Scrubbing Bubbles® Action Scrubber

Confession time. What would you rather do? Pay bills, write thank you notes, sit in traffic, change a stinky diaper or clean your bathroom? If you are like me (and especially if you have men or toddlers in the house - ha!), cleaning your bathroom ranks the absolute lowest on your list. Even below stinky diapers. Why? Well for me its not just the mess but the inconvenience (using a spray, letting it sit, grabbing a sponge, then what to do with the stinky sponge) and how hard it can be to get the soap scum up too. I dislike it so much that every time I clean the house (a 5 hour job), I ALWAYS do the bathrooms last.

Now I found a reason to clean them first. Scrubbing Bubbles has come out with a new Action Scrubber that works in the shower and tub. It is also the first replacement of a trigger and sponge, so instead of having to spray and scrub, you can just wet and go. And when you are done, you just toss the pad away and store the clean handle in the storage tub it came in. Easy peasy. And you can use the Action Scrubber for Tile, Tubs, Shower, Shower Curtains, and Shower Doors!

From their website: "New Scrubbing Bubbles® Action Scrubber™ has a specially designed handle that's easy to grip and attaches quickly to a disposable pad. Each pad contains tiny scrubbing fibers and concentrated Scrubbing Bubbles® formula. As you clean, the concentrated formula creates penetrating foam that loosens, dissolves and lifts away soap scum and grime in your tub and shower.

Remove the pad from the handle to clean tight spaces, like in corners and around shower fixtures. Action Scrubber™ cleans without gritty chemicals, so it rinses away easily, leaving a brilliant shine.

When you're finished cleaning, simply toss the pad in the trash along with the dirt and grime."

The Starter Kit Includes:
1 Flexible, durable handle
1 Reusable storage tub
4 Disposable cleaning pads with concentrated Scrubbing Bubbles cleaner - 3-7/8 x 4-7/8 inch

- Powerful cleaning with less scrubbing
- Concentrated cleaners rip through soap scum and grime
- Easy-grip handle flexes for curves and contours
- No more spraying or messy sponge to store
- Cleans without gritty chemicals so it rinses away easily, leaving a brilliant shine

Scrubbing Bubbles® Action Scrubber. What's not to love?

BONUS! Go to their website for coupon you can print for $2.75 off!!

This review was sponsored by Mom Central Consulting.

Jishaku™: The Game of Magnetic Action

Jishaku™'s tag line is "The Game of Magnetic Action." I have a suggestion for another tag line: "Jishaku™: bringing back family game night." Because this game will bring everyone back to the (game) table! Jishaku™ is not like your standard Monopoly, Trivial Pursuit or other family board games; this game is like nothing I've ever seen and at a recent family gathering, it was a blast to play and left us all laughing.

The inventor of Jishaku™, Steve Velte, has a degree in electrical engineering which he used to create this game, a game "aimed at tweens, teens and adults, where the power of magnets allows the force to be with you (or not!)."

“I think this is the first game to make people jump out of their chairs,” laughs the Florida-based game maker, “when two or three stone magnets attract, players literally jump with surprise.” Jishaku™ (jee-shah-koo) is "a patent-pending portable strategy game like chess or checkers that can be played anywhere – in the kitchen or at the beach. But unlike chess, the element of surprise is when the magnet jumps out of position, without warning. Surprise, then laughs, follow as two or more players try to beat the force fields with strategic thinking plus careful and precise handling of the game’s magnetic stones."

How does it work?

Jishaku™ (Japanese for magnet) uses 18 finely polished hematite magnets for playing pieces and a foam insert where "the force fields are teased to stay apart or jump together." There are several variations of the game (emptying your “hand” with “I’m Out!”, Roundup and Elimination) but the most popular is "I'm Out". While alternating turns with your opponent(s), the goal of the game is to place magnets onto the game base - without letting any magnets connect. If any magnets connect on your turn, you must collect those magnets and add them to your pile. The first person to run out of magnets wins. But there is a twist. All magnets have North and South poles. Jishaku™ magnets do too. They just aren't marked. So as you carefully place your magnet in a hole you can feel the tug of magnets all around the board. Skilled players learn to use magnetic force in their favor- repelling the magnets closest to them without forcing them into other magnets. “In Jishaku™ it matters not only where you place your stones but also how you place each one,” explains Velte. “All magnets have north and south poles and a magnetic field. Study the effect your magnet has on the stones around it. It will attract some and repel others. How you manage that interaction determines your fate.”

The game is designed for two or more players (ages 8 and up - "DO NOT play this game without adult supervision if you have small children in the house or if someone playing of any age is prone to placing things in their mouth.") and complete instructions are included (and are online as well). You can also go to their website to see a video clip of the game in action. The official launch was June 3, 2008 and the game has already won two awards!

• Jishaku™ wins "Major Fun Award" Click here to see the review
• Jishaku™ wins Prestigious Mr. Dad Seal of Approval Click here for the full Press Release

To order online or to find a store nearest you, visit Play Jishaku. Jishaku™ retails for $19.95 and you can use DIDUCTHAT for 10% off (expires 7/31/08).

OR

**WIN IT!! Win your very own Jishaku™ game for your family board night! To win, leave a comment here telling me your families favorite board game. That's it! Giveaway is open until 11:59 p.m. EST, Wednesday, July 23, 2008. Good Luck!**

Rock Daddy Rock

From the producer that brought you TeacherAndTheRockbots.com and TheBlankies.com (see my review for The Blankies here), comes a brand new album:

Rock Daddy Rock!

Silly Short Songs For Silly Short People

© 2008 Chris Bihuniak

$12.99 Music CD / $9.99 Download at iTunes

"Silly Short Songs For Silly Short People" is the Rock Daddy Rock debut CD featuring eighteen, 1-2 minute songs in a variety of styles. The fun increases with comments and back-up vocals by the artist's four sons.

From Chris: "This music CD is for people that are tired of cheesy children's music and have a sense of humor about raising kids...

Families with a sense of humor will love the Rock Daddy Rock songs about everyday life. They were inspired by my four sons and their funny, gross and wonderful behaviors. Catchy 1-2 minutes songs keep the entertainment flowing and life lessons give each song a happy ending... or the chance to "ponder behavioral issues without sounding moralistic," as one mom put it.

In 2004, after quiting my corporate job, I co-produced albums for Teacher and the Rockbots and The Blankies. The success of these award-winning educational songs gave me the opportunity to do the Rock Daddy Rock solo project. This time, the inspiration came from my kids.

'Silly Short Songs For Silly Short People' combines an assortment of styles ranging from Rock, Pop, Blues, Rap, Reggae and Adult Contemporary with the goal of appealing to adults too. The fun increases with comments and back-up vocals by my boys."

Just like the Blankies, my kids and I loved this CD, particularly when Chris' sons chimed in. Rock Daddy Rock is a great way to sneak in some life manners while having fun (since apparently, hearing me tell them not to hit each other for the millionth time just isn't cutting it, maybe this will work!). Just this morning, my 3 year old daughter asked me to play the songs over again and again on our way to school - "turn that song on again mommy!" And as her mom, I was only too happy to play the music again - you can't beat music for kids that is fun, educational and not just another rendition of traditional nursery rhymes!

Check out the titles on these funny songs:

Boogers...use a tissue
Don't Hit, Don't Spit...you better get over it
Wart...one day it will go away
When You Grow Up...who will you be?
Biter...two wrongs don't make a right
The Lecture...a hug and a kiss or two
Where is the Bathroom?...don't keep it in
Your Room's A Mess...clean it up
Don't Pass The Gas...go outside
Dirty Nails...where have they been?
Diaper...a good dad helps out
Do The Burp...don't do the burp
Green...your diet should be healthy
Tears of Joy...happy birthday mommy
Time for Bed...without nightmares
Because I Care...I just want you to be safe
Gun (Peace Sign)...the peace sign
Turn it Off...make your own reality

**WIN IT!! Chris has generously offered to give away FIVE copies of this CD to FIVE LUCKY WINNERS!!! To win, email me at cpamomva [at] hotmail [dot] com and tell me "At what age did Chris write his first song?" Giveaway is open until 11:59 p.m. EST on Monday, July 21, 2008. Good Luck!**

Preserve Toothbrushes

I've been a recycler for many years now, and I'm lucky enough to live in a city that has had curb side recycling for all these years. I fill that curbside can up to capacity each time it goes out to the curb - with newspapers, plastic bottles, glass containers, and yes, even yogurt cups. But I have never once given another thought to what happens to all that recyclable trash. Until now.

Thanks to MomCentral, I now know that Preserve, a green home products company, takes recycled BPA and phthalate-free plastic, including yogurt cups, and re-recycles them into stylish, affordable, and eco-friendly toothbrushes. Toothbrushes. Seriously. And they sent me two of them to try out so my husband and I each took one with us on our vacation last week.

I absolutely loved this tooth brush because of that curve in the neck of the brush. I find it's incredibly easy to get to those hard to reach places with this more natural hand position. And I am really impressed with the option of sending the toothbrush back to Preserve so it can be recycled again! And you don't even have to pay the postage - you can print out a pre-paid postage label from Recycline's website, send the used toothbrushes back to them and the plastic will live on as a deck, picnic table, or boardwalk.

Unbelievably, the toothbrushes are sold at Target stores nationwide for only $2.04! And you can visit Recycline’s coupon page to download or receive a $1.00 off coupon for the toothbrush in the mail.

Their personal care line also includes Preserve Jr. toothbrushes for kids, with animal colors and shapes, making it easy for us to get our kids off to an early start when it comes to promoting eco-friendly habits. And Recycline Preserve also has a whole line of other recycled and recyclable products - I've got my eye on those razors myself -

and those food storage containers are adorable!

Recycled, inexpensive, works great. What's not to love?

This review was sponsored by Mom Central Consulting.

Princess Linens®

The first time I visited the Princess Linens® website, my first thought was, just what DOESN'T Princess Linens® have to offer? I mean seriously, check out the product list on their main page (as an aside - that beautiful pink dress pictured here, was worn by Suri Cruise recently):

"We offer personalized baby gifts, monogrammed baby clothes, john johns, rompers, jumpers and dresses, baby shower gifts, new baby gifts, sibling gifts and toys. We also specialize in personalized toddler gifts and sibling gifts, baby scrubs, infant scrubs, toddler scrubs, Doodlebugz Crayola crayon keepers, doodlebags, crayon aprons, and crayon toolbelts, chef apron and hat set and chalkboard placemats."

Wowsa! Where to start? How about with these adorable "scrubs" - I can just picture dressing a toddler in them on the way to the hospital to pick up his new baby sister or brother!

"My First Scrubs are perfect for the doctor or nurse-to-be! Tiny versions of the real ones that doctors and nurses wear everyday.My First Scrubs are the perfect baby shower gift, new baby gift and sibling gift! Now available in sizes up to 4T in three colors:Lab Green, "No More Blues" Blue, and Candystriper Pink. Lab Green scrubs are available in larger sizes up to size 8!Currently larger sizes are only available in Lab Green. $28.00"

And take a look at the two sample products that were sent to me to check out. First up is this adorable Doodlebugz Crayola Crayon Keeper™. Featured in Parent's Magazine May 2007 issue, this crayon roll holds up to 64 crayons in a small bag - perfect for taking on vacation (like we did!) or to restaurants.

It comes with a box of 24 washable Crayola crayons and holds up to 64 (two fit in a pocket). It fastens securely for easy carrying and it is perfect everywhere kids go! But perhaps the best benefit is that there are no more crayons cluttering mom's purse! Made of 100% cotton. Machine wash, tumble dry low after removing crayons.
$14.00. Personalization optional (add $10).

We also received this Doodlebugz™ Crayola Doodlebag. Not only does it hold crayons, it has a small chalkboard that my son loved to "doodle" on at our many restaurant stops during our recent road trip.

• 10 Crayola washable crayons
• Pad of Paper
• 5 pieces of Crayola Chalk
• Mini Chalk Board

Front pocket perfect for stickers This handy art bag comes complete with what any toddler will need to keep them busy on-the-go! It opens to reveal a pad of paper and 10 Crayola washable crayons with additional pockets to hold your child's favorite Crayola colors. Turn the page and start a whole new adventure with chalk and a mini chalkboard. Complete with an eraser and 5 colorful pieces of Crayola chalk, the Doodlebag also has numerous pockets can hold additional chalk if desired. It even has a front pocket perfect to hold stickers and a zipper closure to keep everything in place when not in use.
$25.50 Personalization optional (add $10).

About Princess Linens®
Princess Linens® makes quality personalized clothing for boys and girls as well as clever toddler gifts designed to inspire creativity whether at home or on-the-go. The clothing collections include rick rack trimmed sundresses, summer shortalls, corduroy dresses with diaper covers, john johns, bibs and burp pads. Doodlebugz™ Crayola™, a division of Princess Linens®, creates a terrific line of crayon keepers, aprons, purses, toolbelts, and doodlebags that include Crayola® crayons and chalk. The Doodlebugz Crayola gift line and the high end clothing groups are available in fine boutiques, online, in several catalogs, and at many retailers across the country.

Like what you see? Head on over to Princess Linens® to check out all they have to offer. You can use the code CPAMOM to receive 15% off your purchases! or

**WIN IT! One lucky reader will win a personalized Doodlebugz™ Crayola Doodlebag of their very own (a $35.50 value)! To win, leave a comment here telling me which Doodlebugz™ Crayola Doodlebag you would choose if you won, and who it would be for. Deadline for comments is midnight, EST, Wednesday, July 16, 2008. Good Luck!**

Nana Star: Generations

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. CONGRATULATIONS GILLIAN!

Four generations were involved in the creation of a new set of books that I was asked to review. It all started when Grandmother Elizabeth Owens (the original "Nana Star") created the character Nana Star "out of a great love for her little grandson, Vance, with a desire to give him sense of home wherever he was." Much later, two of her granddaughters (Elizabeth Sills and Elena Patrice) decided to put pen to paper and bring Nana Star to life in story books. The books’ illustrations were drawn by Elena’s and Elizabeth’s mother (daughter of Nana) Linda Saker.

“We developed our grandmother’s vision of Nana Star into a sweet, very simple, very edifying picture book series,” explained Elizabeth Sills, co-founder of the ee (pronounced double e) publishing and production company, the laugh-friendly company®. “The book has a more old-fashioned feel in order to promote traditional values such as kindness, generosity and compassion.” Adds her sister and business partner, Elena Patrice, fondly, “At the same time we wanted to remind children, as our grandmother reminded Vance, of how special and loved they are, no matter what. We hope that the stories cultivate young imaginations and inspire character all at the same time!”

Each Nana Star book includes an accompanying audio CD with the storybook and a sing-along song. To make the book a little more interactive, the authors have included a spelling mistake in each book and encourage readers to find it and send them a postcard with the correction. Children are then eligible to receive an 8x10 photo of the Nana Star costumed character and become an honorary member of the Nana Star Little Twinkles Club. The Club is expanded on its website, http://www.nanastar.com/, where language arts activities for emerging readers are offered.

The book and doll we received to review were the original Nana Star book and doll. My daughter was enchanted by how the doll was holding the star and tree branch just as we read it in the book. My son listened intently as we read the story, wondering how the little star was going to get home. We were all enchanted by the beautiful illustrations.

And not only are the books outstanding - the authors also decided that publishing the books was not enough - they wanted to make a difference with their Nana Star legacy. So they created the Nana Star Foundation. The foundation is dedicated to raising funds for terminally ill children and heightening awareness of the problems facing children attending inner-city schools. The small company also donates hundreds of books to such causes as Toys for Tots and First Book.

Awards won by the Nana Star series include:

• iParenting Media Award for Excellent Products of 2007 (for the website)


• Mom's Choice Awar® Finalist for Most Inspirational Children's Book


• Winner of Mr. Dad Seal of Approval and Great Dad Recommends

Bonus: Meet Nana Star: Lucky parents and children in the Washington DC area have been able to meet Nana Star when she visits schools, hospitals and libraries to the joy of Little Twinkles everywhere. Nana Star (ee’s own Elizabeth Sills) wears her blue princess dress and conducts storytime, singing, a language arts activity and if requested, a hug! Because community outreach is part of ee publishing & production’s corporate citizenship, Nana Star appearances are gratis. A donation to The Nana Star Foundation in lieu of an appearance fee is gratefully accepted. Visit their website, http://www.nanastar.com/, for details on booking a D.C. area appearance with Nana Star.

So where can YOU buy these amazing books with accompanying plush dolls? By calling 1-877-MY-NANASTAR or visiting amazon.com or online at the Nana Star website. On the Nana Star website, you can use the code DidYouSeeThat10 for 10% off all purchases through July 31, 2008.

--Nana Star • $15.95: First in a series, this book introduces Nana Star and the lost baby star she stumbles upon, making an ordinary day extraordinary. Book comes with bonus audio CD that includes The Nana Star Song performed by Nashville singer/songwriter Tricia Walker.

--Nana Star and the Moonman • $15.95: Second in a series, a comforting message about friendship and faith shines through this book for young readers who may not like the dark or are feeling lonely. The enclosed bonus audio CD includes The Moonman Song performed by Chloe Dolandis.

--Nana Star Gift Set: All boxed up for gift giving, a combination of hardcover book, and a soft Nana Star doll or Moonman plush. A 10% discount when you buy the set.

Adorable Nana Star Plushies –
--Moonman Lovey, a soft character doll whose head glows like the light of the moon and plays music, MSRP $19.99;
--Nana Star, a plush character doll carrying Baby Star on a branch, just like in the story, MSRP $21.99;

(A third plushie, Blue Wolf, a plush, stuffed animal that softly howls when his foot is pressed, is also expected this summer.)

About laugh-friendly company®
Sisters Elizabeth Sills and Elena Patrice trademarked their partnership the “laugh-friendly company” to reflect their philosophy of business and life. “We have been shushed our entire lives and wanted a place where we could be free to laugh out loud if we wanted,” said Elizabeth. The pair said they want to be able to laugh at both the bad and the good as it comes along.

They believe that the simple story of Nana Star will be a success in today’s society where it is hard for children to find appropriate role models. They also believe that parents will welcome a return to simpler, nostalgic times. “Marketing is very commercialized,” said Patrice, “and children are introduced to characters who are very mature.” The goal of ee publishing is to help families recapture calmer times in a hectic world.

For more information on the business, visit http://www.laughfriendly.com/, or to learn about its Nana Star products, click on http://www.nanastar.com/.

**WIN IT! One lucky winner will be able to choose the original Nana Star book with the Nana Star plushie OR the Nana Star and the Moonman with the Moonman Lovey plushie!! To win, go to the Nana Star website, look up where ee publishing & productions, llc. (the laugh-friendly company®) is located, and email the answer to me at cpamomva (at) hotmail (dot) com by midnight, EST, July 14, 2008. Good Luck!

Schlage Electronic Keypad Locks

Who has a key to your home? Your cleaner? Your neighbor? Multiple family members? How does that make you feel? Not very secure I bet. I know I used to worry all the time about all the keys that are out there - what if someone lost one? How do I get them back from cleaners I've "let go" and did they make a copy first? And what about you moms of older "latch-key" children? Do you worry about them keeping track of the key every day?

I'm not the only one with concerns. Take a look at this recent Mom Central survey:

➢ 80% of Mom respondents reported that stories of local crimes encourage them to rethink their current locks.

➢ 70% of Moms have given keys to people who are not members of the household and when asked to consider how many non-residents have keys to their homes, 86% reported feeling at least moderately concerned.

➢ 84% of Moms have experienced a child, babysitter, or housekeeper entering a designated "off-limits" area in the home, sometimes with serious consequences.

➢ Almost half (48%) of survey Moms said they would like to leave a spare key hidden outside of the house but don't feel comfortable doing so.

➢ 84% of respondents reported that house members have been locked out of their home at least a couple times per year.

Schlage Locks has found a way to address all those concerns with a new electronic keypad lock and deadbolt. The keypad allows access via a four-digit code that can be customized so members of your family, guests, nannies, and service providers can all access your home using different codes. Each code (up to 19 on each lock) can be easily set up for a new person or deactivated if you no longer want someone to have access to your house. No more keeping track of spare keys, sending your children to school with a key around their necks, or changing the entire lock if your keys get lost or stolen. No more worrying about you or your child being locked out of the house! Brilliant!

The locks come in a variety of models. The lock I was sent to try out was the Plymouth Design: "The timeless solid brass Plymouth design is a simple and elegant complement to any entry door. FINISH SHOWN: 505 Bright Brass MODEL NUMBER: BE365 PLY 505"

Features and Benefits:

• Innovative Turn Lock feature allows you to lock & leave without a key
• Provides the convenience of keyless access; customizable to fit your security needs
• Ideal for front doors, side & back doors, garage entry doors, etc.
• Easily replace most existing deadbolts with a screwdriver in about 30 minutes
• Ready to use right out of the box - 9 volt battery included
• No programming required; preset with two user codes so it's ready to use right out of the box

My husband installed the lock on our front door and he agreed - it was incredibly simple to do so. Within the advertised 30 minutes, we were up and running. And I love not having to have a key to leave the house. For instance, when I leave in the morning, juggling so many things in my hands like we all do, I just touch the SCHLAGE keypad and turn the outside deadbolt and that's it. When I return, I just enter my code and turn the deadbolt back. No need to carry a key on our evening neighborhood walks! No need to search the bottom of my purse for a key when I get home from work with two hungry kids ready to get inside already! (If you are worried about the battery dying and being stuck outside, the locks come with an actual key as backup - that was MY first question).

I highly recommend Schlage Electronic Keypad Locks. Purchase one yourself for your own peace of mind.

This review was sponsored by Mom Central Consulting.

TripFLIX

TripFLIX

Actors: Alex Fast, Emily Woodhouse
Directors: Ilana Bittner, Matt Craven
Format: Anamorphic, Dolby, NTSC, Widescreen
Language: English
Studio: TripFLIX LLC
Run Time: 120 minutes
Price: $19.99

Gas prices got you down? Having to scale back your summer vacation plans or cancel them all together? Have I got good news for you. Take your family on a cross-country vacation without even leaving your living room with TripFLIX!

"Welcome to TripFLIX, the award-winning interactive travel adventure (be sure to click on that link - this DVD has gotten some VERY impressive rewards!), now available on DVD! TripFLIX (http://www.tripflix.com/) is a fun-filled interactive DVD that features some of the coolest kid-friendly places to travel across the U.S. (and with 25 featured locations, you’re bound to find something close to home – important considering astronomical fuel prices!) The DVD is designed to help families pick an unusual travel destination – whether it’s clear across the country or right in their own backyard – and also to keep kids entertained and excited while en route. TripFLIX is packed with trivia questions, funny banter from the teen hosts/travel guides, and little known facts about destinations as varied as “Carhenge” in Nebraska and Space Camp in Huntsville, IL.

TripFLIX features twenty five fun and educational destinations from coast to coast! There’s something here for everyone, for kids of all ages! These family-friendly adventures are sure to entertain for countless hours, while teaching valuable lessons about the history and culture of the United States of America. "

I am a HUGE fan of this DVD and I'm not even the target audience! I have to confess that I popped this DVD in, with plans to watch about an hour one night and the rest another time. After all, I get up at 4 a.m. each day and I need my sleep. But I started watching TripFLIX and I was hooked! I ended up staying up late just to watch the whole thing at once (though you can watch individual segments as you wish). Told with a deft sense of humor (I enjoyed the Afraidiana Jones segments in particular - though I'm not sure I got that name right!), the segments will hold your child's attention as he or she is learning some really fun facts about our nation and it's history. I have to say, I, myself, learned a great deal I didn't know (like where the phrase "Your nose to the grindstone" came from!) and because of this video? My family is going to search out for the World's Largest Wooden Elephant when we travel to Atlantic City this summer.

The teenage hosts (Emily and Alex) are very, very good actors and have a genuine friendship and rapport that keep the "plot" moving. This DVD took 40 crew members filming through 36 states with 7,800 miles of driving and 13,000 miles of flying. Wowsa! My hat is off to the producers, Dave and Ilana Bittner. I'll be watching this (over and over) again, let alone my kids!

Not convinced yet? Be sure to check out the TripFlix trailer here along with a sample destination (Space Camp!) and a bloopers reel. Then head on over to TripFlix to purchase your own copy.

I am proud to be a member of Team Mom, which sponsored this review.

Oopsie Dazie!

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. CONGRATULATIONS ICE CREAM MAMA!

Oopsie Dazie - Creative Hair Accessories for your Girly Girl!

"Clips so cute you'll buy outfits to match!"

The founder and designer of Oopsie Dazie is a stay at home mom of two, and she decided to start her own business, "making unique, trendy and affordable hair accessories for babies thru tweens!" And what a wonderful business it is. Cindy mailed me three samples of her work and I am very impressed!

We received two Baby Gator Clips w/Grip Strip [(0-2 years or thin/fine hair) $2.00 each] and one Spring Clip [(3 years and up) $3.00 each] (those are baby gator clips in the picture above). I use clips every day on my daughter's fine hair (holding back bangs as we grow them out). Regular clips usually slip right through her hair and get lost. Not so with these Oopsie Dazie clips! The "Grip Strip" kept that clip in her hair through hours of play. And they are gorgeous too!

The ordering process looks simple enough as well - the hard part would be choosing the fabric!:

"How to Order:
Step 1: Choose your ribbon and clip type in the order boxes at the bottom of the page
Step 2: Allow us to add the perfectly matched topper
Step 3. If you prefer gems, buttons, flowers, etc., add those instructions in the comments section when you checkout."

Besides clips, Oopsie Dazie also has:

--Bows $3 and $4

--Headbands $5 and $6

--Headwraps $1.50, $3 and $5

--Ponies $3

--Clip Caddies $10 and $18

--Bobbies $2 and $3 (spell out your child's name on a bobby pin! very cool!)

Bonus? FREE SHIPPING to U.S. and Canada residents!

**WIN IT! Cindy is graciously offering a giveaway of any two products of your choice (not including the clip caddies) to one winner! To win, cruise on over to Oopsie Dazie and leave me a comment here telling me the fabric and style you'd choose if you win. BE SURE TO LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS WITH YOUR COMMENT or you will be disqualified. Giveaway ends Monday, June 30, midnight, EST. Good Luck!**

Living The Dream

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. CONGRATULATIONS BUDDHA GIRL!

If you didn't win and you'd like to buy a t-shirt, use the coupon code 14blog to get 15% off! The code is good until July 31st !

LTD Chix

"Did you ever "dream" life would be like this?

Apparel for Mom's Like You!

Living the Dream: Fun Apparel for On-the-go Moms with a Sense of Humor

What happens when a former account executive (Nina Frye), and a former CPA and corporate financial analyst (Cindi Schmitzer) "trade in everyday jobs to pursue the challenges of raising children?" They start Living the Dream of course! And they've developed a line of t-shirts to reflect the "dream" all of us moms are living.

The tee-shirts (and new! a pack of 10 notecards) come in 10 different designs, all of which I would LOVE to have in MY wardrobe one day because each one reflects a different part of my life so perfectly:

This is the Working tee I received for review (click on the link). The shirt is a beautiful aqua "100% cotton jersey crew neck with contrasting white trim at the neck, cuffs and hem." It fits perfectly and suits me perfectly (the description on the web site? Perfect for me, as a mom with a full time job outside the home! "Who says you can’t have it all? Working mothers unite! You can indeed bring home the bacon and fry it up in 30 seconds in the microwave. What you can’t have are expensive, dry-clean-only suits in light colors. Or makeup that's applied before you get to the office. Or on-time appointments. Or matching shoes all the time. But other than that, you can so pull this off. ")

LTD Chix has several sizing choices too since we all know Moms do not come in any one shape or size!:

Fitted T-shirts - They are soft, comfortable, fitted t-shirts that run small, please order one size up.S (2-4) M (6-8) L (8-10) XL (10-12) - these are approximate sizes.

Loose-fitting T-shirts - They are a more loose-fitting style that runs true to size. S (4-6) M (8-10) L (10-12) XL (12-14) 2XL (Plus size) - these are approximate sizes.

Long sleeve T-shirts - Soft, comfortable, fitted long sleeve t-shirts that run small, please order one size up.S (2-4) M (6-8) L (8-10) XL (10-12) - these are approximate sizes.

Thermals - very light weight and soft. They do not shrink and run big. Please order one size down.XS (4-6) S (6-8) M (8-10) L (10-12) XL (12-14) 2XL (Plus size) - these are approximate sizes.

And I'm not the only one who loves this company. LTDchix was named a Top 100 Home-Based Business in America !

And something exciting right now? They are having a contest and you could be a big winner! In their own words:

"Hello Everyone, Soon it will be time to present our 2 new latest designs for the fall/winter season. However, instead of Cindi and I deciding what they would be, we are offering our LTDchix fans a chance to participate in the creation of these designs. We will be introducing a new “Mom" and the latest news is that we will also be introducing a new “Dad” line. We would love your help with ideas. Please submit your idea for a new mom and/or dad. The winner will win a free t-shirt with their winning design and recognition on our site with your photo wearing the t-shirt. Please email ideas in detail along with how many kids if any, should be included in the design. Written descriptions are welcome as well as drawings. Please note that the drawings should be simple and to the point. They cannot contain too much filler otherwise, the t-shirt looks too busy. The contest is for one month and will be open from June 15 – July 15, 2008. Please submit your descriptions and drawings to info@ltdchix.com. Thank you and look forward to receiving all of your great ideas. Good luck!"

**WIN IT!! LTDchix is generously giving one lucky winner a t-shirt of their choice!! To win, go to their website and tell me the name of their illustrator in an email to me at cpamomva at hotmail dot com (subject line: LTD CHIX). Giveaway is open until midnight, Friday the 27th of June, EST. Good Luck!**

Gloves in a Bottle

Gloves in a Bottle

I recently received a sample bottle of this skin shielding lotion to try out. And just like the Skin MD shielding lotion I reviewed before, I loved Gloves in a Bottle; let me tell you, this product does an amazing job of protecting your skin!

To review what a shielding lotion is: "The outer layer of your skin consists of dead skin cells - it's a protective layer designed to protect the delicate living cells of the deeper layers of skin. This layer of skin needs to stay moisturized to protect the deeper layers of skin. In order to keep the moisture (water) from leaving the outer layer of skin, the skin produces natural oils. These oils also help keep irritants away from the deeper layers of skin.

Regular washing with soap or exposure to chemicals can remove these natural oils.When the natural oil is stripped from the outer layer of skin the moisture (water) quickly leaves the outer layer of skin leaving the skin dry, irritated, and itchy. Worse, the deeper layers of skin are left exposed to harsh damaging substances including detergents, solvents, cleaners, paint and thinners, gardening chemicals, dirt and grease, latex gloves and powder, etc.This results in more dry, irritated, and itchy skin that becomes chapped, cracked and damaged.

Hand and skin lotions only replace natural oils with artificial ones. These offer temporary relief that does little to heal the skin. Regular use of lotions can actually cause the skin to produce less natural oils. Gloves In A Bottle is a shielding lotion – it bonds with the outer layer of your skin and helps lock in your natural oils and moisture – the reason why dermatologists recommend Gloves as an effective dry skin treatment."

Unlike other lotions I've tried, Gloves In A Bottle was rapidly absorbed into my skin and felt completely natural - not greasy at all! I also love that it does not wash off, but comes off naturally with exfoliated skin cells; so many regular lotions come right off when I wash my hands which means repeated applications. Not so with Gloves in a Bottle - just reapply every four hours for continued protection! And I'm not the only one who loves it. Click on the link to read what many dermatologists say about Gloves In A Bottle.

Bonus? It's greaseless, non-sticky, fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, completely safe and non-toxic so I can safely use it on my kids as well.

**WIN IT. I have three sample packs for the first three people that leave a comment saying they'd like to try this remarkable product. Leave your email address so I can contact you for your snail mail. **

Mabel's Labels

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. CONGRATULATIONS VALERIE (NON-BLOGGER)!

Long before Mabel's Labels asked me to review their products, I've been a fan. Labels of any kind fit right in with my *cough* "obsessive labeling disorder" (I'm sure that must be a real disorder!) Unfortunately, the labels made by my trusty Dymo just don't stand up too well to wear and tear, especially the labels I put on my kids' sippy cups, snack jars, and school supplies. And I can't use them at all on clothing (essential for keeping track of their spare clothes and their coats in day care and school). That's where Mabel's Labels saved the day.

Their first category of labels is the "Famous Sticky Labels": "Mabel’s sticky labels are famous the world over! They withstand the dishwasher, microwave, UV Rays and hard wearing children. Customers tell us tales of four-year-old labels still holding strong! Classic Stickies and Skinny-Minis™ are perfect for toys, containers, cups, bottles and more. Our Shoe Labels will amaze you! Our Bag Tags are incredibly durable and stylish on backpacks, luggage and zipper pulls. Allergy Alerts ensure that anyone who comes in contact with your child knows to take extra care."

Let me tell you, these are not exaggerated claims. I've had the same labels on my kids sippy cups for over a year and they look exactly the same. And the Allergy Alerts are God-sends as I put them all over everything my son carries to school. With school almost over, they are still good as new. There are five sticker types in the category (click on the links to see more):

classic stickies, skinny-minis, allergy alerts, shoe labels, bag tags


I was sent sample Shoe Labels for both of my kids and I immediately put these in their shoes. I've washed their shoes, they've worn them in mud, mulch and sweat and the labels have not budged.

"Shoe Labels measure 1.5" in diameter and come in packs of 24. Each name order is printed in white text on your choice of red, lilac or ocean blue labels. They fit nicely into the insole of the shoe and are shipped with protective overlays to ensure durability. Daycare workers and teachers love these labels. At the end of the day, all those little shoes look exactly the same! The name can be whatever you would like to a maximum of 20 characters. Names are printed exactly as you type them."



Next up - Clothing Labels: "The way they grow, children go through hundreds of items of clothing in a few years. Protect that investment with our clothing labels. They resist the wear and tear of laundry and children beautifully! The Iron-ons are the classic choice for clothing labels. The Tag-Mates™ (stick-in clothing labels) are ideal for quick labeling – no iron necessary! And nothing withstands the heat of feet – except our Shoe Labels. Our Bag Tags are incredibly durable and stylish on backpacks, luggage or zipper pulls. iron-ons, tag-mates, shoe labels, bag tags"


I was sent tag-mates for my son and my daughter and I stuck them right on some of their clothes, on the tags. And washed them. Over and over. Those labels have not moved or faded or changed in anyway. It's amazing!

"Tag-Mates™ measure 13/16" x 3/8" (21mm x 10mm) and come in packs of 75 for $21.00. Each name order is printed in your choice of blue or raspberry text on white labels. These are a super-convenient way to label clothes, stuffed pets and just about anything with a tag! These no-sew, no-iron, stick-on labels are applied to the care-tag labels and withstand washing, drying and wear and tear! The name can be whatever you would like to a maximum of 15 characters. Names are printed exactly as you type them."


Category 3: Combo Packs: "Mabel’s Combos have been developed based on customer feedback and are designed to save you some money when you have many labeling needs. The Big Combo includes all the labels you need to really protect your investments. The Camp/School Pack is everything you need to get ready for summer camp or school! big combo, camp/school pack "

Category 4: Household Labels: "Mabel’s Household Labels will keep you as organized as your kids! The Neat Freak Combo is a huge selection of labels for storage, sundries and spices (bin, canister and spice labels). The Crafter Pack will help you store the scissors, brushes, paints and punches you have amassed. Cord Control Labels will give you just that: control over the mess of chargers and cords in your house. The Curbside Labels will help your neighbors return your bins that have rolled down the street!Our Household Labels are all based on customer feedback; we know you’ll love them! neat freak combo, classroom pack, crafter pack , cord control, curbsides, canister and spice labels, bin labels "

Finally, Stationery Products: "We have a warm-spot in our hearts for lost art of letter writing, and it seems many of our customers do too! Thanks to overwhelming demand, we are pleased to introduce Stationery Products. You may choose from the basics: Return Address Labels or a complete Kit! return address labels , write on stationery kit "

Refund Policy
All Mabel’s Labels purchases are backed by a satisfaction guarantee. If you are not satisfied with any part of your order, return it to us for a full exchange or refund.

Bonus - something fun and useful on their site? A printable Summer Packing List for camp!

Try Mabel's Labels for yourself and discover how they beat all other labels, hands down! I give them 5 out of 5 binkies!

**Win it! I have a gift certificate for a Camp/Student Pack to give away to one lucky winner, worth $34.00 (courtesy of Mabel's Labels)! The pack consists of 15 Sticky Labels, 40 Iron-Ons or 50 Tag-Mates™ (your choice), eight Shoe Labels and two Bag Tags. This pack is perfect for summer camp or school. You may choose between the Standard Pack of red, green and blue labels, the Princess Pack™ in pink, lilac and raspberry, or the Ocean Colours of teal, purple and ocean blue! Iron-Ons are always printed blue on white. The name can be whatever you would like to a maximum of 20 characters. To win, just leave a comment telling me your favorite Summer Camp memory. If you didn't go to summer camp when you were a kid, just tell me your favorite summer time fun memory. LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS WITH YOUR COMMENT OR YOU WILL BE DISQUALIFIED - I have to be able to contact you if you win. Giveaway ends midnight, EST, Friday, June 6, 2008. Good Luck!**

American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning's AccuClean™

This the season...for allergies and asthma flares.

In our household, three of us have allergies and two also have asthma (did you know that allergies and asthma go hand in hand in many cases, and the prevalence of both is on the rise? According to the Centers for Disease Control, asthma has become the most common serious chronic disease in children and the third-ranking cause of hospitalization for kids under 15!)

So while we welcome the warm weather of spring, we also dread it's arrival because of the return of itchy eyes, sneezing and itching, not to mention wheezing! And something I found out from Mom Central? Instead of our homes being a safe haven from allergens and asthma triggers, it turns out that indoor air is four to five times more polluted than outdoor air, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency!

So what's a parent to do? For us, we change the air filters in the house all the time, which can really add up in cost. We also have portable air filters in just about every room in the house which is also pricey when you start adding up the cost of changing those filters. So when Mom Central told me about AccuClean, I couldn't wait to check it out. Of course, I've not seen this product first hand (it's a whole house system which needs to be installed so obviously, they are not giving out samples) but just the idea of it seems like something I need to check out!

"Nothing cleans your indoor air like the American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning's AccuClean™ whole home air filtration system. AccuClean can be attached to your existing furnace or air handler, so you don't need to renovate your home to install it. Once installed, AccuClean removes allergens from the air in every room of the house, as opposed to plug-in air cleaners that operate in only one room. It removes up to an unprecedented 99.98% of unwanted particles and allergens from the filtered air in your home. Standard 1" throwaway filters and ionic-type room appliances can't even begin to match that.

The health benefits to clean air are obvious, but how can up to 99.98% allergen-free air make you more comfortable? By removing allergens: AccuClean filters airborne allergens like mold, dust mites, pollen, even pet hair and animal dander, before they can land on your rugs, floors and upholstery. And by preventing odors: The majority of irritating particles like cooking grease, even smoke from burnt food, can be removed from the air. And now AccuClean™ is also proven to remove more than 99% of the common flu, or influenza A virus, from the filtered air in your home.

In summary, the American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning's AccuClean™ whole home air filtration system:

• Removes over 99% of the common flu, or influenza A virus, from the filtered air in your home.
• Removes up to 99.98% of allergens from filtered air
• Catches particles even smaller than .1 micron in size
• Is 8 times more effective than the best HEPA room appliance
• Is 100 times more effective than a standard 1" throwaway filter or ionic-type room appliance
• Delivers cleaner air, and more of it
• Reusable filter is easy to vacuum or wash"

Bonus? Hannah Keeley, one of the Mom Central consulting principals and founder of Total Mom, has been working closely with American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning over the past two years and has met with moms who have experienced, firsthand, the difference AccuClean can make in families' homes and lives. Hannah shared this with us: "Keeping the dirt and dust out of your house is easier said than done, and cleaning every day is simply not an option for today's busy families. AccuClean prevents unwanted dust and dander from continually circulating in your home, ensuring the indoor air your family breathes is cleaner and healthier."

To find out more about AccuClean and see Hannah's tips about keeping your home's indoor air clean and healthy, click here.

This review was sponsored by Mom Central Consulting.

Clorox Disinfecting Wipes

I'll admit it. I'm just a bit, shall we say, anal, about cleanliness. Which is why it can take me 5 to 6 hours to clean my house. Part of the reason is, that is just who I am, and part is because of the severe allergies so many of us suffer from in my house. When any trace of the allergens peanuts, tree nuts, cinnamon, mold, dust, etc. show up in my house, I quick on the draw to pull out my Clorox® wipes. Why Clorox® Disinfecting Wipes? Because just like their advertising says, they are "the quick and easy way to clean and disinfect anytime and anywhere. Pre-moistened with cleaners and disinfectants, these handy household wipes are ready to use. Just wipe and let sit for 30 seconds to sanitize or 4 minutes to disinfect. Then toss and you're done."

And now they are even better! They've been re-engineered so they are now thicker and textured to cut through tough, sticky messes easily. Features of the new, wipe:

• Better cleaning
• Low-streak formula for use on shiny surfaces like glass and mirrors
• Effective against common bacteria such as Staphylococcus (Staph.), Salmonella, and E.coli
• Pre-moistened disinfecting wipes that kill 99.9% of germs including viruses that cause colds and flu (Rhinovirus and Influenza A2)

Clorox® and Mom Central Consulting were kind enough to send me a sample of the newest scent of Disinfecting Wipe - Lavender. Lavender is my all time favorite scent - in fact, I only use the uber-expensive brand name laundry softener that comes in lavender, I love it that much. So I was excited to see if these wipes held up to their promise as a new and better wipe, and smelled good too.

Well, they did. Like their other scents, these Clorox® Disinfecting Wipes are bleach-free and are safe to use on hard surfaces from glass and stainless steel to marble and granite. We even used them to wipe down the outdoor lawn furniture for the first time since last summer and they held up great. And they really did smell wonderful - a light lavender scent, not at all like your typical chemical smelling cleaner.

Bonus? Right now you can sign up for the Make a Clean Getaway Vacation Sweepstakes and you could win a Luxury Family Getaway to the Galapagos, mountain bikes, a year of Netflix and more!

Always read and follow precautions and usage directions before using cleaning products. Always store cleaning products out of reach of children.

This review was sponsored by Mom Central Consulting.

Around the Table Games

THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED.

CONGRATULATIONS "AMES!"

FAMILY TALK

from Around the Table Games™


May 27th is my 7 year wedding anniversary. Seven years and I'm still amazed at all I don't know about my husband yet. And don't get me started on how hard it is to get my kids to talk to us at dinner: "What did you do today?" "Nothing, I'm done now!" I know it's not going to get any better when they become teens either! Which is why I LOVE this new game called Family Talk. What a great family conversation starter for parents, children and relatives of all ages!

Three versions of the game, Family Talk, Family Talk 2 and Grandparent Talk™ are available (see below for detail - all three available on a clip or in a jar). “Our games are like taking the dinner time conversation with you, wherever you go,” explains Around the Table Games founder Beth Daniels, herself a working mom. “Because our games are made to be portable, the proverbial table discussions can now be held at the airport, during carpool, waiting in a long line or wherever people gather in the same place at the same time.”

Ideal for ages 4+, some of the questions from the Family Talk pack are: "If you could have chosen your own first name, what would it be?" and "What is your favorite story about you when you were younger?" Each deck of 100 cards is attached to a carabineer clip so a Mom or a Scout leader can clip the game to a backpack, purse or picnic basket. Anticipating a long wait at the airport? Whip out these questions and the time will fly. Stuck in traffic with the kids? Family Talk will encourage the kids to ask anything but “are we there yet?” And they are not just for your family! Use them with co-workers, teachers, church groups and corporate team building exercises.


Family Talk Clip $12.95

"Family Talk™ is the fun, easy and portable game that has families reconnecting through engaging conversation! Clip it to your purse, briefcase or backpack for portable family fun!

100 intriguing questions, such as:

What was dinnertime like when you were young?
What is one thing about each family member that makes you proud?

Family Talk is so uncomplicated that you can play it almost anywhere-around the dinner table, in the car or anyplace your family or friends congregates. Just draw a card, read the question and let the fun begin! Diverse topics reveal surprising answers - even from hard-to-talk-to teens. And with Family Talk, everyone's a winner!"



Grandparent Talk Clip $12.95

"Grandparent Talk™ is the fun and easy game that bridges generations while creating treasured memories. Clip it to your purse, totebag, or beach bag for portable family fun!

100 intriguing questions, such as:

Where did you hang out when you were a teenager?
What have you been able to do as a result of saving money?

Just draw a card, read the question and watch your family history unfold one question at a time. Grandparent Talk allows grandchildren and grandparents to learn more about each other while keeping family history relevant and alive! Diverse topics reveal how grandparents met the challenges of previous generations. Grandchildren and grandparents are often surprised to learn how much they have in common!"



Family Talk2 Clip $12.95

"Family Talk2 continues the fun, in an easy and portable game that has families reconnecting through engaging conversation! Clip it to your purse, briefcase or backpack for portable family fun!

Reconnect with your family using 100 intriguing questions, such as:

What is the most special day of the week in your home? What makes it so special?
Name some holidays that your friends may celebrate that you don't? Why is this so?

Family Talk2 is so uncomplicated that you can play it almost anywhere-around the dinner table, in the car or anyplace your family or friends congregates. Just draw a card, read the question and let the fun begin! Diverse topics reveal surprising answers - even from hard-to-talk-to teens. And with Family Talk, everyone's a winner!"

About Around The Table Games:</