings around!

Gracie's Gift was written by Andrea Trosclair and Illustrated by Sean Gautreaux

The book sells for $16.95 and is a hardcover; a portion of the proceeds benefit the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America.

For more information or to get a copy of this book for yourself, visit

www.TrosclairTales.com

I received a free copy of Gracie's Gift for this review. All opinions are 100% mine. I did not receive any monetary payments for this review.

Cuties Clementines and Mandarins!

2011-12-07T13:44:00.001-08:00

COAST TO COAST: CUTIES^® CALIFORNIA CLEMENTINES

AND MANDARINS GO NATIONAL

Cuties^®Kicks off National Launch And Online Channel – CutiesKids.com – Dedicated to Cute Kids

Los Angeles, Calif. (December 7, 2011) – The kid-friendly California citrus that West Coast shoppers have grown to love is bringing a bit of sunshine to the East Coast. Beginning this month, Cuties^®California Clementines and Mandarins are available coast-to-coast for the first time ever.

In support of the national launch the brand will introduce a $20 million national television and print advertising campaign that is among the most significant in the fresh fruit, vegetable or salad category.

“We know how much parents love sharing Cuties^® Clementines with their kids on the West Coast and we are excited to now offer this popular fruit to families across the country,” said Marc Seguin, senior marketing director for Paramount Farms North America.

In conjunction with the national launch, Cuties^®has also introduced a new, interactive website created especially for kids and proud parents to celebrate the cute things kids do. The site (www.CutiesKids.com) will showcase parent-uploaded videos and pictures, featuring kids doing what they do best: having fun, acting silly and of course, being oh-so adorably cute. Bragging rights aren’t the only prizes parents can win by uploading images of their kids: Cuties^® is giving away a college scholarship worth $150,000 to the star of the cutest kid video.

Cuties^®is teaming up with DonorsChoose.org, a not-for-profit organization that lets contributors across the country fund classroom projects posted by public school teachers on the DonorsChoose.org website. For every video uploaded, users will receive a $10 DonorsChoose.org gift card to use towards any classroom project of their choice. Weekly winners will receive a $500 DonorsChoose.org gift card and the winner of the grand prize will receive a $5,000 card. Cuties^® is committed to kids and educationand will continue the charity gift card giveaway up to $100,000 in addition to the individual college scholarship prize.

“The CutiesKids.com site is another way for us to reward parents for something they already love to do – show off their kids,” said Seguin. “What better way to do that than winning a free college education for your little cutie.”

In addition to school contributions, Cuties^® will award daily and weekly prizes for the first 18 weeks, leading up to one grand prize winner. Participants will be able to share their videos using their social network platforms, and the winners will be determined by the number of online votes.

• Daily Prizing: Forty-one video contestants per day will each have a chance to win a Cuties^® T-shirt, beanie, lunch box, tumbler or plush toy.

• Weekly Prizing: One video contestant per week will win a $500 DonorsChoose.org gift card to use to fund a project of their choice in addition to an active game console.

• Grand Prize: One grand prize winner will be awarded a college scholarship worth $150,000, a $5,000 DonorsChoose.org gift card to use to fund a project of their choice and aseason’s supply of Cuties^®.

To submit a video of your kid, or to watch some seriously cute videos, log on to CutiesKids.com.

About Cuties^® Brand

Thanks to their small size, sweet flavor and easy peelability, Cuties^® are naturally kid-friendly. And with their high nutritional content, they’re a big hit with parents, too. Available from November through May, Cuties^® offer a variety of nutrients per serving including: fiber, potassium, protein, calcium, vitamin C and folate. Cuties^®is a joint venture between Paramount Citrus, Sun Pacific and Fowler Packing. For more information, visit www.Cutieskids.com.

About DonorsChoose.org

Founded in 2000, DonorsChoose.org (www.donorschoose.org) is an online charity that makes it easy for anyone to help students in need. Public school teachers post requests, and then individuals can browse and fund projects that speak to them. After completing a project, the donor hears back from the classroom they supported in the form of photographs and teacher thank-you letters. To date, 184,000 public and charter school teachers have used the site to secure funding for $85 million in books, art supplies, technology, and other resources that their students need to learn. Through DonorsChoose.org, individuals from all walks of life have helped 5.1 million students.

Waxelene! The Petroleum Free Alternative!

2011-12-06T14:42:00.000-08:00

I grew up with a grandmother who fully believed in Vaseline, and I'll admit that we used it for everything from moisturizer to greasing squeaky hinges on doors.

Waxelene is an eco-friendly alternative to Petroleum Jelly contacted me for a review and I was happy to give it a try!

I really loved when I read the ingredients in Waxelene; Organic Soy Oil, Beeswax, Natural Vitamin E Oil, and Organic Rosemary Oil. There are three main things that I LOVE about that list

The ingredients are natural, and organic.
The ingredients are actually good for skin
Petroleum is never used!

I started using Waxelene for my daughter's legs which are often dry and bumpy. I used it twice a day once in the morning before school and once at night after her bath or before I put on her pajamas.

I 'm pleased to say that after only about two and a half weeks of use, my daughter's skin has greatly improved Even her father has noticed a difference.

I have also been using Waxelene for my hands, feet and lips. I apply a thick coat of Waxelene before bed or before I do the dishes. The heat from a pair of gloves helps to really get the Waxelene into my skin!

Waxelene is great for everyday use, because it isn't oily or greasy like petroleum jelly. Its aerated which makes it soak easily into skin, without clogging pores.

Not just the product is eco-friendly. Waxelene comes in recyclable glass jars, instead of plastic so the jars can easily be reused and recycled.

Next time you need to reach for that Petroleum Jelly, think twice and give Waxelene a try, you will not only get better results but you'll feel better knowing that you used a healthy product!

Be sure to visit the Waxelene Website

https://waxelene.com/

for more information, updates and information on where you can find Waxelene near you!

I received a free sample pack of Waxelene for this review,.All opinions are 100% mine. I did not receive any monetary payment for this review.

Flying Cauldron Butterscotch Beer

2011-12-06T14:15:00.000-08:00

We go through a lot of drinks here in my house, and lots of it is soda. But we are so often drinking the same things over and over again.

First lets talk about the name 'Flying Cauldron Butterscotch Beer' it sounds like a beverage straight from the Hogwart's kitchen. And yes this beer is nonalcoholic much like root beer or ginger beer.

Reed's really has a winner here, with butterscotch and vanilla flavors, it is a delicious winter brew, while Reed's released it for Halloween, we really loved the flavors with the turkey and stuffing of Thanksgiving.

In addition to the turkey, the 'Flying Cauldron Butterscotch Beer' also goes with pretty much any type of pie that I've tried.

Its all natural, and free of caffeine, and gluten!

So be on the lookout for Reed's 'Flying Cauldron Butterscotch Beer' this year and surprise your guests and your family with the newest flavor from Reed's!

I received a free sample pack of Reed's 'Flying Cauldron Butterscotch Beer' for this review,.All opinions are 100% mine. I did not receive any monetary payment for this review

Twin Tour!

2011-12-04T20:12:00.001-08:00

My sister and brother are coming!!

Be sure to keep updated with their adventures at

http://twintour.blogspot.com

Yaay I can't wait!

WINNER!

2011-12-03T09:15:00.000-08:00

We have a winner of the World Vision Gift Giveaway!

The Winner (selected via Random.Org) is #2 USA!

USA said

I would provide food to people in need in the USA, our local food banks always collect but I am sure there are a lot of places where it is just not enough!!

November 28, 2011 7:21 AM

USA will be receiving a beautiful beaded necklace! Check you email USA, I'll be looking for your address!

Adventures with Chocolate

2011-12-03T09:11:00.000-08:00

It should be no secret to you by now that I love chocolate.

I nearly jumped for joy when I received Adventures in Chocolate by Paul A Young.

The book is filled with recipes and techniques that could make even the beginner cook a chocolate pro. Learn how to make Ganache, temper chocolate, and make the most amazing truffles you've had.

With 80 recipes you can easily fill a few months making these.

The book is an even mix of complicated and easy recipes. I made the Chocolate-drenched cacao-nib cookies. An amazing cookie made with cacao nibs. The cookies come out almost as brownies, and to be honest I ate most of the cookies in dough form.

The dough is TO DIE FOR, and the cookies aren't bad either , you can see the dough above and drool over it.... I'll be honest and tell you that 1/3 of that bowl was eaten before the oven was finished baking them!

The book features truffles, tarts, sweets and savory recipes. Its amazing.

I have really enjoyed this book, both reading it and cooking from it, my only complaint when I first opened it was that a lot of the chocolate in the recipes was for the most part hard to find and expensive. This was easily fixed by using a couple brands I found at Whole Foods, I haven't felt once that the chocolate I used for the recipes didn't work... in fact every recipe has been amazing.

So please, if you're a chocolate lover (and I know you're out there) this is the book for you! Fit chocolate into every meal of the day, I can't wait to have a Chocolate party inspired by this book.

I received a free copy of Adventures with Chocolate for this review, all opinions are 100% mine. I did not receive any monetary payments for this review.

750 Best Appetizers

2011-11-23T11:19:00.000-08:00

Since its the holiday season, and time for parties, it only makes sense that we talk about Appetizers. Because lets be honest who doesn't love Appetizer parties?

Personally I look forward to those parties the most out of the year. I also spend my fair share of time at the local tapas bar (wine and appetizers you can't really go wrong there)

Well thanks to 750 Best Appetizers I can have my own tapas party, without heading to Costco (they have some fancy stuff over there!)

Judith Finlayson and Jordan Wagman have come up with an amazing selection that are sure to fit any even that you might happen, or might just inspire you to have an event just because.

This time of year something besides the usual crescent roll wrapped hot dog or deviled eggs would be so appreciated at the holiday party, the Coconut Crusted Chicken Satays are so yummy, and my daughter just can't get enough of them. I have a few other ideas for what to bring to the parties that I'm attending this year how about...

Tomato Balsamic Jam served with some crostini

The Vegetarian Berry Glazed Fig Tart will be the star of my school potluck

The Ultimate Mozzarella Carozza with roasted bell peppers ..

Poppy Seed-Crusted Yellow-fin Tuna

Classic Ceviche (is easier to make then I thought)

Coffee Scented Hazelnuts would make a great hostess gift

So before you start your menu planning this year, check out the750 Best Appetizers by Judith Finlayson and Jordan Wagman at Robert Rose Publishing, You plan the tapas party and have everyone else provide the wine!

I received a free copy of '750 Best Appetizers for this review. All opinions are 100% mine I did not receive any monetary compensation for this review

Make The Bread Buy The Butter

2011-11-23T11:00:00.000-08:00

Some mothers strive to do it all themselves, and I'm not going to lie, I spent the first year of my daughter's life trying to do it all, but there are somethings that are just better left to the professionals.

If you're lucky when you begin your homemaking career, someone has already taught you that making butter is a pain in the... well you know.

If you're not so lucky, you end up spending time and money, much more then it would have cost to just go to the store and buy a pound of butter.

Enter Make the Bread, Buy the Butter the wonderful book by Jennifer Reese.

When Jennifer Reese became unemployed she tried it all. From making her own butter, to making her own prosciutto (which I greatly admire her for)

In her book Make the Bread Buy the Butter Jennifer shares her recipes and the stories that go along with them. Its a fun read as well as a tasty addition tho the kitchen. I've already found myself making my own pita bread which has brought my falafel to a whole new level and saved me quite a bit of money.

If you're a do it yourself-er, or if you'd like to be this book is for you, learn from Jennifer's mistakes or don't and try them for yourself. You'll impress your family when they find out that everything on the table was made from scratch!

Laugh and cook with Jennifer Reese, Make the Bread Buy the Butter is a must read for any homemaker

I received a free copy of Make the Bread Buy the Butter for this review, all opinions are 100 % mine I did not receive any monetary payment for this review.

Deadwood to Redwood

2011-11-16T14:01:00.000-08:00

Whats the first thing you think when you see a hitchiker?

For most its 'don't pick that guy up'

As someone who has herself hitched accross the country, I find hitchickers amazing (don't get me wrong, there are some people I just won't pick up)

What if you found out that hitchicker was writing a book?

Well thats exactly what Colin Flaherty set out to do, travel the country and see what it had, WITHOUT a set of wheels.

The book Deadwood to Redwood is amazing, I loved reading every page of it, I love seeing how other people experience the country because its differnet for everyone.

Its also great to read the book to see just how many people actually pick up hitch hickers,

While I'm sure that the author being able to sleep in hotel rooms made quite a difference in the amount of people willing to pick him up (most hitchhikers from my expereience don't have this luxury)

I really loved meeting all the people that Colin met in the book, I adored reading his thoughts about them, taking his own life experiences into it, the trip to Canada is sure to have you laughing.

If you haven't traveled the country, or even if you have this book is a great way to get a feel for it.

Seeing the country is quite an adventure when seen through the eyes of a 53 year old hitchhiker!

I received a free copy of Deadwood to Redwood for this review., All opinions are 100% mine, I did not receive anyh monetary compensation for this review.

Give A Gift that Cares+ GIVEAWAY!

2011-11-15T14:12:00.000-08:00

During the Christmas Holidays its easy to get caught up in the material, what with the whole gift giving aspect of it and all.

But what if you could give a gift to someone that truly needed it, yes even more then your cousin needs ANOTHER angora sweater.

How about giving food to a family on the USA for just $16?

For just $32 you can buy a child an education, much cheaper then that laptop.

What I really like about World Vision Gifts is that it gives an opportunity for kids to really see what they can give to another person. This year I'm planning on letting my daughter help me choose an item to send to a family or person somewhere else. This will be one of her gifts that she recives from us.I think that being able to give is a gift in itself.

The World Vision Gifts offers unique gifts from $16 to $39,000

Stock a Health Clinic for $1,000

Build a school for $22,000

buy a child $385 of new toys for just $35
No matter how you want to give, or what your price range is; there is a way to do it with World Vision Gifts

$25 two chickens

$75 six chickens

$100 eight chickens

If you want something to wrap up in pretty paper check out the Thai Beaded Necklace which is priced at $60, and you can even get a matching bracelet for $40! These were both made by a project for vulnerable girls in Thailand!

So while you're doing your holiday shopping this year, consider a gift from World Vision Gifts You can read the following press release for more information on World Vision Gifts

Giveaway!!

Win a Beaded Necklace!

I was sent a beautiful beaded necklace for this review, its super long and it can be doubled around my neck or wrapped around my wrist for a really cool bracelet! I've gotten lots of complements and since it comes from World Vision Gifts I feel really good about wearing it. and the people over at World Vision Gifts are offering one for you readers!

To win one visit World Vision Gifts and tell me what you'd like to give to someone else. Large or small I just love all the ideas and would love to hear what you readers love out of the World Vision Gift Catalog. Leave a comment below by December 3rd 2011 and I'll pick a winner. Be sure to leave your e-mail address if its not linked up to your comment!

I received a free beaded necklace for this review, all opinions are 100% mine. I did not receive any monetary compensation for this review/

Veteran's day discounts for Military Families!

2011-11-14T21:40:00.001-08:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of DollarGeneral. All opinions are 100% mine.

Its Vetrean's day and we should all be celebrating,

Too often American's forget about the men and women who are fighting for them.

Now wihie I support the effort to bring them home its still important to honor those people, even if we don't believe what they are fighting for, they are still fighting for our freedom and if it weren't for them , we would be in a much worse spot.

Iits also important to remember the families of those troops who are over here missing mommy or daddy. All in all those families truly sacrifice for the rest of us.

That being said I always think its great when a store offers a military discount to Military families and Veterans.

This year from November 11 Dollar Genera is offering a Veterans Day Discount!!

Dollar General will be an in store Discount for Veterans and Active Military Families of 10% off! No coupon needed!

And for the rest of us can also celebrate with the Dollar General's Veteran's Day discount every customer can get a 10% discount online! The deal lasts from November 11-November 13 2011 All you have to do is enter the code VETERANSDAY at checkout!

While your at the website share your support to on the troops by uploading a video like the ones at the link below

http://dollargeneral.com/military

Also available at the Dollar General site are care packages that you can order online to have sent to the troops overseas, packages include shampoo, toothbrushes and other essentials as well as treats! These packages are available with FREE SHIPPING!

Head on over and check out the Dollar General's Veteran's Day discount

As always check out the Dollar General Facebook as well!

The Olive Tap

2011-11-14T13:17:00.000-08:00

I have a confession to make

I've eaten two french baguettes in the last two days....

But its for a review!! I had to, just HAD TO make sure that the amazing Olive Oil and Balsamic vinegar that I was sent from the Olive Tap was a real thing.

Because honestly it tasted like heaven.

When I first opened the package, after I had jumped for joy at the sight of a free sample of tasty oil and vinegar was how thick the balsamic vinegar was in the bottle. Not your everyday cheap-o bottle

I was also sent theTuscan Herb Olive Oil, at first I wasn't sure I would like it, but when added to the balsamic vinegar gifts I really loved the way that it tasted, and hence that is why I ate all the olive oil and vinegar with two loaves of bread..

The Olive tap has some amazing oils and vinegar to try the Sorrento Orange Olive Oil is next on my list.

If you are having a hard time with gift shopping this year, The Olive Tap is a site worth visiting, there is no gift that tops one of yummy food, especially a bottle of olive oil or balsamic vinegar which can turn a night where funds are low, into a gourmet affair.

For a gift that lasts all year long, check out the Olive Taps Sampler Clubs! Where you can sign up to get seasonal pairings of oils and vinegar four times a year! Doing a little holiday shopping for yourself never hurt anybody!

At some great prices, you can't go wrong with The Olive Tap this year!

Head on over to the site and pick up some gift packagesto give to family, friends, or just to have on hand in case someone unexpectedly gets you a gift!

I received a free sample of Tuscan Olive oil and Balsamic Vinegar for this review, All opinions are 100% mine I did not receive any monetary payments for this review.

The Cult of Lego

2011-11-14T12:50:00.000-08:00

I grew up with Legos,

Building with them, throwing them, fighting over them.

But I never thought of enjoying them later in life. Or of doing anything with them besides building farms for my Lego cows.

The Cult of Lego is not a group of nerds who worship the Lego King (although I'm not doubting that such a secret society probably exists)

Its a book by Joe Baichtal and Joe Menoabout the amazing things that people have done with Legos over the years. Projects which far exceed my barn and fences (they were darn nice though)

Everything from Lego Leagues to customized Lego figurines.

Lego Harpsichords and Lego Bible Scenes.

A Lego Costume!

Lego art and my personal favorite, Legos for Autism Therapy!

A fabulous book for any collection, but especially for the dad or granddad who is always enthusiastic about Legos. Maybe for the college student who hasn't quite given up on that box in the basement?

Whoever is the Lego lover in your life, this is a book to share with them, or just read for yourself. You'll find yourself constantly amazed at the masterpieces that people have created with the tiny blocks, as well as the communities that they have built while doing so!

I received a free copy of The Cult of Lego for this review, all opinions are 100% mine I did not receive any monetary compensation for this review.

My Caring Cross

2011-11-13T15:40:00.000-08:00

Sometimes there are people that you try to shop for and there really doesn't seem to be the proper gift to give them. Well I have a suggestion

My Caring Cross supports Christian Families in Bethlehem who make them. They also are wonderful reminders to pray or just a way to show people that we love them.

The crosses are made from Olive Wood, which is an ancient tree, that has been used for everything from anointing oil to a building material.

The crosses make wonderful fundraisers for Church or Youth Groups get the crosses for just $3 plus postage and sell them for $7!

Each cross fits perfectly in the palm of the hand, but its not a tiny cross. It fits into the contours of the hand.

They are also available for wedding gifts! I love this idea because its so much more meaningful then a candle or something that people will just throw out.

I carried the cross around and shared it with a few people that I came into contact with and everybody seemed to really love them. Its a bold and beautiful gesture to give someone such a special gift. Its wonderful for a special occasion, or even more special to someone who needs some comfort.

I like carrying the cross around, I keep it in my car as a reminder to pray throughout my day. I keep it as a reminder that someone is watching me. I keep it as a reminder that I have someone who cares.

As a special deal for Mommypants readers My Caring Cross is offering two crosses shipped anywhere in the U.S. for just $10.00 that's a $2.00 discount!

Click here for the deal!

GIVEAWAY!

My Caring Cross is offering a FREE olive wood caring cross to a Mommypants Reader!

To win!

MANDATORY: Visit My Caring Cross, and tell me one thing you learned about the crosses, by leaving a comment below

extra entry: 'like' my caring cross by visiting their Facebook page

Be sure to leave your e-mail address below if you're email isn't linked up to your comment!

I will pick a winner on December 1st 2011

GOOD LUCK!

I received a free olive wood cross for this review, all opinions are 100% mine I did not receive any monetary compensation for this review.

Gentle, Organic Shampoo for your little one

2011-11-11T18:24:00.000-08:00

When shopping for baby shampoo or any shampoo really, it can be tough to navigate the lists of ingredients, and I'll be honest I don't know what they all are!

Which is probably why the first thing I noticed about the products I was sent from Dolphin Organics was the easy to read list of ingredients, not only does this list in easy to read print which ingredients are in the shampoo, the labels ingredients as organic, natural or artificial, its good to see the last column empty when it involves my child!

I really loved the label, and I would appreciate more companies being so honest in their ingredients!

I was sent the Baby Shampoo and Body Wash as well as the Hair Conditioner the first thing I noticed was the smell, well I guess the better way to put it would be the lack of smell. Instead of some floral scent or essential oil. It smelled like nothing. I like that a lot when it comes to my daughter. Its nice when a product says 'scent free' that its actually free from smells!

Next, I noticed that the shampoo was pretty thin, this worried me at first, I thought 'lame watered down shampoo' But upon reading the back I saw that Water ( or aqua or agua or any other fancy name used to confuse me that its just water in there) Was not on the list. Taking a note from my use of Castile soap, I remembered that sometimes less really is more so I tried a tiny bit on Bella's head.

I was really impressed, it got very sudsy and when I rinsed there was no complaint of soap in the eyes.

The same went for the conditioner, a small amount went a long way and it had my daughter's hair clean, and tangle free,

Dolphin Organics carries some great products sure to please you and make you feel good about what you're using, give it a go!

I received free samples of Dolphin Organics products for this review. All opinions are 100% mine. I did not receive any monetary compensation for this review.

Thugs, Drugs and The War on Bugs

2011-11-11T13:20:00.000-08:00

When I first moved to Northern California I was introduced to all sorts of ideas about health care.

I learned about eastern vs. western medicine, I took Valerian root to ease my anxiety. I started eating whole foods because I learned about the dangers of high fructose corn syrup and hydrogenated oils.

It was when I got pregnant with my daughter that I started to look at western medicine from a new view. I didn't see all the need for interventions and why oh why were there SO many c-sections in New York City? Why did hospitals have higher c-section rates then midwifes and home births.

Thugs, Drugs and the War on Bugs talks about these issues, is healthcare in America really helping us the way that it should?

The book shows a whole new view of the health care system, one from an outside perspective, one that's not a paid advertisement for pharmaceutical and vaccines.

For some reason it seems crazy to me that the 4th leading cause of death in America is properly perscribed medication and that hospitals are the third!

Before you make decisions on your health care read Doctor Brad Case's book, if for nothing else it will give you a perspective that's a bit different and make you think about any health procedures before you decide to take the leap.

I would love to go into my conspiracy theories, about evil hospitals, but there isn't enough time for that. The way that we believe now is the way that we have always been taught, its up to us to get as much information as we can about the realities of our health now if we want to change the future.

Thugs, Drugs and the War on Bugs is the first book in a series by Doctor Brad Case, and includes The 20 Steps to Perfect Health. The book is long and easy to get lost in,

So get informed, check it out!

I received a free copy of Thugs Drugs and the War on Bugs for this review. all opinions are 100% mine. I did not receive any monetary payments for this review.

The No Cry Picky Eater solution

2011-11-10T18:33:00.000-08:00

Do you have a picky eater on your hands?

For some parents its easy, their kids will eat just about anything they see in front of them.

For a long time now I've always put it off to just being good kids, or having parents that are vegetarians...

That was until I read The No Cry Picky Eater Solution by Elizabeth Pantley.

When I first picked up the book I noticed that right away Elizabeth didn't blame me for my child's lack of veggie enthusiasm.

I also noticed that it was FILLED to the brim with tips and tricks for getting your child to try new flavors (or even reintroduce some that weren't so favorable) by using different shapes, sizes and colors.

Elizabeth also gives some great advice on how to transition kids to new foods like adding a bit of a healthy choice to a previous favorite.

In the first part of the book, I appreciated that it helped me decide if my toddler was getting the nutrients in the food that she needed. Of course I could take her to a nutritionalist for this sort of information and if she was having any signs of malnutrition I would have, but for a healthy girl, I just wanted to make sure she was getting everything she needed.

In the last section of the book there are some fun recipes to try at home. The recipes are yummy and appealing to kids, while at the same time being healthy!

If you have a picky eater on your hands don't give up, there is a way to get them to love green veggies just as much as you do (or in my case hopefully more then I do)

The No-Cry Picky Eater Solution is a great book for new parents, or for those who are just struggling to get through dinner without a fight!

Elizabeth also has some other great books so be sure to check out her website!

http://www.pantley.com/elizabeth/

I received a free copy of The No-Cry Picky Eater Solution for this review. I did not recieve any monetary compensation for this review. All opinions are 100%mine

Hot, fresh and.... Gluten Free?....for free

2011-11-08T23:01:00.001-08:00

This post brought to you by Schar. All opinions are 100% mine.

If you have recently discoverd an allergey or intollerance to gluten. i'm going to make an educated guesss that you miss the taste of warm crusty bread fresh from the oven.

Well now the people over at Schar Foods Euroe's leading Gluten-free food brand has re-launched thier sub sandwhich, ciabatta rolls and baugettes! Yes you read that correct thats three products, all bread related

Not only that but the Schar club is offereing a free sample kit to the first 2,000 members to request one!

(your welcome)

Once you sign up , you'll see a colum titled 'tootbox' and under that will be a section that reads 'giveaways' simply click on that link, fill out the form and then wait for your free samples!

Schar club rolls are GMO-free, low fat and a great source of fiber. All you need to do is pull them from the freezer! They are heat and serve so you'll have warm crusty rolls, to go with your favorite diner. I love the idea of being able to have an acctual sandwich at lunch, and from the looks of these breads on the site, I don't think I would even miss the gluten variety!

I'm always confident in foods that come from Europe, the standards of food are quite high over there, i rarely find myself dissappointed when I spend the extra few dollars on european foods. And if there is one thing that I can say for Europe they know how to make some great bread.

Schar club seems like a great program for those who need to choose gluten-free foods. Which one of the gluten-free foods are you most excited to try? I'm excited about the Ciabatta rolls (mmm my fav) Let me know in the comments below which one you want to try!

And do yourself a favor and sign up for the free sample !

Magid Latex Gloves

2011-11-06T05:39:00.000-08:00

My hands are my job. I use them everyday and I put them on other people. So its important that they stay looking good.

The problem that I face as a mama who loves to cook is that I am always having so many dishes (for some reason nobody else in my house knows how to work the sponge)

So I try to use rubber gloves as often as possible to save myself from dry cracked winter hands.

It didn't take long for me to try the Magid Flock-lined yellow latex gloves. The first thing I noticed was how soft they were on the inside, not like regular rubber gloves that can be hard to get on, or even worse to take off!

They worked great and I'm still on my first pair (I've been using the pair for about a week and a half now) They are still in great condition.

The gloves are also very flexible, they allowed me to do all the things that I needed even cleaning small spaces like getting into the corners of Annabella's lunch box containers.

The gloves are also chemical proof so those of you who use bleach or other household cleaning chemicals can appreciate not having your skin peel off while doing so. I could have used these while working with the scary 'purple stuff' I used while doing commercial cleaning.

So get yourself a pair here

For extra soft skin, put on some thick hand cream under the gloves and you'll get a mini moisturizing treatment while you do the dishes (two birds!)

And for only $10.63 you get 12 pair! That's less then $1 a pair!

My only complaint about the gloves is that they could be a little bit longer, I had an overflow while trying to empty the drain. I will note that these are more geared for cleaning with chemicals then dishes. Magid also carries gloves in longer lengths.

All in all I like these gloves, the soft interior is probably my favorite feature. So easy to put on and remove! These gloves are a great deal!

I received a free pack of Magid gloves for this review. All opinions are 100% mine. I did not receive any cash payments for this review.

Puppies vs. Babies

2011-11-05T15:01:00.001-07:00

This post brought to you by Puppies vs. Babies. All opinions are 100% mine.

If you haven't yet heard about the Puppies vs. Babies on Animal Planet you are missing a pretty adorable show.

While I odn't watch it all too often, Annabella is in love with it. Puppies and babies are pretty much her two favorite things (well two of the other twenty things that she labels her 'favorites')

Well the people over at Puppies vs. Babies are having an online contest where one puppy or one baby will be the winner of $5,000! The entries for the Puppies vs. Babies online contest have been selected so now all you have to do is vote! I have my own opinion on the matter.

Personally I think babies are much cuter then puppies for these reasons.

If my baby eats her poop, at least she's eating her poop, not some random poop on the sidewalk

If a baby looks like his parents its cute, if a puppy looks like his owners its weird.
Lets be honest, baby clothes are adorable.
First Words
Puppy Food......yuck
Babies vomit less
Dogs smell
Walking a puppY in the rain greatly reduces the cuteness factor

Who do you think is cuter? Puppies or babies? Leave a comment below and don't forget to vote in the Puppies vs. Babies online contest

WINNER!

2011-11-01T18:47:00.000-07:00

Congrats to Kimberly! The winner of TheTommee Tippee Manual Breast Pump! I'll be sending you an e-mail Kimberly!

Kimberly said...

Our little girl will be here around Thanksgiving. I still need a breast pump because I felt weird adding one to my registry. :)

October 10, 2011 2:14 PM

Homemade for the Holidays

2011-11-01T13:41:00.000-07:00

If you're like me then the idea of shopping around for an impersonal gift to give isn't your style.

I like to give gifts that scream personal, gifts that come from the heart whether they be handmade rice bags for sore muscles or just a massage for those muscles.

I'm always glad to give something that I am proud of to my family and friends.

Gifts from the Kitchen by Annie Rigg is just that book. But it goes beyond the holidays. The book is filled with gifts from the kitchen that fit into any time of the year. Pick a recipe from Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter or Celebrations and your gift will never be out of place.

The book has recipes for all types of cooks, the Chocolate and Cinnamon Swirl Meringues are not only rustic and beautiful, but they are quite simple to make and last for three to four days!

Candied Citrus Peel is elegant and it can be used by the receiver in a variety of ways.

I'm looking forward to bringing some Summer Berry Vodka to the hostess of my next summer BBQ (and keeping one in my refrigerator to impress guests. Since it lasts up to two months, I can cover the whole summer with two batches!

A great gift for that man if your life who loves nothing but meat, hook him up with some Pork Rillettes, tender pork belly, shredded and packed into jars, wonderful with some hearty bread and Pickled Vegetables!

Bring your garden to friends who might not have one with Slow Roasted Tomatoes

And what better way to show your significant other you love him then by making him a box of Chocolate Valentine's Cakes.

Gifts from the Kitchen is a book that every homemade mama needs, especially if you are the type that likes to impress, or just bring a smile to someone's face!

I received a free copy of Gifts from the Kitchen for this review. I did not receive any cash payments for this review. All opinions are 100% mine

Packit Lunch Boxes

2011-10-31T17:01:00.001-07:00

This post brought to you by PackIt. All opinions are 100% mine.

Do you find that the ice packs in your husband or child's lunch box seem to disappear? Or do they just not seem to last long enough?

Now there is a lunch box that lasts up to five times as long as the average ice gel pack. With PackIt lunch boxes, instead of having to keep track of an extra piece of lunch box to school or work. The lunch box IS your gel cooler!

The pack it folds up to fit easily in your freezer! But its big enough to hold a lunch that will keep you and your loved ones full.

Soft coolers like this are great for bringing to school or to lunch because not only can kids have whats leftover from lunch for a snack after school. They can fold up the box and fit it easily into a backpack, that way they don't have to carry a backpack as well as a lunchbox at the same time!

The PackIt lunch boxes is having a special sale right now of buy one get one free for only $19.95!

At that rate why not buy a few extra for bringing to the beach or ballpark this summer? Even using these to carry some cookies or candy to grandma's house in the winter so it won't melt in a warm car.

The uses for these bags are endless but starting with them being great for school and work lunches!

Such a great idea for a lunch box, and it was created by a group of single moms!

Let me know in the comments what you would use a pack-it for! Why would it beat a regular lunch box?

300 Best Potato Recipes!

2011-10-30T20:18:00.000-07:00

Potatoes.

When my mother was a child, my Nana took her too the doctor fearing that she had an unhealthy dislike for mashed potatoes. Surly her daughter would have some sort of problem without eating them. But my Nana didn't have to worry, the doctor told her my mother would be fine, and that she should just feed her pasta....

I'm Irish, so I'm pretty sure its a DNA thing.

So when I'm offered a book with The 300 Best Potato Recipes compiled by Kathleen Sloan-McIntosh, I could hardly contain myself (hello that means I only have to figure out 65 other recipes for the whole year)

I love potatoes, they are healthy, there are so many different kinds and since reading this book I have learned more information about potatoes then I even knew that there was!

First I learned about all the different kinds of potatoes! And yes there are LOTS of types of potatoes out there!

The collection of Potato Soup recipes were a great way to great the chilly winter. Thinking about trying the

Creamy Potato and Four Onion Soup
Potato and Leek Soup

Can't wait to try out a few of these appetizers with my local mother's group

Spiced Potato Ribbons
Sweet Potato-Crusted Shrimp (okay dinner tomorrow)
Sweet Potato Hush Puppies

These light meals are great lunches to bring to work

Potato Gnocchi with Gorgonzola Cream
Herb and Garlic Roasted Mini Potatoes with Penne (two starches hallelujah)
Pan Haggerty (Irish roots run deep)

Side dishes are classic for potatoes, and these dishes bring no disappointments. Its easy to return to the same old 'mashed' or 'baked' varieties. These bring a whole new life to your meal. These are wonderful ways to bring some different flavors to a basic roast chicken and veggies! Why not add some pizzazz to your meal with your sides! And keep the meat healthy and simple!

Pommes Boulanerie
Souffle Wafer Potatoes
Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Apple Crisp Topping

What about main dishes? Yes you can cook potatoes with a few other ingredients and have a hearty filling meal that the entire family enjoys!

Lamb Shoulder with Potatoes and Tomatoes
Crisp Potato-Wrapped Halibut (I tried something similar at a fancy Italian Restaurant once)
Cottage Pie for Mac
Short Ribs of Beef with Soaked Spuds

Lastly I'm going to leave you with desserts, yes even potato desserts. I've always believed that potatoes were an amazing food and this book makes me smile every-time I open it!

Sweet Potato Pound Cake with Sweet Potato Ice Cream!
Dark Chocolate and Orange Potato Cheesecake
Spice and Maple Sweet Potato Cookies (wow them at Thanksgiving)

This book will answer all of your potato questions and give you ideas that are new and exciting for everyday. Its inspired me to try growing a hundred pounds of potatoes in a wine barrel like these people here

http://greenupgrader.com/11708/4-simple-steps-to-grow-a-hundred-pounds-of-potatoes-in-a-barrel/

I wonder how many of these recipes I can make with a hundred pounds??

Get your own copy and eat potatoes everyday!

I received a free copy of The 300 Best Potato Recipes for this review, all opinions are 100% mine. I did not receive any cash payment for this review.

Lisa Loeb Silly Sing Alongs

2011-10-30T19:48:00.000-07:00

Do you remember Lisa Loeb?

Okay so at first I didn't remember who she was either, but then I Googled her an I was brought back to high school and singing 'stay' into my mirror.

Fast forward ten years, and here we are in the present, the memory of Lisa Loeb is a distant one.

Till we were sent 'The Disappointing Pancake' Its wonderful! Not only is it a kids book, it comes with a CD as well as choreography and activities to do with each song!

As a parent who isn't always up to date with the latest hand games or what the kids are doing at daycare. The Disappointing Pancake is a fun book for everyone.

I love the idea of bringing this book to a birthday party or get together for some new silliness!

If you didn't like Lisa Loeb in the past, don't let that hold you back. This book, will have all entertained!

I received a free copy of The Disappointing Pancake for this review, all opinions are 100% mine. I did not receive any cash payment for this review.

Bamboo Bottles!

2011-10-30T19:32:00.000-07:00

Its not often that I get a product and EVERYBODY asks me about it.

Maybe its the green attitude of the area.

Maybe its that this product is just plain cool.

Lets face it, buying water in a plastic bottle is wasteful. I'm not going to be a hater, I know its convenient and easy. But when its only 50 cents for a gallon at Whole Foods, its a bit pointless to spend 1.99 on a liter bottle.

So when I was first approached by the Bamboo Bottle Company, it was an easy choice for me to agree to share it with you readers

This is the most innovative reusable water bottle that I have yet used, sustainable, reusable and safe!

In the past, my choice has always been stainless steel, one cup for my hot beverages in the morning and one bottle for my water. But its a pain carrying around two cups, not to mention lugging them both into school and both out.

The bottle is glass on the inside, with a bamboo cover that slips over it to make it easy to clean!

This bottle has gotten me so many compliments, and I have used it every day since I got it.

BPA free, so its great for daily use and you can even let your kids drink out if it!

I love the glass because it doesn't hold the flavor that sometimes I feel that Stainless Steel will sometimes keep the flavor of coffee long after I have cleaned out my bottle

The bottles retail for just $25, and are available on the Bamboo Bottle Co website as well as local retailers which can be found here

http://www.bamboobottleco.com/retailers/

I received a free Bamboo Bottle for this review, all opinions are 100% mine. I did not receive any cash payment for this review.

Jeopardy

2011-10-28T18:20:00.000-07:00

Content by Kyle Lowe

Sometimes, while we’re eating dinner in front of the TV (uh, not that we do that all the time or anything), my husband and I will watch Jeopardy. This is a really bad idea, for a multitude of reasons. Reason one—my husband and I are fiercely competitive. And by 'fiercely competitive,' I mean that a game of Jenga is likely to turn into a full-on divorce discussion. It is bad. Our friends won’t come over for Game Night anymore, and I don’t blame them. Reason two—Jeopardy makes me feel really, really dumb. Alex Trebeck doesn’t help matters any. He’s so smug. Yeah, Alex, it is really difficult to know the correct answer when you are holding a card with the correct answer on it. Sorry, I digress. Anyway. Back to Jeopardy making me feel dumb. Have you seen the week where they will showcase college students? And you assume the questions will be easier? I can’t answer half of them. The other day I was checking out the Guide on my expertsatellite.com and I saw that the Jeopardy that week was a High School edition. Finally! I most definitely know more than kids in high school! Right? No. Friends, it was ugly. I mean really ugly. I had a good handle on most of the $100-$200 questions. Once we got past that, I felt like I lacked basic brain fuction. I’ve since banned Jeopardy in my house. I feel dumb enough as it is.

2011-10-26T19:58:00.000-07:00

NEW ORGANIC CEREAL REPORT EXPOSES BEAR NAKED AND OTHER BIG BRANDS FOR UNETHICAL MARKETING OF ORGANIC & “NATURAL”

GrandyOats is Highlighted as an Organic Integrity Leader

Brownfield, Maine (October 25, 2011) – A shocking new report by the Cornucopia Institute, entitled Cereal Crimes: How “Natural” Claims Deceive Consumers and Undermine the Organic Label, exposes Bear Naked, Barbara's, Back to Nature, Annie's Homegrown and many other popular cereal brands that intentionally blur the lines between organic and natural. To most consumers, petrochemical solvents, toxic pesticides, sewage sludge, genetically engineered ingredients and fumigants are never considered “natural.” Yet many cereal companies use these ingredients and routinely label their foods as “natural.”

“Support for healthy organic food and sustainable farming is at the core of our mission at GrandyOats,” says Aaron Anker, Chief Granola Officer. “We are shocked at the extent to which many cereal companies are misleading consumers with false and distorted ‘natural’ claims.” Anker also noted that not only does this unscrupulous behavior hurt the integrity of the entire organic foods movement, it creates an unfair playing field for upstanding organic brands recognized as such in the report, including GrandyOats. Below are examples in the report, for more visit: http://www.cornucopia.org/2011/10/natural-vs-organic-cereal/.

Most companies do not share detailed standards for “natural” foods with the public. Kashi® and Bear Naked®, for example, both owned by Kellogg Company, would likely be uncomfortable sharing with their customers that their “natural” foods may contain hexane-extracted and genetically engineered soy ingredients. On August 31, 2011, a class action lawsuit was filed against Kellogg/Kashi® for allegedly misleading consumers with its “natural” claims.

Some companies that started out organic, and built consumer loyalty as organic brands, have switched to non-organic “natural” ingredients and labeling. Peace Cereal® is an example of “bait-and switch.” In 2008, Peace Cereal®, switched from organic to cheaper conventional ingredients, without lowering its prices accordingly.

A Boston-area Whole Foods store carried 18 brands of packaged granola in the spring of 2011. While one would expect that the least expensive granola products would be conventional and the most expensive would be organic, that was not the case. The least expensive is the Whole Foods private label (365 Organic) organic granola, at $0.26 per ounce.

GrandyOats, a relatively small, 100% organic, independent company in Maine, offers its organic granola at lower prices than agribusiness giant Kellogg Company’s Bear Naked® conventional granola.

After extensive testing, numerous “natural” products were indeed contaminated with high levels of GE ingredients, sometimes as high as 100%, such as: Kashi® GoLean®, Mother’s® Bumpers®, Nutritious Living® Hi-Lo®, and General Mills Kix®.

This is only part of a report, for the full report please visit http://cornucopia.org/cereal-scorecard/docs/Cornucopia_Cereal_Report.pdf

This report was compiled by The Cornucopia Institue

Find the Cheapest Prices on Toys!

2011-10-26T19:31:00.000-07:00

Its almost time for Christmas Shopping

(sorry)

And since I tend to stay in the Christmas spirit till ohh about December, I have decided this year to get all my Christmas shopping out of the way early this year!

For the most part I try to shop local but I have to say that because in past years I have been disappointed with a few local toy stores and their return policies on toys with slight tears in the boxes,and because Toys-R-Us is hardly what I consider local... I have decided to do a portion of it online.

Shopping online however can be time consuming and frustrating especially if you are looking for the best deals, nothing sucks worse then finding a better deal a few minutes after you already purchased the item!

So for Kids Games this year I'm trying out Comparison Shopper, the site has everything from Melissa and Doug toys to Stuffed animals, to action figures!

Simply click on the toy that you're looking at and then see prices for the toy! It even lets you know which sites charge shipping and handling, which sites have return policies and more information that you want to know, without having to open up six separate tabs in your browser!

So save time, money, and frustrations by giving Comparison Shopper a try!

This is a paid advertisemsent for Comparison Shopper. All opinions are 100% mine

Holiday Cookies like a Pro!

2011-10-26T18:42:00.000-07:00

Do you see those cookies?

I know what you're thinking, you're thinking that I spent a bunch of my hard earned money on some fancy bakery cookies.

Well if you think that you would be incorrect (sorry I got ya)

In The Biscuiteers Book of Iced cookies you'll learn how to not only decorate beautiful cookies, but how to bake them and make icing that actually dries hard!

I have been trying for years to make cookies that were worthy of going on a plate for display, and now I've finally figured out how to do it! I was so happy with the way these cookies turned out and not only do they look beautiful but they taste amazing!

The Biscuiteers Book of Iced Cookies also features some delicous cookies to roll, cut and decorate. Most of them quite creative and types of cookies I had never thought of, I had no idea that people decorated cookies besides sugar and gingerbread!

I made the Almond cookies, which are made with almond meal. They were surprisingly easy to roll out and cut. The dough didn't seem to stick as much! I will note that I did get some amazing tips from the authors Harriet Hastings and Sarah Moore, the book has chapters on preparing, and rolling out dough as well as chapters on how to prepare the perfect royal icing!

The rest of the book is amazing ideas for cookies to make, as well as templates so that you can make them yourself! Then follow the step-by-step icing instructions to create cookies that are fit to be sent for gifts or just out on display!

If you want to impress the family, or just yourself grab this book and you'll be icing perfect cookies in no time!

I received a free copy of The Biscuiteers Book of Iced Cookies for this review. I did not receive any cash payments for my review. All opinions are 100% mine.

Classic song turned children's book

2011-10-26T18:18:00.000-07:00

If you're a fan of Bob Dylan (or just music in general) You have no doubt heard his song Blowin' In the Wind.

Now the words to the song come to life in a beautifully illustrated children's book.

The book Blowin' In the Wind was illustrated by Jon J Muth.

Jon brings the story to life the way in the way that he though about it as a child. Follow a paper airplane through the story, as a child Jon imagined that the 'answer' was written on this airplane, blowing in the wind.

The illustrations are whimsical, and the book is timeless. It even comes with a copy of Bob Dylan's original recording of Blowin' In the Wind which everyone in the family has enjoyed listening too.

This book also makes a great coffee table book. I have been leaving it out on the coffee table and everyone seems to really enjoy Jon J Muth's depiction of the song!

The book is wonderful, and Annabella has loved looking at all the pictures and following along to the cd. I'm glad to be able to introduce her to such a wonderful artist at such a young age!

Bake Sale Success

2011-10-26T16:44:00.000-07:00

Does the thought of baking for a bake sale seem a bit intimidating? Do you just not have the time or the creativity to produce much more the chocolate chip or snicker doodles?

Well now there is a way to impress them all!

"The Ultimate Cake Mix Cookie Book' by the Camilla V . Saulsbury, who also happens to be the winner of The Food Network's Ultimate Recipe Showdown is a collection of over 375 cookie recipes made with good old cake mix!

I'll admit that at first I was a bit weary about this book, I thought that it would be repetitive. But as usual with cookie books I was amazed at all the options I had! Not only were there your basic drop cookies but Rolled cookies and even filled cookies, many sounding good enough to be found in a fancy bakery!

Here are a few examples

Bittersweet Chocolate Blackout Cookies

Pineapple Softies

Fresh Raspberry Blondies

Maple Pecan Gooey Bars

Cranberry Streusel Bars

Mocha-Hazelnut Sandwich Cookies!

The best part about all these cookies is that they are so simple to make. You don't have to worry about weighing the perfect amount of flour because its already weighed for you! All that's necessary is a few extra ingredients and steps and that box of devils food cake is now a delicious batch of cookies!

The next thing I worried about as I looked at the recipes, was how I was going to make all these without using a hydrogenated cake mix? I had steered away from them in the past because they are almost always high-fructose or hydrogenated.

That was till I looked in the baking section of my local Whole Foods! They had a whole array of cake mixes and just my luck they were on sale!! I bought up a few boxes because I have a feeling that in the next few weeks I'll be cooking up more batches of these cookies! With so may to try I could make a cookie every day of the year and still not finish the book..

I received a free copy of The Ultimate Cake Mix Cookie Book for this review. I did not receive any cash payments for this review. All opinions are 100% mine.

Real Mom's LOVE to eat!

2011-10-26T13:43:00.000-07:00

Are you a foodie mom?

Do you think that grocery shopping is just about the best thing ever?

Does the local Italian Restaurant see you often for appetizers and a glass of Chianti when you get out of work early?

Well then let me introduce you to the book 'Real Mom's Love to Eat' Its a practical approcach to learning how to gradually eat whole foods, and get into a healthier diet rather then forcing yourself to stick to harsh diets that just don't fit into your lifestyle, or diets where the food is just plain awful!

The book has a plan for healthy eating, that allows you to learn about food and how it effects your body. It helps you lose weight in a healthy and sustainable maner rather then just being another fad diet where we max out on protein or eliminate carbohydrates (I mean seriously how long can someone go without a baguette?

You can also sign up to be a food affairiate where you'll have the opportunity to tell other people about this wonderful book, and a chance to win great prizes!

For more information about 'Real Moms Love to Eat' you can visit the website at

http://www.realmomslovetoeat.com

“I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Beth Aldrich - Real Moms Love to Eat blogging program, for a chance to get 3,000 My SocialMoms Rewards points. For more information on how you can participate,click here

What's Your Sodium Style?

2011-10-25T15:01:00.001-07:00

This post brought to you by Sunkist S’alternative. All opinions are 100% mine.

Take the Sunkist Sodium Quiz and find out if you could do with a bit less salt in your life. Salt is hidden in places that you least expect it, but with a careful eye to labels and smart choices, its easy to lower the amount of salt that you put in your body!

Sunkist S’alternative is derived from lemons, and is used in place of salt to flavor your dishes. Its a sodium-free alternative that uses the flavor of fresh squeezed lemons to make your food taste great, lower sodium intake and increase potassium intake!

Lemons add great flavor to food, I use them all the time, but it can become a bit time consuming to be squeezing lemons for added flaovr into most of my dishes. its wonderful to have something that I can keep on the counter to add a quick bit of flavor to my dishes.

You can take the Sunkist Sodium Quiz and see if you're up on your sodium knowledge then you can visit the Sunkist S’alternative website to see how else to lower the Sodium that you and your familiy is eating these days!

Here are some great tips that I learned form Sunkist

Avoid Turkey Rolls or Pre-cooked poultry and deli meats which contain higher sodium content then fresh cooked

Check the sodium levels of your drinking water with the local Health Department! If you or someone if your famliy is on a Sodium restricted diet; do not drink the water if it has been treated with a water-softening agent (I had no idea about this one, good tip!)

Check out this great recipe for Paella! Made with Sunkist Lemons!

Lemon Seafood Paella

1-32 oz can low sodium vegetable broth
1 cup dry white wine
1 teaspoon saffron threads
1lb of firm, fresh, pieces of whitefish such as tilapia, bass, halibut and swoardfish, cut int o16-21 pieces
1lb or 16-21 mussels, cleaned and de-bearded
1lb or 16-21 medium sized clams, rinsed
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
3 Sunkist lemons, zest and juice
3 Tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 cups minced onion
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon crused red pepper
3 cups uncooked short-grain rices such as Valencian, Arborio, or Calrose
1 cup frozen green peas
1-8oz jar of sliced, roasted red peppers

Instructions (makes 8 servings)

To prepare broth, combine all the ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer (do not boil). Keep warm over low heat
To prepare paella, heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large paella pan or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add fish pieces to pan and saute 1 minute. Remover fish from pan, reserve and keep warm. Add onion to pan and saute 5 minutes. Add the lemon zest, garlic and crusehd red pepper and cook 5 minutes. Add rice and cook 1 minute longer, stirring constantly. Stir in broth bring to a low boil and cook 10 minutes stirring frequently,
Stir in the peas and red pepper slices. Add mussels and clams to pan, nestling them into rice mixture. Cook 5 minutes or until shells open. Discard any unopened shells. Stir in the reserved fish and chopped parsley and cook 5 minutes. Remove from the heat, stir in lemon juice and check for seasoning. Cocer with a towel and let stand 5 minutes before stirring

Cupping

2011-10-21T17:10:00.001-07:00

Got my first cupping session today, it was way cool!

Don't know how long the whole 'attacked by a giant squid' look lasts for but I have to admit I'm kind of digging it

Great Deal from GloCrazy!

2011-10-17T20:37:00.000-07:00

If you weren't around for my post on the GloCrazy Distance Doodler then you really must check it out!

Its a revolutionary new toy that lets your kids (or you) create glowing creations over and over again on special paper that you can hang on the wall, or anywhere you feel like it!

This would be an awesome idea for a haunted house, creepy wall that writes on itself! Since you can stand up to ten feet away with the GloCrazy wand you'll be spooking the guests all night!

This weekend GloCrazy has a great offer going on, if you purchase the GloCrazy distance doodler from Wal-mart, Toys-R-Us, or another local retailer, they will send you a FREE Glow Glove! The kit comes with everything you need to get started, so you'll be able to have hours of fun and then when you get your Glow Glove, introduce more fun ways to enjoy glowing!!

Head on over to you're local retailer this weekend to grab yourself this deal, its only good for October 22 and 23 of 2011 so don't miss it! You can grab the form for the free glove
here

If you need more info about GloCrazy check out my post or head on over to the website at

https://www.glowcrazy.com/

150 Best Slow Cooker Recipes

2011-10-15T14:15:00.000-07:00

I just started massage therapy school in September, and to say that I've been getting behind on work and my house is a bit of an understatement.

My slow cooker was something that was rarely used around here, aside from pulled pork and beef stew, there wasn't too much I knew how to create in the slow cooker. I had thought that slow cooker meals for the most part.... boring

Well that was until I received the 150 Best Slow Cooker Recipes not only has it given my once dusty slow cooker a new outlook on life. But it has saved me hours of valuable time in the kitchen and provided for some delicious meals in the process.

Here's how I do it, I pick a few recipes in the book, hopefully with a few of the same veggies so I don't have to go to the store too often. I pick a recipe the night before school and then fill up my slow cooker with the ingredients, stick it in the refrigerator and then in the morning wake up, put the slow cooker bowl back into the heater, and turn it on.

By the time I'm home from school in the afternoon, my home smells like whatever amazing ingredients I've used and I have a home cooked meal made with fresh ingredients that I can feed to my daughter! And only a few dishes to clean up!

So I know that you are fishing for some sample recipes that I've tried out so lets indulge:

Chicken 'n' Dumplings
Short Ribs Braised in Spicy Black Bean Sauce
Spanish Style Fish Stew
Slow Cooked Polenta
Crunchy Almond Creme Caramel (made with potatoes)

So there are a few of the recipes that I tried, no complaints with any!

For just 24.95 this book is hard to pass up!

I recievd a free copy of "150 Best Slow Cooker Recipes" for this review. All opinions are 100% mine. I did not receive any cash payments for this review.

Keep your kid Curious!

2011-10-15T13:46:00.000-07:00

If you have a child like mine, than animals are big in your household. We love cats, monkeys, horses, donkey's pretty anything that isn't human.

When I opened up Curious Critters by David Fitzsimmons, bella-boo's reaction was expected.

"you got me my ANIMAL book mommy?!"

While I haven't actually got a chance to read the book to her yet, she has read it to me about four times a day, The pictures in the book are beautiful, big and true to life.

Now I did get a chance to look through the book myself and I think that if Bella-boo could get over the pictures, I think she would really like meeting all these animals. The Ohio Crayfish has a bit of an attitude, while the Eastern Screech Owl is a bit sleepy from hunting all night.

This group of eccentric critters will get you're little one excited about animals (that is if they aren't already) While teaching them their habits and other facts.

And for those mamas who aren't too fond of creepy crawlies and flying rodents. Don't fear they're trapped on the pages of this book and they even look kind of cute.

This book will entertain kids for a long time, its a book they can grow with.

To find more about Curious Critters be sure to check out the website at
http://www.curious-critters.com/

I received a free copy of "Curious Critters" for this review. All opinions are 100% mine I did not receive any cash payments for this review.

Get your baby to sleep... and a giveaway.

2011-10-12T18:00:00.000-07:00

Sleep can be a hectic time, while it should be a time to relax and calm down so our babies can calm down and sleep, it can so often turn into a fight where everyone is overtired and stressed out.

I struggled for a long time with putting my little one to sleep, I think our biggest problem was a lack of bedtime routine. I know, that everybody says that, but it doesn't have to be a complicated, bath, book, song, type thing.

As a mother in school; most nights I don't have the time to do all of that, I need to study, cook diner, and clean. I don't need to add cleaning a bathroom full of water to that list!

So my best tip for getting a baby to sleep is picking something simple! That you really have time to do each night, for us its just reading a book, we have a select few books that are relatively short, calm, and repetative so that Annabella can get involved in reading them. Its important that they be nice calm books rather then books about monsters or silly animals. This tends to make them silly, so I try to avoid books like that. The classic Goodnight Moon is always a good choice. My mother bought Annabella a book called I Love You More by Liza Baker, and we read that almost every night. Its a nice way for both of us to go to sleep.

If you have child who has a cold, you might face some serious sleep troubles. Especially if you're child is still nursing. It can be very difficult for them to breath and eat at the same time, and sometimes this can get frustrating for a little one.

Maty's Baby Chest rub is an all natural chest rub designed to clear up congestion in infants as young as 3 months old!

With Eucalyptus, Menthol and Chamomile it not only clears it calms. Its Menthol and Petroleum free! A great choice for those nights and days when the nasal aspirator just isn't cutting it.

You can find Maty's at these retailers.

Or you could win one!

Maty's is offering one Mommypant's reader a sample of their all natural Baby Chest Rub!

To Win!

You must 'like' Maty's on Facebook and 'follow' Maty's on twitter

then

Share your best tip to get baby to sleep in the comments below!! Be sure to leave you're email address if it isn't linked to you're google reader picture!

Winner will be chosen on October 31 2011 at random!

Also be sure to 'like' Maty's on Facebook to enter the 'Sleep like a baby' photo contest for a chance to win the entire line of Maty's products plus 35% off your next purchase or one of 2 other prizes! For official rules and prize eligibility check out the Maty's Facebook Page

I received a free sample of Maty's Baby-Chest Rub for this review, all opinions are my own. I did not receive any cash payments for this review

Tweet

Every Man Jack

2011-10-11T13:49:00.000-07:00

If you are lucky enough to have a hard working man in your life, you no doubt are familiar with the 'essence' that sometimes can surround them after a hard day's work.

In the past I would buy him Old Spice, I mean, it smells like a grandpa, its cheap.. and lets be honest it works on even the strongest sti---errr 'essence'

But the ingredients are less then acceptable on conventional aftershaves and colognes for men. It seems (or at least to me anyways) that if men care about how they smell, for the most part they have to forego body washes and shave creams that are also good for the environment unless they want to spend a fortune (and we don't)

I was more then excited to receive a sample of Every Man Jack to try out with my daughter's father. I finally don't have to feel guilty that he's the only person in the family without a natural beauty regime.

First of all let me talk about the scents, soo manly..

They smell the way a man should smell, take the cedar-wood scent for example, its so deep and herbal, with hints of rosemary and sage. I LOVE this smell, I have been caught a few times nose to the bottle of body wash.. ahh

I like how the body bars are designed to also to massage while you scrub.

The body wash also went over better then expected, I bought a long handled scrub brush and I must say that the Daddy in the house has been scrubbing away and taking much longer in the shower then normal, and smelling Oh so good.

There is even a men's face lotion, which I still haven't really gotten Daddy to use daily, I think the concept is a bit new for him, but I tried out the lotion and really liked it, it was light so it didn't seem like it would clog pores (which can lead to bumps)

There is even a 15 SPF lip balm designed for men.

If you have decided to green you're husband's routine, Every Man Jack is the way to go, not only is it good for everybody involved but its AFFORDABLE! Prices range from $6-$8 and you can find it at Target, While Foods, Bed Bath and Beyond and other retailers, check out this page

http://everymanjack.com/pages/Retailers.html

for more places to get Every Man Jack

I received a selection of Every Man Jack products for this review, all opinions are 100% mine I did not receive any cash payment for this review.

I won!

2011-10-10T19:51:00.000-07:00

I just won an AMAZING prize from Sonoma Bento, check out her blog at

http://sonomabento.blogspot.com/

for some awesome bento lunches!

Sante Nuts

2011-10-09T14:02:00.000-07:00

Lots of brands claim to be the 'best', but its rare that I find a nut that blows the others out of the water. A nut is (for the most part) a nut, and since I tend to stick to organic, and natural brands. I find that I don't usually find one that is mind-blowingly better then another....all that has changed

After one bite of the Sante Roasted Salted Pecans, I was hooked. I actually said; out loud "Wow" they were that good. Not only were they crunchy, they tasted fresh, like someone had just grabbed them out of the oven, and handed me the bag.

Curious if others would have the same reaction I brought the Candied Walnuts to class with me the next day (I sure wasn't going to bring the candied pecans with me I was saving those for last) I wasn't surprised when my classmates had the same 'Wow' reaction! They were super curious "where did you get them?" "how much" I directed them to the Sante Nuts website, so they could get some!

I tried the Garlic Almonds with Annabella's dad, the flavor was a surprise, sweet and spicy at the same time! Great to serve at a football game.

Last I tried the Candied Pecans... alone. As I had assumed after the other flavors, they were pretty much the best nuts ever. They evoked memories of candied nuts that my grandfather made and sent home with my father in the winter. I'm hooked!

The nuts were developed by Sara Tidar in her kitchen, with techniques learned from her Grandmother, Sarah has come up with an amazing product, I bet her grandmother is proud!

Also you'll find a bunch of great recipe for the nuts here!

To try them for yourself (and I highly suggest that you do) Prices range from $4.99 to $5.29 for a 4 oz bag.

Go to www.santenuts.com

Don't forget to enter the Coupon to receive 25% off your order!

(Good through December 16, 2011)

Coupon

2011-Blog-021

Just enter that code during checkout!

I received a free sample of Sante Nuts for this review. All opinions are 100% mine. I did not receive any cash payments for this review.

much more then "One Sweet Cookie"

2011-10-09T07:56:00.001-07:00

Fall is here! Which means that we need some sweet stuff to go with all that warm cider and hot chocolate that's in our mugs.

"One Sweet Cookie" is a collection of recipes amazing New York chefs including Lidia Bastianich, Jaques Torres and Mario Batali! It was compiled by Tracey Zabar a jewelry designer and author. The photographs of the cookies by Ellen Silverman are elegant and make you want to try every one you see.

This book has some delicious recipes! Including (as you can see from the cover) a recipe for Whoopie Pies! I haven't made them yet, because I haven't had the time with school, and these cookies take a bit more time then I've had available.

But I did try the 'Cowboy Cookies' from Mario Batali, and I think they may be my new favorite cookie.

I also made the Almond Kipferl a recipe from Kurt Gutenbrunner. They were very simple to make and I had all of the ingredients in my house!

Look at them;

They're made with ground almonds so they have a really nice taste and crunch to them!

My other taste tester agreed

This is a great book to prepare for cookie swaps and Christmas parties! You'll impress them with Lemon Poppy Seed Linzers and Pumpkin Maple Walnut Cookies. With a book like this you'll be able to share (or not share) some of the best cookie recipes in New York with your family.

I can't wait to send a tin of these to school with Annabella for her teachers, they'll love a change from the usual sugar cookies!

The book retails for $30

Rizzoli New York, 2011.

I received a free copy of "One Sweet Cookie" for this review, all opinions are 100% mine. I did not receive any cash payment for this review

Sweet tights to liven up your outfit!

2011-10-08T15:44:00.000-07:00

Winter is here, that means its time for tights again. While some women dread this time of year, I find myself looking forward to this time of year. I like fun tights, and I love thick tights with sweater dresses and boots, its cozy and it looks adorable!

If you haven't yet heard of Sculptz tights, you're about to. Its a line of Silkies tights that are made with shape panels to help get you looking you're best under that dress! Not only are they high quality tights with adorable prints, but they have special shaping panels that help to get you're body looking great under that dress! Designed to slim you're hips and thighs, lift your rear and flatten your tummy these make tights a must have.

The first thing I noticed about the tights were how thick they were, I come from a time when runs in your stockings were cool (at least I thought they were.... they really were never cool) But the Silkies tights were nice and thick, they were made very well and actually stayed without a run for my ENTIRE day! This was pretty much impossible for me till these tights came along.

The other great feature of the tights was the tummy panel, I love wearing figure hugging dresses, because I'm pretty thin, but even my skinny belly can get a bit of a 'pot' as we like to call it. And there is nothing more unflattering then having a bulge in the front of you're skin tight dress....

I loved the designs of the tights too. I was sent two pairs of the tights the Paisley Shaping Tights

Go to the site for a close up, these tights are SO detailed! I loved wearing them not only because they called attention to my legs......who doesn't love that, but also because when I was bored.... I could enjoy the psychedelic paisley on my legs......

I was also sent the Animal-Print shaping tights, just in time for Halloween! Although I've broken them out twice already, in case you haven't noticed, animal print is HUGE this year! Its being worn by almost every celebrity, and it looks great on everyone. If you're not brave enough to go all out leopard or zebra, these tights are a FANTASTIC way to bring the animal trend to the everyday wardrobe.

I think that these tights are brilliant, they almost remind me of a fishnet but smaller holes (go to the site so that you can get a super closeup of them) They would be fantastic to wear to the office or out to diner.

The Animal-Print and the Paisley Tights retail for just $15 a pair!

Silkies offers some great tights other then these two styles, the Cashmere Tights would be a perfect addition to a fall wardrobe, warm and cozy. They're only $35 a pair! They also have footless, and toe-less tights for those of us who like to let our toes peek.

Head on over to Silkies and check out all the great styles, designs and deals they have to offer!

I received two free pairs of Sculptz by Silkies tights for this review. All opinions are 100% mine. I did not receive any cash payments for this review.

Giveaway! Tommee Tippee Breast Pump!!

2011-10-08T14:45:00.000-07:00

Do you or someone you know need a breast pump?

Well I'm giving away a Tommee Tippee Breast Pump System

I got it from a post that a I wrote but since I don't see myself using it in the next few years, I'm offering it to one of you lovely Mommypants readers!

Check out the kit here at

http://www.tommeetippee.us/ctn/522664.html

The Kit includes:

1 manual breast pump

1 spare valve

1 5oz feeding bottle with slow flow nipple and protection lid

2 protection pods (put them on top of the bottle to store milk)

6 breast pads

1 steri-box, (to sterilize equipment) that doubles as a carry case!

The whole system retails for $46.99 at Babies R Us!

Its BPA free so you can be sure you're little one is safe!

To Enter

1. Just leave a comment with you're name and email address (unless your address is already attached to you're icon)

I'll pick a winner on November 1st 2011.

Hill's Healthy Mobility Challenge!

2011-10-08T01:02:00.001-07:00

This post brought to you by Hills Pet Nutrition. All opinions are 100% mine.

Do you have a beloved old dog in your life who is feeling stiff lately? Wouldn't you love to see him feeling a bit better, and closer to his usual self?

Then I call your attention to the Hill's Healthy Mobility Challenge. You're chance to be one of 30 people who will win a years worth of Free Pet food! Now that's a good deal!

Visit the Hills Healthy Mobility Challenge website

All you have to do is register and you'll automatically be entered to win a year's worth of Free Pet food. And you'll get $30 in coupon offers for Hill's Products! There is no purchase necessary to win so its worth registering! Hills' has some great dog foods so they're worth giving a try, especially with the deals that the coupons are offering!

While you're there check out Hill's Pet Nutrition and find out about Hill's Pet foods and why they're a great choice for your animals.

Check out the video gallery on the contest page to see stories of how Hill's has helped other pets get their mobility back! Then after you've tried Hill's pet food visit the site and upload a video of how you're dog has improved! You'll feel great knowing that other owners have had great results with their pets!

So head over and grab those $30 in Hill's Healthy Mobility Coupon offers, and let your dog give them a try!

For more information about Hill's Pet Food check them out on Hill's Pet Nutrition on Facebook

Good Morning face care!

2011-10-07T14:01:00.001-07:00

When I wake up in the morning I need something refreshing.

I wash my face and then use toner, the new "Jason C-Effects Pure Natural toner" is a great way to start to day. Smelling like fresh oranges, and cleaning out pores, its skin care and a wake up call packed in one.

The Jason Line actually comes highly recommended to me, I was told about it about two years ago by a esthetician at a spa that I went to. The esthetician told me that I needed more then just soap and water to clean my face. That my face needed more balance then just soap could provide. She told me that the Jason line was a great line, and that the Vitamin C was really good for problem skin, and getting rid of excess skin cells.

I've also recently learned (thanks to my informational sheet from Jason) that Esther-C (which is in the Jason Toner) is an antioxidant that stimulates collegen production!! (less wrinkles)

I'll be honest I hadn't really ever tried it, even though she had told me that the line was inexpensive, I had figured how inexpensive could a line recommended by an esthetician at a high end spa really be?

When I was sent the Jason Toner I was excited to give it a try, the same esthetician had told me that toner was pretty much the most important thing (next to cleanser and moisturizer) that we put on our faces. Toner really helps to balance the PH of our faces, helping our faces not react to changes in heat, weather, hormones ect.

I tried it and hey, I like it!

First I love that its a spray toner, I feel like much less toner gets wasted when its designed this way,

Next, I love how it feels and smells so early in the morning.

Price you're all wondering? Just $9.95 for 6oz! That's a lot of toner, and as I said with a spray top you waste MUCH less toner then with one where you pour it out.

To try Jason C-Effects Pure Natural Super-C Toner for yourself, check out the Jason website at
www.jason-natural.com

I received a free bottle of Jason C-Effects Toner for this Review. All opinions are 100% mine. I did not receive any cash payment for this review.

A secret to smooth legs

2011-10-07T13:49:00.000-07:00

Shaving.... its not just a task its a battle.

If you're like me, then shaving you're legs can sometimes end up looking more like a fight with a pissed off cat. Blood... that NEVER stops coming.

A secret I picked up in high school was to use hair conditioner for my legs. Well that was in the days when my hair conditioner cost $99 now that I care a bit more about ingredients I'm not about lather my legs up with the stuff.

So I have gone the last ....mumblemumble..... years accepting that I am most likely going to cut my legs when I shave.

That was till I was introduced to Aubry Organics 'Creme de la Shave" now it may sound (and smell) like a fancy pastry that you pick up on you're way out of Grand Central Station, but this conditioner-like shave cream that you can put on in the shower and then shave away for smooth legs!

The thing about using this cream is that it makes you're legs smooth so the razor can glide on them, rather then just shaving with soap and water, which doesn't seem to work as well (for me anyways!) Also, its moisturizing! If you're going to show off those legs, have them in the best shape possible!

I love that the cream is organic, I try to use organic products in all areas of my life so I'm always on the look out for good organic body products.

Another great factor about the cream? Its only $5.49 at health food stores nationwide. Much better on the wallet then using my conditioner!

It comes in three scents

Toasted Almond (I got this one and I love it!)

Orange Cream

Raspberry Honey

You can call 1-800-237-4270 or visit the Aubery Organics website at

www.aubrey-organics.com to get more information!

I received a free tube of Aubrey Organics Creme de la shave for this review, all opinions are 100% mine. I did not receive any cash payment for this review.

300 Best Rice Cooker Recipes!

2011-10-04T09:02:00.000-07:00

Do you have a rice cooker?

Do you want an excuse to buy a rice cooker?

Okay besides just a sweet gadget for purchase, a rice cooker is a go to for healthy meals. Someone even told my sister recently "You don't have a rice cooker? You can't be a vegetarian without a rice cooker!"

Now personally I've always been more of a pasta person, as someone who has always had a stomach for Italian cuisine, I've made lots and lots of risotto which is rice, I haven't really ventured to far into the world of other rices. Don't get me wrong, I'll serve it up as a side with fish, or inside a burrito. I'm a major lover of Zatarains, but as for cooking up a meal with rice as the main dish? I've never quite made it that far.

So when I got 300 Best Rice Cooker Recipes by Katie Chin I couldn't wait to dive in... with my fork.

The book starts out with information about rice, the different types of rice (and man there are TONS!), types of grains, and types of legumes (did you know you could cook all that in a rice cooker?) It also goes into rice cookers and helps consumers to decide which one is best for them!

Now recipes because I know that's what you've all been waiting for! First off I'll tell you about the sushi recipes, hoo-rah, we were excited to see those, personally I'm not one for sushi but my daughter's father LOVES it, so I'm glad that I can finally give a hand at it, and maybe I'll be more likely to give it a try if I make it myself!

I was really happy to see some breakfast recipes in there, I like being able to leave something overnight and then eat it in the morning, the "Honey Apple Brown Rice Porridge" made with almond milk sounds like a wholesome vegan breakfast that even meat and dairy eaters can enjoy! (Living in California we know LOTS of vegans)

As for Appetizers I'm into the "Thai Shrimp Cakes with Mango Coconut Sauce", seasoned with lemongrass and ginger, made with jasmine rice I could see myself ordering this off a menu at a Thai Restaurant, but instead I'll just make it at home and have LOTS of leftovers!

After my own heart a soup recipe made with farro! Yum! "Farro Minestrone" is on my list of have to eats this winter!

I could go on and on with fabulous recipes from this book (remember there are 300 of them in here) but instead I'll leave you with this final dessert recipe "Coconut Red Rice Pudding" coconut milk, brown sugar, pistachios....

So if you're like me and find yourself forever short of creative recipes! Give this book a read, it retails for $24.95 in the US!

I received a free copy of "300 Best Rice Cooker Recipes" for this review. All opinions are my own. I did not receive any cash payment for this review.

Oh Goody... look whats come out!

2011-10-03T15:46:00.000-07:00

Have you ever gone to brush your hair in the morning and dreaded the feeling of the hard teeth on you're tender head? What about trying to brush you're daughter's hair and she finds it just painful?

You know my grandfather always told me
"You have to suffer to be beautiful"

And alas so has the rest of my family; so I have always dealt with knots, eyebrow waxes, mean looking brushes and the rest....

But brushes.... NO MORE!

From makers of Ouchless elastics (a favorite around here)

Comes Goody Ouchless Brushes!!

At first I thought 'cool a brush'

Then I used it! Tender headed fear no more, the brush feels like a scalp massage.

The bristles, are flexible so they adjust to your scalp, they have rounded tips so they don't poke you while you're doing it.

The brushes are available at Wal-mart and range from $6.49-$8.29

While you're there grab yourself some other Goody accessories in Primrose Hill Line, they're adorable and I love the fluttery flowers that are attached to clips that can actually hold you're hair back, rather then just looking pretty! I also really like the headbands that I've been using almost every day for my massage classes since I got them. Its nice to have you're hair held back and still have it look nice.

I have also rediscovered my love for hair clips, oh the joy of my hair being out of my face!

The line has a bunch of hair accessories that range in price from $2.19 to $6.99

And yes there are Ouchless elastics in the line, the colors are beautiful... I love them on dark hair

I received a free set of Goody products for this review, all opinions are 100% mine. I did not receive any cash payments for this review.

Neilsen-Massey Vanilla Powder

2011-10-01T19:53:00.000-07:00

I'm always excited when I get the option to review a new food product; but when its from a company like Neilsen-Massey, known for the quality of their vanillas and other extracts, I have to admit my heart started to flutter a bit when I heard I was going to get a chance to try their Madagascar Bourban Pure Vanilla Powder.

The Madagascare Bourbon Pure Vanilla Powder is alcohol free, and it makes a great addition to any baked good.

I was so impressed by the smell when I opened the container, that I couldn't help but give myself a little pinch to try. WOW talk about vanilla flavor!

Since then, the powder has gone in just about everything I've made, it started with my daughter's oatmeal in the morning, wanting to give her a change from the usual maple-raisin-almond I usually make her. I added a teaspoon of the vanilla powder to oats, milk, almonds, craisins and a pinch of salt. Annabella really enjoyed having something different for breakfast (okay maybe not too different from the normal, but I gotta try to get all the food groups in!)

The next obvious step was... my coffee of course! This took my usual morning coffee, and made it different. I have always loved french vanilla coffee, but I don't like to have to buy two different kinds of beans just because I want to change it up. I stirred a bit of the Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Powder into my mug and had a Vanilla coffee!!

So while drinking my morning coffee, I read through the recipes that the good folks over at Neilsen-Massey provided me (and you) with.

Of course at this point I wanted to see what this vanilla could do with some baking; after a search through the pantry, I found all the ingredients needed to make the Crisp Vanilla Butter Cookies! While they are easy to make, I did have to wait a couple hours for the dough to chill in the fridge, but worth it. I really liked how the recipe made a large batch of dough. Half of it is still in my freezer, waiting for me to need another sugar fix.

Now I had the vanilla coffee and the vanilla cookies, what else could a girl ask for?

Don't worry I didn't forget the recipe for you!

I can't wait to try out this recipe for Vanilla Apple Pudding

Give the Neilsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Powder a chance, its a simple and easy way to put new life into you're dishes, or create new ones!

I received a free sample of Neilsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Powder for this review, all opinions are my own, I did not receive any cash for this review. All opinions are 100% mine, recipes courtesy of Neilsen-Massey Vanilla

Math... we're bringing it back!

2011-10-01T06:24:00.000-07:00

When was the last time you did an algebra problem? What about add fractions? Or figured out the area of a space??

While we may not think about it as the subject that we learned while sitting at a desk listening to a teacher tell us what exponents are (still confused)

Many of us have forgotten about PEMDAS (parenthesis, exponents, multiplication, division, addition, subtraction) the order of operations.

While most of us have calculators and a basic knowledge of math, it always seems to be the most simple of problems that get to us.

How do I figure out an area of a room that's not a square
How do I add that quarter cup to that third of a cup without wasting two measuring cups?
How much will my interest on my bank loan work out to??

Math affects us everyday! And while its become a natural thing for us to do in our heads, most of us could us a refresher, or at least a reference guide to how to go about solving these problems because lets be honest asking you're eleven year old daughter to borrow her math book might just get you some extra homework!

Intoducing:

Math for Grownups!

Written by Laura Laing, this book has all the math you need for you're modern life, everything from figuring out how much lawn edging you'll need to how many calories you're burning at the gym. My most used sections have been the "In the craft room: and the "In the Kitchen" there is even a part on how to scale DOWN recipes! I've always done this myself but the book contained some GREAT tips for doing it correctly!

In the back is an appendix of all the formulas taught in the book which is an amazing reference.

So for all you mothers, fathers, people who just moved in on their own, or anyone out there who doesn't always feel 100% helping their kids with the math homework, or even if you do you're sure to appreciate the formulas and the way that Laura makes them so adaptable to you're busy life!

I reiceved a free copy of "MATH for grownups" for this review. All opinions are 100% mine I did not receive any cash payment for this review

I'm Back!

2011-09-29T15:09:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!

I'm back and so sorry for the short hiatus getting the internet mixed with some family things has thrown my internet life into whatever I can get in at Starbucks before class (okay so mostly its was facebook in those 20 minutes but what else can you do with such a short timespan)

Anyways, I have some coupons, a giveaway and of course some great products to share with you folks so stay tuned I'm back!

Get Ready for Bulk Food Week

2011-09-24T14:11:00.000-07:00

Celebrate Buying in Bulk During National Bulk Foods Week

October 16 - 22, 2011

Week provides shoppers opportunity to experience environmental and economic benefits of buying natural and organic bulk foods

Portland, Ore. – September 15, 2011 –The Bulk is Green Council (BIG), together with natural food stores and grocery stores across the country invite shoppers to celebrate the eco-friendly and affordable benefits of buying natural and organic foods in bulk during National Bulk Foods Week, October 16-22. To commemorate the special week, BIG is partnering with retailers nationwide to offer special incentives and discounts on natural and organic bulk foods to shoppers.

“Bulk food aisles have been around for decades, and the countless environmental and money-saving benefits are becoming more well-known among shoppers,” said Clint Landis, chief marketing officer for Frontier Natural Products Co-Op and a founding member of the Bulk is Green Council. “Still, for those who have never shopped in bulk, National Bulk Foods Week provides the perfect opportunity to discover the environmental and economic benefits of doing so.”

Buying in bulk already offers significant cost savings, and during National Bulk Foods Week, stores throughout the country will offer further discounts on bulk foods. BIG encourages shoppers to check with their local grocer for their plans to participate in the festivities. Over 500 natural food stores and grocery stores across the country will be participating in this important event.

The Bulk is Green Council (BIG) is a national organization dedicated to increasing awareness of the environmental and economic benefits of shopping in bulk. Those benefits include:

· Saving money -- Buying natural and organic foods in the bulk section of the grocery store offers an average savings of 30% and 50% versus packaged food.

· Helping the environment -- Eliminating packaging reduces carbon footprints. Buying in bulk mitigates the amount of garbage that ends up in landfills and streamlines the transportation needed to deliver goods to market, helping to reduce CO2 emissions.

· Reducing food waste -- Buying in bulk allows shoppers to make smarter decisions, by purchasing the exact amount of foods they need, as opposed to purchasing consumer packaged goods with a pre-determined amount that may not be used before its expiration date.

· Flexibility to buy a pinch or a pound – Buying in bulk offers a broad selection of natural and organic products that can be purchased in the exact quantity desired. If shoppers need a large quantity of nuts for a holiday party or just a pinch of curry powder for a new recipe – bulk foods provide both options.

Governors of a number of states also have formally recognized the benefits of shopping the bulk foods aisle by proclaiming Oct. 16-22, 2011, National Bulk Foods Week in their states. So far, governors in the following states have issued such proclamations: Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Maine, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Oregon, Rhode Island and Vermont.

In the spirit of National Bulk Foods Week, BIG also offers the following tips for commemorating the week:

· Host a bulk block party – Invite friends, family and neighbors over for a potluck and ask that they only bring snacks purchased in – or dishes made from foods purchased in – the bulk foods aisle. See BIG’s YouTube video series that shows how to prepare an entire meal made with ingredients solely from the bulk foods aisle.

· Create a natural pantry - Green your pantry by discarding pre-packaged food in boxes, plastic tubs and cans. Invest in glass storage containers, stainless steel jars or reuse mason jars to store bulk foods instead. Not only will this reduce the carbon footprint by eliminating the extra packaging that comes with pre-packaged foods, but it also will add colorful flair to your pantry.

· Make homemade nutritious snacks – Looking for nutrient-rich snacks on the run? Homemade granolas or trail mixes are healthy snacks that can be made-ahead using ingredients found in the bulk foods aisle and that require no cooking. In addition, they travel well and are a perfect snack to pack in a child’s lunch box or office desk drawer.

· Experiment with new foods – There are limitless culinary options that can be found in the bulk foods aisle. Try a couple of new organic selections to expand your palate, with a recipe such as couscous with seasonal vegetables, or quinoa with black beans. Sprinkle one of nature’s popular super foods, chia seed, which also can be found in bulk, on top of your nutritious meal. The bulk section is a great place to be creative and experiment.

For more information about the benefits of buying in bulk, please visit www.bulkisgreen.org.

ABOUT BULK IS GREEN COUNCIL

The Bulk is Green Council is an organization dedicated to increasing consumer, retailer and grocer awareness of the environmental and economic benefits of buying natural and organic in bulk. Founded in 2008, the council serves as a research and advocacy group, conducting and publishing studies on industry trends and offering educational tools and resources online. The board includes industry leaders Frontier Natural Products Co-Op, Hain Celestial, Lundberg Family Farms, SunRidge Farms and Trade Fixtures. Additional information is available at BulkisGreen.org.

###

Southern Living Style

2011-09-13T14:46:00.000-07:00

I'll be honest, I'm not a decorator.

Now don't get me wrong, I have loads of beautiful pictures, and knick-knacks, vases, and my couch matches the room nicely.

But when it comes to putting all those pictures and bookends, together in a room that looks like it belongs in a magazine.... I'm not so great. It ends up looking like what it is.... a mess.

Southern Living Style was a welcome book. The rooms in the homes in the book vary from rustic, to modern to simple and adorable.

But how hard is it to actually make one of these rooms appear in you're living room?

Of course we can't have exact rooms in the books, but you can get darn close!

Traditional Southern Style is explained and then explained so that its easily adaptability to any home. Even old furniture is able to be reupholstered and stuffed to fabulous modern pieces.

I loved the Fresh Ideas and Putting it all Together portions which basically show piece by piece how to get the room set up in the way that looks best, you don't need the exact pieces either, the book shows how to take simple items and put them together to make a fabulous room.

I found the "room-by-room" style sheets at the end of the book made my decorating life much easier. The sheets are quick references of measurements, colors and ideas for each room! Taking along one of these while considering items for a room, takes the frustration of wrong sizes or colors away.

At the end of the book is something I find particularly helpful is the Southern Style File where the editor's of the book share their secrets on designers, retailers and if you live in the south, you'll find stores in you're local areas that the editors of the book love visiting themselves! (I'm always a fan of any opportunity to shop local)

The pictures in the book are full color and shot beautifully, enough to inspire even the untidiest person to straighten up at least a little. I also like how much storage is featured in all the room ideas, making it easy to have a decorated home that is free of clutter.

Southern Living Style is released TODAY!

This 288 page book retails for $29.95

I received a free copy of "Southern Living Style" for this review. All opinions are 100% mine I did not receive any cash for this review.

Curamin Review and Giveaway

2011-09-11T13:09:00.000-07:00

Recently television and other media have been talking about the harmful effects of the ingredients in over the counter pain relievers.

In this post which features an article by Micheal Sheehan, explains about many of the harmful effects of pain relievers. Even my chiropractor tells me that pain relievers are dangerous and that he would rather me seek alternative methods to control the pain I suffer from scoliosis (and motherhood)

So when I was contacted by the folks over at EuroPharma contacted me about trying Curamin their all natural pain reliever! Of course I was more then happy to share my findings with you lovely readers!

Curamin works to relieve the inflamation that is causes most pain. It is believed that inflammation is the cause of 80%-90% of all disease! In a blind study, Curamin matched cortisone as a pain reliever! That's pretty amazing!

I used Curamin to relieve the pain that I felt when waking up in the morning, and I have to say it worked just as well as the Advil that I take. Also it lasted much longer, instead of having to take another one in a few hours, the pain subsided and I found that I didn't need to take another pain pill for the rest of the day!

I was lucky enough to get it a few days before I started my period (UGH) which is pretty much the hardest time of the month for me. I suffer from severe cramps in my abdomen and my lower back.

Normally to fight these cramps, I will use a hot bath, or take a shower. But when I have things to do, or I'm out of the house, I have no choice but to take an Advil, the Curamin worked great just as it had with my back pain, I was ready to resume my day in about 45 minutes, after I had gotten the pain to go away.

I'm glad to have found an alternative to my usual methods of pain relief, I keep some Curamin in my purse just in case I need it and I have been reccomending it to some of my friends at massage school who are also looking for an alternative to over the counter pain relivers!

Do yourself a favor and pick up a bottle of Curamin, it will not only make your pain go away, but you won't have to worry about the harm that you're doing to your body!

Find out more about Curamin on their Website
http://www.curamin.com/

Find out about other EuroPharma products here
http://www.europharmausa.com/

Stay up to date with EuroPharma on Facebook
EuroPharma on Facebook

Follow Terry Lemerond (the founder and President of EuroPharma) on Twitter
http://twitter.com/#!/TerryLemerond

Sign Up for Terry's Nutrition Newsletter
http://www.terrytalksnutrition.com/sign-up/

Giveaway!

One lucky Mommypants reader is going to get their very own bottle of Curamin!
To Win do one or more of the following! (all entries please leave your e-mail if its not linked to your comments) Mandatory entry must be done or other entries don't qualify.

1.MANDATORY
Subscribe to Terry's Newsletter and leave a comment telling me that you did

2. Like Curamin on Facebook, leave a comment with your facebook name telling me you liked them

3. Follow Terry on Twitter leave a comment with your twitter handle telling me that you follow!

That's it! Good luck! Contest ends September 27th at midnight! Winner selected via Random.org

Save with TracFone

2011-09-10T18:01:00.001-07:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of TracFone. All opinions are 100% mine.

Alright, alright, I know I talk about TracFone a lot on here

But seriously guys as someone who's credit is less then perfect due to cancelation fees for contract phones, I'm a big advocate of TracFone. Real TracFone customers are very excited about not having to get a bill in the mail every month!

TracFone is a great way to save money this school year, not only because of no contract but because you don't have to worry about kids charging up a whole bunch of text messages on a phone that's prepaid! The monthly plans start at just $9.99 for 50 minutes, you can teach your kids how to pay a phone bill with that allowance you gave them. As well as teaching them how to conserve minutes. Buy a double the life of your phone plan for just $19.99 and get double minutes for the life of your phone! Check out the deals on the 1 year card for just $119, get 800 minutes and double the life of your phone!

TracFone has So many features you're kids won't feel like they're missing out on internet or camera phones and you won't have to pay a fortune because fancy phones with cameras, video recorders and full QWERTY keyboards start at just $29.99!

TracPhones also get great service, listen to what these customers have to say about the great reception that SmartPhone provides

You can even call over 60 international destinations at NO EXTRA COST! You can also get the international plan and provide your family in Mexico and Canada with a local number that they can call from those countries to reach your phone in the United States!

Real TracFone customers are excited about not getting a bill in the mail. So be sure to check out the latest Smart Phones with So many features offered by TracPhone, I'm almost positive you won't miss getting that scary cell phone bill in the mail every month!

2011-09-09T10:33:00.000-07:00

Creating Healthier Environments with Plants

By Chris Karl

Recently I met with an architect who designs healthcare facilities. He relayed how he absolutely detests the use of live plants in the properties he designs. “I don’t like that I can’t control the life cycle of the plant and how it continually changes its look,” he said with obvious disdain. I believe this obviously sedentary and obese architect has become, like so many people in this country, so far removed from nature and healthy living that he has forgotten the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and being in the company of greenery. Here is a man who designs for a population that is predominately sick and unable to control their own lifestyle that have been forced to rely on an out-of-touch designer who does not know understand the healing power of nature. I wonder when we lost our ability to appreciate the primal connection we all share with the natural world?

More and more companies today are reducing or eliminating plants in the workplace to save money. They fail to realize, however, that this cost-cutting measure is short-term thinking that will compromise their employees’ well-being. Just as plants oxygenate the environment and soothe the soul, obesity cannot be altered with empty calories but requires thoughtful nutrition to turn around a life that is heavily compromised and destined not to function optimally without those changes.

A growing body of research demonstrates that access to a natural environment indoors, where we all spend the majority of our waking hours, may improve health and well-being. As a design professional, I have seen first-hand the healing and calming benefits of plants in the workplace. Human beings are hard-wired to appreciate nature. Despite our “plugged in” and sedentary lifestyle since the 1950’s, humans were hunter gathers for over 10,000 years and living as part of nature. Today we have become so far removed from nature that some of us are unable to appreciate the beauty of a living, breathing plant within our workplace. Being around plants reduces stress and engenders a feeling of well-being and improved energy in most people; a benefit that is even more acute if correct lighting is in place. Because plants have a large surface area and exchange water and gases with their surroundings, they have a unique ability to tackle and improve many environmental problems.

“A pleasing and positive workplace that is presented as a spiritually satisfying sanctuary with natural light and greenery is enormously beneficial for a person’s well-being,” says Dr. Gilda Carle, psychotherapist, author and professor. “Being able to access and enjoy surroundings that reduce stress and engage the senses is highly therapeutic for people.”

Here are my selections for the top five plants, which not only heighten and satisfy our senses with their funky and trendy style, but also help to keep our workplace environments happier and healthier:

Ficus Pandurata

1) Ficus Pandurata - The Ficus Pandurata or Fiddleleaf Fig grows best in a high to medium high light environment and is an interesting variation on the standard well known Ficus elastica rubber plant. The large leaves can add a striking accent to the home or office.

Polyscias Fabian

2) Polyscias Fabian – A native of Brazil, Polyscias or Geranium-leaf Aralia or Arilia Favian is an evergreen shrub or small tree with a compact habit. While it is widely used as for hedges in the tropics, in the United States, we use it as a beautiful, eco-friendly border as well as a captivating stand-alone “look at me” tree.

Dracaena Janet Craig Compacta

3) Dracaena Janet Craig Compacta - Dracaena is a genus of forty species of subtropical, evergreen, woody plants grown for their statuesque form and ornamental foliage. They are sometimes mistakenly identified as palms but are actually more closely related to lilies. The name Dracaena is derived from the Greek word “drakaina”, a female dragon. The link between plant and beast is the resinous red gum produced when the stem is cut which, when thickened, is supposed to resemble dragon’s blood. It is used as a varnish and in photo engraving.

Dracaena Marginita Character

4) Dracaena Marginata Character – Originally from Madagascar, Dracaena are known for their visually arresting ornamental foliage. An increasingly popular indoor plant in the modern workplace, the plant, which can grow up to 15 feet in height, is supported by an aged and knobby trunk which gives it a unique character.

Philodendron Red Congo

5) Philodendron Red Congo –The Philodendron Red Congo is a new and distinct cultivar of Philodendron. It is a product of the cross or breeding between Philodendron ‘Imperial Red’ as the female parent and an unidentified cultivar of the Philodendron tatei. This plant grows vigorously in an upright but spreading or open manner. New Red Congo leaves are brownish maroon to almost red in color while the large mature ones are dark green in color with a touch of red. The plant’s leaf petioles remain reddish purple to bright right with long-lasting petiole sheaths.

It isn’t necessary to fill every available space with a plant to achieve this; just a few good-quality specimens located in select rooms, and where employees work or take their rest breaks can be sufficient. “The reasons why this has a beneficial effect are a subtle but complex mixture of the physiological (improved humidity, reduced noise etc.) and psychological,” says Kenneth Freeman, International Technical Director at Ambius who has led many research initiatives on the benefits of plants in the workplace. “Being around plants certainly seems to reduce stress and engender a feeling of well-being in most people, a benefit that is even more acute if correct lighting is in place. The fact that a workplace has been prepared to spend money on something that has no obvious function than to make the environment more attractive may also be a contributing factor, by sending a signal to staff that management cares about its employees and visitors.”

“There is now general agreement within the scientific community that plants improve the indoor environment, and are useful weapons in the fight against the modern phenomenon known as sick building syndrome (SBS),” says Freeman. “No specific cause of SBS has been identified, but poor air quality, excessive background noise and inadequate temperature and light control are thought to be important factors. Because plants have a large surface area and exchange water and gases with their surroundings, they have a unique ability to tackle many environmental problems.” In particular, plants can reduce levels of carbon dioxide, which can accumulate in buildings from the breathing of its occupants and the by-products of heating systems and electrical equipment. Plants also increase the relative humidity, which should be between 40% and 60% RH for maximum human comfort. Plants reduce levels of certain pollutant gases, such as formaldehyde, benzene and nitrogen dioxide as well as airborne dust levels. Plants also reduce air temperatures and background noise levels.

Commercial buildings in large urban markets are often very large and easy to get lost in. In many office towers and hospitals, there is a need to channel pedestrian traffic towards significant landmarks, such as exits, check-in desks, escalators and common passageways. Plants offer an attractive and practical solution, providing a living barrier that gently guides people to where you want them to go. Choosing the right plants and containers for this purpose is very important. Spiky plants or those with sharp-edged leaves would clearly be inappropriate in an area designed for heavy pedestrian traffic flow. Containers need to be robust, take up the minimum of floor space and in some situations be linkable to form an impenetrable wall.

About the author:

Based in Orange County, California, Chris Karl is a Design Specialist for Ambius, a division of Rentokil Initial which offers a full spectrum of services to enhance the interior space for the hospitality, healthcare, retail, and commercial industries. Chris’ design savvy was recognized with an Award of Excellence from the Plantscape Industry Alliance (PIA) for his horticultural work in the Beckman Coulter lobby in Orange County, California. With a B.A. and Masters Degree in Fine Arts from California State University in Long Beach, Chris designs and implements interior projects for commercial clients. He can be reached at christopher.karl@ambius.com.

Denim Done Right: How to find and wear jeans that will flatter your figure!

2011-09-09T10:23:00.001-07:00

by Sunil Ramchandani, Senior Designer for Jockey Person to Person

Shopping for jeans that fit perfectly can be frustrating. Before you head to the dressing room yet again, follow these guidelines from Senior Designer for Jockey Person to Person, Sunil Ramchandani to help you find your perfect denim (without all the bells and whistles.)

1. Fabric: A poly cotton blend will help retain the shape and color much longer. Hand washing will allow the material to last much longer as well. A mid weight, 8 to 11 ounces per yard, will be perfect for year round wear.

2. Fit: The waist should have enough room to fit one finger in between the pants and yourself and the denim must be fitted through the thigh and knee. The rise should be 1” below your belly button but no more than 3”.

3. Length: If you are wearing flats, your jeans should touch the floor. With heels, the pant leg should be ¼” above the floor on your back heel. Make sure to have separate pairs to wear with heels and flats.

4. Leg Shapes and Body Types: Bootlegs work best on Pear and Hourglass body shapes. Straight legs work best on Apple and Pencil body shapes. Wide legs work best on Strawberry shapes.

5. Camouflage Your Flaws: If you have a slight belly, you should go for a stretch fit and wear it with longer length, un-tucked boots. If you have a large bottom, go for a slightly lower rise with simple back pockets. Big Hips, the boot cut is your friend as it will help rebalance your figure.

Be sure to check out the Jockey Person to Person denim collection and remember you have to feel good in your own skin in order to look great in a good pair of jeans!

Jockey Person to Person® is one of North America’s premier direct sales companies offering extraordinary women’s apparel and accessories, created for today’s on-the-go woman. To find out more, visit JockeyPersontoPerson.com http://www.JockeyP2P.com/.

Mani-Pedi.....blah

2011-09-08T14:28:00.000-07:00

So I've just arrived back from my first ever mani-pedi combo. Granted I wore acrylic nails in high school and for rollerskating competitions. But I had never had my feet scrubbed by little Asian ladies before

Honestly, I feel a bit dirty after going there, its not that I didn't see the ladies scrub down the chairs and foot baths, its not that I think the tools were dirty.

It was the heavily scented obviously dirt cheap products and the torture.. I mean massage chair that they sat me in , and smelling and feeling like an Asian hooker isn't exactly my idea of a 'pampered' experience.

Also since there was a lot of muttering in some language I couldn't understand, I wasn't sure if I was being gossiped about, or if they were talking about the other women or their bosses..

Don't get me wrong, it was wonderful sitting there and having my feet rubbed, my cuticles cut, my callus's exfoliated, my nails are grapealicious, they are finally all the same length, and after paying $30 I'll probably be better about wearing gloves when I do dishes! Also it felt pretty good to have two or more ladies working on me at the same time... talk about star treatment

Next time I'm going to spring for the $60 combo at Spatini, I've never been the type to skimp or try to save on beauty treatments, and I'm going to keep with that method after this experience.... and just continue to hope and pray for a local deal on Groupon or Living Social....le sigh

On the upside however, due to a 'lost in translation' moment, when I was assisting the women in the seat next to me in explaining a color choice to the manicurist, which had us both questioning if we had pissed them off or if we were just confused... we're still not too clear on what was going on

I met a really nice lady from Texas who suggested that we get together..... excuse me for my excitement, but in a town where I know very few ladies, and even fewer that would go get a manicure-pedicure with me. I'm pretty excited at the prospect of a new home-girl to go do girly things with!!

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Urban Homesteading

2011-09-08T14:01:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't love fresh food?

Its even better when kit comes from your hard work in your back yard.

The feeling of doing things yourself doesn't just give a sense of satisfaction; it brings you back to the early days when all humans did things for themselves. It brings you closer to the earth.

It can all seem a bit impossible when living in an urban environment.

I've really appreciated reading The Complete Idiot's Guide to Urban Homesteading. Its another book that teaches you how to survive yourself. This book goes much futher however then teaching you how to grow vegetables in your back yard (although it does have a complete section on that so you won't miss out)

You'll learn how to keep goats and other livestock, how to apply for permits to keep your animals in the city. as well as how to keep BEES! I'm considering keeping bees this year because nobody in my family is allergic, bees need to be repopulated and how wonderful to have my own little pollinators back there making honey, and beeswax!

You'll also learn about community gardens and how to start seedlings in the city.
You'll learn what size containers are needed for what plants (my favorite section)

Preserve your bounty with scaled down recipes for canning, fermenting, drying and root 'cellaring'

Make your own soap and cleaners from natural ingredients and rid your home of all the nasty chemicals that are contained in conventional cleaners. The book has 7 different recipes for cleaners! Even parts on how to unclog a drain and eliminating carpet odors (eww stinky dogs)

The book even has sections on how to conserve energy, recycle and compost your products.

This book is so important if you live in a city or even just in a house, because it will tell you what you need to know and how to find out more! Its a great introduction to the urban homesteading lifestyle!

I received a free copy of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Urban Homesteading" for this review. All opinions are 100% mine, I did not receive any cash payment for this review.

ABBA - Fernando

2011-09-08T13:48:00.000-07:00

There is a gorgeous latino man named Fernando in my ZUMBA class... this is for you Fernando

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Eating Local

2011-09-08T10:01:00.000-07:00

Eating local is another one of the green trends that have come into our society.

As many of us now turn to farmers markets and local farm stands to get our produce

Restaurants and businesses are taking the same steps to encourage growth for their own local economy.

Eating local is not just about supporting your local farmers, there are also vital nutrients that are lost when vegetables are put on a truck for days, each day that a vegetable is on a shelf or in a box on the way to one. Takes away more and more enzymes that are crucial to our health.

Eating local allows for consumers to purchase food that has been picked that day or the night before, containing freshness that we can taste.

In the Complete Idiot's Guide to Eating Local, you'll find what is grown near you, and how to cook it. You'll learn basic ways too cook all vegetables and what seasons they will be ready in.

My favorite part of the book is the Favorite Regional Recipes, where you will find the recipe for "Frogmore Stew" I was first introduced to Frogmore Stew on a trip to South Carolina to visit my daughter's family on her father's side.

This amazing stew of kielbasa, shrimp, corn, potatoes and seasoning, was absolutely the highlight of my trip. And I can't even begin to explain how excited I was to see it in the pages of the book. (Secret recipe is out!)

Eating local is a great way to get involved with your community and to learn about what you can grow in your own yard! Because if locally its growing then chances are you can grow it too!

For some great tips, amazing recipes and irreplaceable information, as always I give major credit to the Complete Idiot's Guide people for creating yet another amazing book

I received a free copy of 'The Complete Idiot's Guide to Eating Local" for this review, all opinions are 100% mine. I did not receive any cash payment for this review.

Crispy Cantaloupe

2011-09-07T13:34:00.000-07:00

Cantaloupe, it pretty much screams summer, I put it in smoothies, fruit salad, on top of ice cream, or serve it with a bit of yogurt for breakfast.

One thing I have never considered doing with Cantaloupe, was dehydrating it. It had always seemed like such a watery fruit, so I was unsure how well it would be dehydrated.

Lucky for me someone figured out how to do it for me! Crispy Green recently sent me their new 'Crispy Cantaloupe" YUM! Its been a huge hit in my house for all involved.

Its a great addition to her regular dried fruits, which she thinks of as 'candy' (tee hee sneaky mother tricks)

Crispy Cantaloupe is nut free, dairy free, gluten free, vegan friendly, and kosher certified!

I love the .36oz pouches which fit great into school lunches as well as in Annabella's snack basket. The pouch only contains 40 calories and ZERO FAT!

I love that when you look at the ingredient list there is just one "CANTALOUPE!"

These are a hit for sure in my house, I keep them in the car, in my purse, in my backpack, and of course in the cabinet.

A great snack for little ones to carry around in the convenient pouch

Find out where to get some near you by checking out the Crispy Green Website

www.crispygreen.com

Or on Facebook

http://www.facebook.com/crispygreen

I received a free pack of "Crispy Green Crispy Cantaloupe" for this review. All opinions are 100% mine. I did not receive any cash for this review.

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2011-09-04T07:55:00.003-07:00

Raincatch from Hyeona Yang on Vimeo.

Topricin, homeopathic care for the entire family

2011-09-02T09:45:00.000-07:00

When it comes to anything in my home, I try to go the natural route, there are so many problems that we know about (and of course there are the ones that we don't know yet about... scary)

Topricin is a medication that does just that. Introduced to the world in 1995, Lou Paradise, created a homeopathic pain relief and healing cream that is safe for the entire family.

Topricin works with your body to help it heal the problems; it helps to balance your healing chemicals, and get them to work on you body! Its fast, lasting, and its not going to have harsh or strange side effects.

Topricin is regulated by the FDA and was recently recognized for treatment of pain associated with Fibromyalgia!

Topricin Junior, recently became a Trusted Partner with the Healthy Child Healthy World. A nonprofit that partners with companies that offer products meeting high quality standards as well as demonstrating a long terms commitment to the mission of endorsing and making contributions to the Coaliton for Responsible Economics!

So now that we know Topricin really cares about the world and its obviously a great product to put your money into, lets talk about how it works.

Lou Paradise suffered from bilateral Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, due to injuries that he suffered while serving as a Marine. While Lou had been in the Military he had gained knowledge from British and Traditonal MD's trained in the fields of traditional natural medicines. He experimented and eventually came up with the formula for Topricin! In 1994 Topricin was introduced to the world and in 2009 Topricin introduced the foot and children's formulas!

To use Topricin you simply rub it on to the area where you are having pain. Then you will start to experience some pain relief in 15-20 minutes. The cream should be reapplied three to four times a day especially before bed and first thing in the morning. You can also rub it on every half hour for severe pain until it goes away. I found that it helps a lot with my back pains that I get during my period.

Topricin is safe for everyone, Diabetics, Children (although most pediatricians recommend the Junior formula for children) seniors, and it doesn't have any reactions to other medications!

Always check with a doctor before trying new self treatments when on medications or pregnant

Topricin doesn't require a prescription (although your doctor may recommend it)

Topricin is a great treatment and it is proven to work, its a wonderful addition to any homeopathic first-aide kit, and will be on hand for my kids bumps and bruises that are sure to occur as school kicks into full gear!

Check out Topricin at their website
www.topricin.com

And follow them on facebook
http://www.facebook.com/Topricin

I received a free pack of Topricin Creams for this review. I did not receive any cash payment for this review, all opinions are my own

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The Complete Idiot's Guide to Plant Based Nutrition

2011-08-31T16:23:00.000-07:00

For those of us who have gone through a part of life living as a vegarian. We know that it can be a bit hard to get all the protien and nutrients that are needed to feel healthy.

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Plant Based Nutrition is a great resource for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.

While not as extreme as a raw diet, a plant based diet can be cooked (yaay)

Macro-nutrients. Learn the differences in these food groups as well as how much you need and what to avoid! I was very impressed to finally learn what the Glycemic Index actually was, and how it effected me.

You'll learn about vitamins and minerals, where to get them and what they do. Find out which foods contain the most and which ones that you need.

Find out about the new four food groups, how you can put them on your plate and how much of a serving you'll need for each one.

Find out how to live a plant based life without missing out on essential nutrients. You'll find out how to keep healthy with plants while pregnant. As well as keeping your kids, senior citizens and athletes healthy.

The benefits of plants have been proven over and over again, as with all of The Complete Idiot's Guide books this is a wonderful addition to your collection, it answers lots of questions, that I have, and some questions that I didn't even knew I had

I received a free copy of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Plant Based Nutrition for this review. The opinions in this review are 100% mine. I did not receive any cash payment for this review.

Can Common Pain Relievers Do More Harm Than Good?

2011-08-31T12:13:00.000-07:00

Can Common Pain Relievers Do More Harm Than Good?

When it comes to relieving the common headache or body aches, it seems as if the cure may be worse for you than the pain it’s supposed to relieve.

Consumption of NSAIDs – common pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and acetaminophen (Excedrin) – has grown to 70 million prescriptions and 30 billion over-the-counter sales annually. That statistic is disturbing to Michael Sheehan, founder of natural medications company BioResource Inc., because of a study from the Archives of Internal Medicine (AIM) that reveals NSAIDS may play a part in the development of heart disease.

“The risks of NSAIDs are a growing concern,” said Sheehan. “The fact that they may contribute to heart problems is a wake-up call the public needs to take seriously.”

According to the American Heart Association, about 785,000 Americans suffer a first heart attack each year, and another 470,000 who have already had one or more heart attacks experience another episode. The AHA also revealed that in 2010, heart disease cost the United States $316.4 billion. This total includes the cost of healthcare services, medications, and lost productivity.

The AIM study found that heart failure patients who used NSAIDs may be at an increased risk for side effects and other dangers. The article concluded that NSAIDs “are harmful to heart-failure patients,” reporting that individuals who received the medications were subject to “dose-related increases in risk of death and re-hospitalization for heart failure.”

Research also showed that, with prolonged use, NSAIDs can cause potential side effects that include:

· upset stomach

· nausea

· vomiting

· heartburn

· headache

· diarrhea

· constipation

· drowsiness

· unusual fatigue

· stomach pain

· swelling of feet or ankles

· ringing in ears

· vision changes

· joint pain

· muscle pain and weakness

· easy bruising

· bleeding

· persistent sore throat

· fever

“The nature of these recent revelations, combined with the pervasive use of NSAIDs, should make people stand up and notice,” added Sheehan. “There are good signs, however, that more Americans are seeking natural options to pain pills. A recent National Institutes of Health study revealed that the number of men seeking information on alternatives to traditional pharmaceuticals and treatments rose by 18 percent between 2002 and 2007. This trend indicates Americans are getting smarter about taking responsibility for their personal health. The truth is there are dozens of natural substitutes for NSAIDs, and many of these remedies lack the potentially harmful side effects and risks associated with NSAIDs. With new, safer choices available, perhaps the need to use NSAIDs will diminish in the future.”

About Michael Sheehan

Michael Sheehan is CEO and founder of BioResource Inc. (www.bioresourceinc.com), a natural medications company that distributes German-made energy remedies, including INFLAMYAR ointment for sports injuries. Sheehan graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Santa Clara University. In addition, he received a master’s degree in science journalism from Boston University. He lives in Northern California.

WINNER

2011-08-30T19:30:00.000-07:00

We have a winner for the Rescue Remedy Giveaway!

Congrats Ann!

Rescue Remedy Giveaway

2011-08-30T15:25:00.000-07:00

Since nobody entered to win the Rescue Remedy Gift set

First person to respond to this post wins a rescue remedy gift set!

Just be the first leave a comment on this post with your e-mail address and you win!

Cut your cell phone bill in half with Straight Talk

2011-08-29T12:01:00.001-07:00

This post brought to you by Straight Talk. All opinions are 100% mine.

Get rid of those pesky cell phone bills by choosing Straight Talk.

Straight talk is a cell phone plan with everything you need included in a prepaid plan. No credit card needed, no bills filled with surprise charges, and no credit check!

You can get unlimited talk, text and web for only $45 a month!

Saving all that money I'll be able to get myself some back to school clothes this year!

With Straight Talk's international plans you can call a friend in another country from your home, cell or office at the low rates that Straight Talk offers!

You can even get unlimited talk, text and web for a whole year for just $499! Its been said before that mom knows best and this is a deal that's hard to say no to especially when the cell phones have everything you need with music players, video recorders, cameras, Bluetooth even instant messaging! 411 is included at no extra charge so you won't have to worry about unexpected 411 charges on a bill.

If you have someone else that you need to convince that the kids need some cell phones this year, they are sure to fall Hook, line and sinker for Straight Talk plans. Reconditioned phones start at just $10.

Listen to what this customer had to say about Straight Talk!

Don't let your kid be without the hottest phones this year, when they're this affordable there's now reason not to!

Carbonite; back up your files on the internet

2011-08-29T00:01:00.001-07:00

This post brought to you by Carbonite. All opinions are 100% mine.

Sometimes we want to be able to access our files from anywhere, whenever we need them. With Carbonite you can backup your documents, pictures, music and e-mail and store it on their website.

I love the idea that I can keep my pictures, as well as the blog posts and school assignments in a place that is easily accessible from any computer, its much nicer then trying to find the small memory device that somehow gets lost everyday in the bottom of my laptop bag.

The cost of the service is just $59 a year, and if you enter the code BLOGAD you can get two months free!!

Founded in 2005, Carbonite is a computer backup system that works when your computer is online, backing up your irreplaceable files and storing them on the internet so that you can look at them anytime!

This online backup system will make visiting family much easier, by allowing ease of access to your photos right from your family's computers.

Carbonite also offers free mobile apps so that you can access and share your files from your phone or iPad!

Another great feature of Carbonite is that if something happens to your computer you won't loose all the pictures that you care about. A friend of mine recently had her computer stolen, and lost years of pictures of her kids, if only she subscribed to Carbonite those pictures would still be around.

So check out Carbonite, and don't loose those irreplaceable files again!

"Drink Water, Not Sugar" I'll give you a HINT how

2011-08-27T15:56:00.000-07:00

Vitamin enhanced water sounds like a great invention.

Kids love it, adults love it, and it has the word vitamin water. Sadly too often these products contain the dreaded vitamin "S" or sugar. Even worse if the product is labeled 'diet' chances are it's sweetener contains cancer causing chemicals.

I have been working very hard to cut unnecessary sugar from our diets, I say unnecessary because there are certain things I'm unwilling to give up (ahem I am a gold member at Starbucks these days) So when I was approached to try HINT Water, a zero calorie, zero sugar, zero artificial flavors and zero preservative water beverage that is sold at ::squeel:: Starbucks. I was more then excited to give it a try.

Hint water was founded in by Kara Golden, a mother of four from San Francisco, who felt just like most mothers I know who need a healthy, but tasty drink for the whole family.

HINT Water went over great in the house, not only did my Mountain Dew addicted roommates give it a try, but my daughter liked her new 'water' and I found that since it doesn't taste artificial and it has zero calories, I'm able to really enjoy drinking it . Annabella is glad that she is allowed to drink the same thing as mommy.

HINT Water is like drinking water with fresh fruit, available in BlackBerry, Watermelon, Pomegranate-Tangerine, Mango-Grapefruit, Strawberry-Kiwi, and Raspberry-Lime (my personal favorite)

HINT water isn't just a new favorite of my family, it was named the "Best Flavored Water" by Self Magazine, Men's Health Magazine, Good Housekeeping and Health magazine.

HINT water retails for about $1.79 per bottle, its also available in a pack of twelve. I love the idea of sending one of these to school with my daughter because she feels like she's getting a fancy drink in a bottle, while I know that its good for her, and that she won't give her teachers a problem at nap-time!

Pick up HINT Water at your favorite Starbucks, Whole Foods, Amazon.com, Sheetz, Stop & Shop, Harris, Teeter, Ralph's , Sprouts and other local hotels and spas. You can also visit their website at drinkhint.com

I was sent a free six pack of HINT water for this review, all opinions are my own. I did not receive any cash payment for this review.

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150 Best Tagine Recipes

2011-08-25T17:18:00.000-07:00

Have you ever heard of a Tagine?

I had never heard of one till I saw Nigella Lawson use one on the Food Network, but from the moment I saw her using it I was instantly impressed. They look like genie lamps only they are filled with meat, rice, spices, and veggies, then slow cooked and served together.

In case you need some examples I found some on Amazon.com

This one by Le Souk would be an exotic addition to any kitchen

How about this enameled faded one from Le Creuset

Anyways, I had never dared buy a Tagine because although Nigella's recipe made my mouth water and wish for a cold day. I couldn't buy such an expensive piece of equipment without at least a handful of recipes to try out and feed to R.

ALAS!!! 150 Tagine Recipes, a collection of recipes for your Tagine by Pat Crocker; that's 150 days of savory, one pot meals. My favorite (how many days of winter are there) Now not only do I have a the bible of Tagine Cookbooks, but I have an excuse to get a Tagine.

If the sheer coolness of a Tagine hasn't sold you on the book how about some of the recipes that fill it up?

Citrus Tagine Chicken, is made with pomegranate molasses (recipe in the book), blanched almonds, and whole dates.

The Lamb and Peaches with Toasted Nuts and Seeds sounds like its off a gourmet menu

Always at a loss for a lamb recipe, I am excited to try the Cinnamon Lamb with Apricots

Vegetarians are easy to please with the Fall Vegetable Tagine or the Coconut Eggplant and Chickpea Tagine

Keep your menu fresh with soup and couscous recipes. There are even beverage and sweet recipes!

This book has it all, and a big a Tagine is a great conversation starter and a beautiful addition to your kitchen! Get cooking with 150 Tagine Recipes

I received a free copy of 150 Tagine Recipes for this review, I did not receive any cash payment for this review, All opinions are my own

Don't forget to enter to win a bag full of Rescue Remedy Goodies!

http://mommypants13.blogspot.com/2011/08/relax-this-school-year-with-rescue.html

To Be Sung Underwater

2011-08-25T15:52:00.000-07:00

Sometimes in our life, we wonder if we choose the right path, if we ended up with the right person, if we choose the right career, if we moved to the correct place.

In the book "To Be Sung Underwater" Judith is asking herself if the person she married was the right one. She wonders if the person who she married (who she's quite sure is cheating on her) was the person she was supposed to end up with. Or did she make a mistake by not marrying the carpenter that she had fell so hard for back in Nebraska.

After moving to California to attend Stamford, and gaining her all American life. Judith finds herself thinking about her past when her daughter and husband want to throw out her old bed. She starts longing for the life and the love that she left behind.

This book is hard to put down, it makes you want to live every part of it with Judith. The book helps you to get to know her very well and you will find yourself rooting for her. The characters in the book are very interesting and I enjoyed meeting them all.

Most of the time I get thrown off when men write about women, and our feelings (what the hell do they know) But Tom McNeal does a great job of really showing how Judith feels and does a great job at telling the story about a women falling in love with her first love again,

Its a story about reliving your past, and choosing your future. Its long and you can really get into the plot. So if you're looking for a book to read with all this nice new school quiet time you'll be having, pick it up!

I received a free copy of To Be Sung Underwater for this review, I did not receive any cash payment for this review. All opinions are 100% mine

Miss Fox's Class Shapes Up

2011-08-24T11:13:00.000-07:00

Miss Fox is a great teacher, she is always teaching her kids life lessons that they will carry with them forever.

The fourth book in the Miss Fox Series by Eileen Spinelli is no exception. When Miss Fox starts to notice that her students are a bit grumpy and falling asleep. She decides to intervene and get them started in some healthy habits.

Soon the students are feeling great, and even frog is getting sleep. Just in time for Field day, but can they beat the other classes?

I am always a fan of books with animals and books that teach good habits to kids. Miss Fox's Class Shapes Up is recommended for ages 6-8 (grades 1-3) Its full of great tips for everybody on how to stay fit and healthy.

Anne Kennedy's illustrations of Animals are exciting and colorful. Annabella really enjoyed picking out all the animals on each page, and we even did some exercise after reading the book just like the students did!

So share the gift of fitness with your kids, its a great book to start the day!

The book retails for $16.99 (Hardcover) its 32 pages long, from Albert Whitman and Company

I received a free copy of "Miss Fox's Class Shapes Up" for this review, all opinions are my own. I did not receive any cash payment for this review.

"Perfect Snow"

2011-08-23T14:53:00.000-07:00

Both Annabella and I were equally excited when we received "Perfect Snow" by Barbara Reid

The 32 page book is filed with the excitement of the first day of "perfect" snow. Join Scott and Jim as they wake to the first "perfect"day of winter snow, make it to school and wait for the time Recess hits so they can finally enjoy it! While Scott is focused on a snowmen, Jim is determined to make the "World's Greatest Snow Fort"

Who will succeed in the challenge? Will either boy be able to finish their projects? Be sure to read "Perfect Snow" and join in all the winter fun!

Annabella and I both enjoyed this book, it is full of excitement, and it is written in a way that makes reading it in an exciting and suspenseful way easily done. The art is adorable, done using Plasticine modeling clay, it gives the pages a 3D feel and Annabella seemed sure that she could pick the characters right out of the book. I really appreciate when the artwork in a children's book is done so creatively.

The book is recommended for ages 6-9; grades 1-4. Annabella is 2 and she didn't have any problems staying interested for the whole book!

The Book is available through Albert Whitman Publishing, its hardcover 32 pages and is priced at $16.99

I received a free copy of "Perfect Snow" for this review, all opinions are my own. I did not receive any cash payment for this review.

Compostable Wipes are good for everybody

2011-08-22T14:55:00.000-07:00

How many diapers do you use a day?

Okay now how many wipes?

Wouldn't it be nice if those wipes were compostable, as well as natural, free of chemicals, fragrances, and chlorine? What if the ingredients were made from plants?!

Element's Natural is now the first baby wipe company to achieve B-Corporation Status (B is for Benefit) A benefit corporation is a company that takes account society and environment into account.

According to Wikipedia, (because I had no idea how to explain this to you folks and have it make sense)"A B Corporation is a new kind of company that takes society and the environment into account. Certified B Corporations are unlike traditional businesses because they meet comprehensive and transparent social and environmental performance standards, reach higher legal accountability standards, and build business constituency."

It means that they use the power of business to change the world. And I really REALLY like the idea of a baby wipe company that is trying to make the world better for my baby!

They are the first company to market baby wipes made from ingredients that are listed on the approved personal care lists of the EcoCert and the Natural Products Association .

The wipes are made from a man made plant based fiber called "Ingeo", and the company donates a portion of their proceeds to For The Planet.

Now onto the actual wipes, the first thing that i noticed was how soft they were, I've used quite a few wipes in my time here on this planet and I really enjoyed the texture of these ones.. I really liked them for diaper changes, especially when that #2 gets a bit umm stuck on the booty if ya know what I mean, if I have to scrub her bum, then I would like it to be with a soft wipe.

I also really liked how they smelled, even though they have no fragrance they still have a pleasant smell to them. My daughter had no reactions to the ingredients, and there have been a few other testers in the household (not gonna name names here) who have also given them two thumbs up.

For more about Element's Naturals Wipes, and to find out where to get them in your area visit the website at
www.elementsnaturals.com

I received a free pack of Elements Naturals Wipes for this review, all opinions are 100% mine. I did not receive any cash payments for this review.

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A Good Night's Sleep

2011-08-21T14:44:00.000-07:00

Bedtime...

For a lot of us that word can make us cringe, the thought of putting some children to bed can be about the equivalent of getting a 200lb black bear to just let the dentist look at his teeth.

In our house, bedtime can be a challenge as well, whether it be Annabella begging to eat some 'banamas' or she needs to "hug babies at the gym" she certainly comes up with a few other things she would rather do then lay down and shut her eyes.

But some parents have it so easy, they just lay that little one down in the crib, read a story, and say "good-night" I had always hated those women until now

Anna Wahlgren is a full time mother of nine, yes that's right nine children. As you can probably imagine, over the last 30 years of having children, she has come up with a valuable system for putting children to bed. The system is simple and it focus' on the things that children need for a quality nights sleep.

Anna helps parents to understand why their children are waking up a few times a night. She points out ways for us to handle these challenges with our children so that they (and we) can sleep better.

The book's steps are calm, security and pleasure. With terms like 'rocking', 'jingling' and 'buffing' your children to sleep you will find some amazing ways to calm your child down and let them know that you are there, while helping them fall asleep.

Anna talks about what we can do during the day to help our children sleep through the night, such as feeding them good foods.

So before you try the 'cry-it-out' method which is hard for everyone involved, please give this book a try, if you don't want to take my word for how wonderful it is, read one of the many letters in the book from parent's.

The book is available on Amazon

I received a free copy of "A Good Night's Sleep" by Anna Wahlgren for this review all opinions are 100% mine. I did not receive any cash for this post.

Sweet Potato Puffs!

2011-08-21T14:22:00.000-07:00

I'm always looking for healthy snacks and sides for my daughter. But its easy to fall back on convenience foods so when I do choose to give my daughter, french fries or chicken I try to be sure that they are nutritional and have something healthy for her.

Neither me nor my roommates have ever been very crazy about tater-tots, personally I never saw the appeal of the things, I'd rather have some crunch fries. Even though I adore Alexia Sweet Potato Fries; I was still a bit weary to try the Alexia Sweet Potato Puffs. (The wonderful thing about living with people is that you can have them test the food before you do)

I was pleasantly surprised when I found that my daughter LOVED them and my roommate felt the same! So I tried one and guess what, not bad! I really appreciated how crunchy they were on the outside

I like these puffs because they are not only simple to eat for little fingers, but they are made from sweet potatoes which are much healthier then just regular potato tots. Also its harder to burn a sweet potato puff then it is to burn a french fry.

Another feature I liked was how quick they cooked, just 20 minutes and you have a great snack or side to go with just about any diner. I enjoyed them with some BBQ sauce because we had them with chicken nuggets. I'm quite sure that they would go great with just about any dip that you could come up with.

The puffs; which were released in March of this year; retail for about $3.49. I looked at my local Whole Foods and found them with the french fries. They are available at grocery, club, gourmet and mass food stores! Check them out as a healthy alternative for your next meal!

For more information about Alexia Foods check out their website.

www.alexiafoods.com

Or visit them on Facebook

http://www.facebook.com/alexiafoods

I received free Alexia Foods Sweet Potato Puffs for this review. All opinions are my own, I did not receive any cash payment for this review.

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