Dr. Carey’s Baby Care: First Year Baby Care Guide Review + Giveaway

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

Some of those baby care books out there are just encyclopedias. Like you really have time for that. Right. You just had a baby. You are sleeping so little. Trying to get back to yourself. Some kind of schedule. Integrate the new baby into a routine. You need to get some answers and figure out the basics.  Here's your ultimate solution:  Dr. Carey’s Baby Care: First Year Baby Care Guide. 

Think of this book as a user’s guide to your baby’s first year, an office visit to your baby’s physician found between the covers of this book. It’s arranged so that the most common questions are handled by topic. It is not an overwhelming book either. Each chapter is short so even if you have only a few minutes you can really learn something useful. 

I love how the book is set up and organized. Dr. Carey's goal is to answer a lot of the questions parents have that their own physicians may not spend the time to really answer. You get a clear, simple answer that is easy to understand. One thing that is excellent is all the really life pictures so you know what to look for whether it is diaper rash (that photo hurts but at least you know what it looks like so you can get it remedied faster!) or colic. This book has almost 100 pictures. Let's face it...as a new mom you are running on minimal sleep so more pictures and less words are the perfect solution. I mean this. Think about it. Pictures are easy to absorb and understand.  

This is a primer for the baby essentials. Nothing is meant to be a substitute for your own pediatrician or health practitioner. If you have a serious issue you need to immediately consult with your own pediatrician. There are certainly many medically related questions that are best answered by someone in the medical field, but for baby basics, this is the book you want. Don't forget to enter my giveaway to win your own copy of this excellent book. a Rafflecopter giveaway

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Stocks, Bonds and Soccer Moms Book Review and Giveaway

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

No one ever told you the real story before you got married and had kids and started squeezing. You know just what I am talking about. I squeeze every single day. Squeeze a shower, breakfast, healthy meals (I really try!), gym time, hubby time, kid time, an occasional manicure or pedicure...it never stops. My friends that don't work pick up even more of the work at home and that is no bargain either. Are you juggling motherhood, marriage and a career like me? Whether you're a career woman  or a stay-at-home mom, you want to give your all in every part of your life.  It is a real challenge though, I must admit! Not that I don't love every minute of my life....well most of the minutes at least!

Personal time and romance are not as frequent...okay. Sometimes stress levels really get a little kooky here in my home especially when a business meeting looms and it overlaps with the big end of the year theatre performance for one of the kiddos. I just try my best to keep pedaling steady.  I will ask hubby to pick up some of the pieces and do extra when this happens. You just have to or you're gonna lose it. Michelle knows all about it and she writes about her struggles in a new book that really hits home for moms like me.

I was interested to hear about a new book by Michelle Perry Higgens that recently was launched called Stocks, Bonds and Soccer Moms.  This book brings back into focus some of the checks and balances that are critical for long term fulfillment. The nice part about the book is that is gives you 7 easy steps to bring back that better balance.

Some of the key areas the book focuses on:

• Put the romance back in your marriage 

• Learn to set boundaries and ask for help 

• Let go of perfectionism and the damaging myth of the Supermom

• The secret principle that will change everything

My thought on this book:

Michelle Perry Higgens really hits a lot of critical points for moms that we sort of put on the back burner. I think she makes some excellent points because she is coming from a place of total understanding. She isn't speaking out of her you-know-what.....she is a real mom just like you and me. She has struggled and walked the walk. She shares her visions and what has worked for her to improve her life and her marriage. Even if you only pick a few tidbits out of her book to integrate into your own life then I would consider that a home run.  She puts some great thoughts out there and I agree with her. Some of the things I have learned myself already through trial and error like asking for help. I used to try to do it all and you just end up mad and resentful. You have to ask. Give specifics too.  The guys don't get it unless you give them specific instructions on how they can help take the load off you. You both will be happier for it. You might know some of her tips but others may be new to you and it could really help you be happier and improve your relationships with your spouse and family.

I recommend you picking up Stocks, Bonds and Soccer Moms and I hope it helps you as well.  Don't forget to enter my giveaway and you could win your own copy. a Rafflecopter giveaway

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Eco-Friendly Party Favor Herb and Shaped Crayons with Seeded Plantable Paper Review

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

It can be a challenge to come up with a cute but useful party favor when you are the party planner.  I was able to check out two of the most adorable party favors recently from Favor Creative. They actually have a variety of innovative favors including Organic Soaps, Potpourri Sachets, Herb in a Box, Custom Shaped Crayons with Seeded Plantable Paper and Color Me Herb Kits.  Favor Creative uses organic and all-natural items and works diligently to research sustainable companies for packaging and other product elements. All their packaging is made from biodegradable, recycled or compostable materials. Now that is what I call GREEN.

One of the things I love about the favors I received is that both of them are totally green, useful and super cute at the same time. A win-win for everyone. The first one is called Herb in a Box.  This popular eco-friendly party favor is a fun and unique green gift that just about anyone would enjoy.  I know my little one would be so excited if I came home from an event with Herb in a Box. It would be great for anyone from gardening novices to green thumbs, all year round since you could use it inside or outside.  This herb favor comes in a 100% recycled favor box – inside the box is a 2″ biodegradable pot, a soil pellet, instructions for planting and organic herb seeds of your choice.  They offer 14 different herbs/flowers so there is a lot of variety too! They choose different seeds for each participant so it is a surprise too.

The second adorable favor is perfect for adults or kids.  It is Shaped Crayons paired with Seeded Plantable Paper.  A perfect option for a child's spring or summer birthday party. A great solution to eliminate that junky candy! My little one thought this was just amazing. The cute crayon favor part comes in a variety of shapes including flowers, butterflies, lady bugs, building blocks or bones for this fun party favor and activity. The shaped crayons are paired with wildflower plantable seeded paper. Participants can spend time coloring and having fun and then plant their drawing when they get home and watch it grow!! (Instructions are included.) Crayon colors are solid (red, green, yellow, blue) or a mixed colors (red, green, yellow and blue) so you can even match it to themes.  I received the mixed colors which were fun...a pretty blend of bright colors.
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The favors I received are both unique and fun.   Totally perfect for all business and even ideal for personal events. Favor Creative has a minimum of 10 favors per order.  T Kids and adults alike will love the ones I received for sure. They are part of an eco-friendly party favor collection by Favor Creative.  Check out their site and see all the options that are available.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

HSI Professional Argan Oil Spectacular Leave-In Hair Treatment

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

I have to use a hot brush and flat iron at least a few times a week to get my hair styled the way I like it. I worry about protecting my hair though and didn't know what to use. There are so many options out there.  I had heard a lot about Moroccan Argan oil over the past few years and I was curious about it.  I feel like I am one of the last ones to discover the Moroccan "liquid gold," I can see a big difference in my hair since I started using it. It looks infinitely more nourished and has incredible shine. The essential nutrients contained in this magic-in-a-bottle product are meant to give your hair a very healthy look, lots of shine and velvet smoothness. This is a leave-in treatment conditioner which feels really light on your hair, without building up residue or being greasy.

I have been using this Professional Argan Oil as an extra thermal protection before styling my hair with my flat iron, and hot brush. My hair tends to be on the frizzy side so it can get very challenging. Even with twice yearly keratin treatments I still have to use my hot tools to get it to behave.  It really seems to tame the frizz and it has a nice, light scent.  My hair ends up beautifully styled with a soft and shiny finish.  I like that I can go off to work or out for an evening and I feel very put together.   You can find it on Amazon which makes it easy to have beautiful hair like mine every single day!
 
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

ATTITUDE Fragrance Free Dishwashing Liquid Review

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

Do you worry about chemicals and additives in many of the commercially available cleaning products? I am always reading the labels.  I recently had the opportunity to try out a new fragrance free dish washing liquid that is free from all those icky chemicals.  I really like that this product makes me feel comfortable to wash all my child's food and beverage glasses and plates. I actually have been using it for our dishes as well since it works so effectively.

Bio Spectra created Attitude which is a fragrance-free baby dishwashing liquid specially formulated to clean milk and formula residues from baby bottles, sippy cups, pacifiers, nipples and breast pump components.  This is an eco-friendly, hypoallergenic dish detergent that does not have any scary contaminants linked to cancer.   This is an excellent way for mom's to feel good about keeping their baby and children's food utensils clean and fresh with no chemical residue. It cleans very effectively and has no scent so it is not irritating.

Attitude has shared a few key facts about their product with me:

• Free of carcinogen ingredients and by products (IARC group 1 & 2)

• Free of 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide, tested by independent laboratory

• Certified eco-friendly by EcoLogo, the most recognized certification in North America

• CO2 neutral: no contribution to climate change

• Fragrance free

• Hypoallergenic

• Vegetable-based and biodegradable (OECD 301)

• Free of EDTA and NTA

• Not tested on animals

• Vegan product

• Septic tank safe

• Made in Canada

 This is an excellent product to try if you have little ones. If you are creating a gift basket for a new mom this would be a super product to include. I have made beautiful gift baskets for baby showers and I am sure any mom would be thrilled to learn about this product.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

ATTITUDE Fragrance Free Toy + Surface Cleaner Review

 Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

When you are a mom life really changes.  You start to read labels more and think about what you are using in your house. You know the kids touch everything.  Oh, the things that go in those mouths too.  Sometimes you just cringe.  It is such a challenge though, you read the labels but who knows?  It can be a challenge to understand.  On the other hand you want a good way to keep things clean....especially those toys. They can really get so yucky. I recently had the opportunity to check out a new product from Bio Spectra that really is wonderful on all sides of the coin. Attitude® Toy Cleaner is a safe, fragrance-free product to sanitize all those toys. Now there is a way to safely clean those toys and feel good about what your kids are playing with each and every day.

I like that I can feel confident that Attitude is free of contaminants.  All those baby and toddler toys can get safely cleaned whether you are at home or out and about. I love that Attitude® Toy Cleaner is made with safe and natural ingredients.  I find it easy to use and I feel good about having it in my home. I used to hesitate to clean the toys regularly because I didn't want chemical residue on there that my child could ingest. Now that I have Attitude® Toy Cleaner I find myself cleaning toys more often and feeling more secure.  
  Attitude® Toy Cleaner is: 

• Free of any cancer-causing chemicals

• Certified eco-friendly by EcoLogo

• CO2 neutral: no contribution to climate change

• Fragrance free and hypoallergenic

• Not tested on animals

• Made in Canada

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Insta Natural Rosehip Seed Oil Skincare Review

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

Any time of year is dry skin season when you are in your 30's or 40's.  Am I right?  I have been looking for a nice oil to help keep my skin looking moisturized and fresh. I was happy to hear about a new option from insta-natural.  It is USDA Organic 100% Pure Rosehip Seed Oil.

100% Pure Ceritfied Organic Rosehip Seed Oil is great natural moisturizer for the skin and hair. Rosehip Seed Oil has many benefits.  I have heard from insta-natural that it can help diminish the appearance of scars, stretch marks and other spots which is wonderful. I recently started using it so I will give you an update.  I try to be vigilant with my sunscreen but I do have sunspots on my arms and legs. I will let you know as I continue to use it.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

BioTerra belch Digestion Herbal Supplement Review

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial. Always check with your physician before starting any supplement product and specifically Bioterra belch Digestion. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your healthcare professional prior to use if you are pregnant, nursing, taking any medication or have a medical condition.  Keep out of reach of children.

I will say from the get-go that I am normally a very healthy eater. I make it a point to buy organic when I can and we focus on lots of healthy fruits and vegetables in our daily diet. I am not an angel and I don't believe anyone should be though. From time to time I will indulge in treats here and there and sometimes that is an issue. My gut really is not used to heavy foods and those indulgent treats and that can create some really unpleasant situations. It can be truly uncomfortable. I am sure you know all about it.

BioTerra Herbs is a new company that created an excellent solution to this problem. The best part about the solution is that it is all natural. BioTerra belch-Digestion is the product I recently received to check out. You can see the ingredients above, a blend of natural herbs to relieve abdominal discomfort due to overindulgence. No chemicals or scary ingredients. Natural relief with herbs:

Betelnut Palm (seed) - Latin name: Areca catechu.
Chinese Rhubarb (root & rhizome) - Latin name: Rheum palmatum.
Orange (young fruit) - Latin name: Citrus sinensis.
Sparganium (rhizome) - Latin name: Sparganium eurycarpum.
Zedoary (rhizome) - Latin name: Curcuma zedoaria.

I was excited because I now have a solution to this uncomfortable problem.  It really works. I was out with friends for lunch the other day and had a huge salad which was great.  Unfortunately, the restaurant had an endless supply of incredibly delicious homemade flatbread. I just love homemade bread. I felt so bloated! Ooops.  I grabbed two BioTerra belch-Digestion capsules and little while I felt some seriously blessed relief. BioTerra has actually crafted a complete line of products to solve a variety of problematic ailments, naturally.

BioTerra Herbs is a herbal supplement company that focuses on natural, vegan and clean products with a bit of humor as you can see from their product names. I love it because lets agree, life happens and sometimes it can be painful, funny, silly, irksome or embarrassing. They believe in honesty, eco-sustainability and even a few mythical creatures like unicorns. Why not? You have to laugh a little sometimes.

BioTerra belch-Digestion effectively and naturally:

~Reduces bloating and gas*
~Relieves stomach discomfort*

Keep in mind that BioTerra belch-Digestion is all natural.  Often herbal products take some time and have to "build" in your system.  BioTerra suggests that you allow 2 weeks to feel the full effect of any of their products including belch-Digestion.

Suggested Use: Take 2 capsules 10 minutes after a heavy meal as a dietary supplement. Can take up to 4 capsules within 24 hours, if needed.

Please check with health professionals before you try our products (especially if you are taking other medications). If you have any allergies related to these herbs or other plant families please be cautious! It is best to discontinue use if you observe unwanted effects or reactions.

_{*These statements have not be reviewed by the FDA, not intended to treat, cure or diagnose any conditions or diseases.}

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

PREMIUM GOLD Plated with Ethernet HDMI 3D Gaming and 4K Support XBox and PS3 Compatible (28 AWG) 2 Pack - Review

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

If you love your entertainment, then you have to consider this PREMIUM GOLD Plated with Ethernet (28 AWG) HDMI 2 Pack from The Solid Cordz. This is a 6 ft High Speed HDMI Cable with Ethernet (28 AWG) that provides the perfect interface between any audio/video source, such as set-top boxes, Blue-ray Disc players, DVD players, video game consoles, AV receivers and an audio and/or video monitor, such as digital television or plasma monitor, over a single cable. You can get it easily on Amazon too. This high quality ethernet cable works beautifully in our entertainment center. My hi-tech hubby was just as impressed with the quality as I was. This cable is totally compatible with Xbox and PS3 and other 3D game systems so if you are a serious gamer this is the way to go. You can feel confident in the quality.

 

These High Speed HDMI cables have been expertly designed to meet the performance standards set by HDMI 1.4 and have passed stringent Category 2 testing. They are backward compatible to all previous versions.  You know that kind of quality does not come with every brand. Look up close for yourself.

There have been several major enhancements recently introduced in the HDMI 1.4 specification: 

• HDMI® Ethernet Channel
• Audio Return Channel
• 4K Resolution Support 

Let me know how these work with your entertainment systems. I hope you enjoy them as much as we have.  

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe would be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255:  "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

100% Pure Emu Oil For Skin & Hair Review

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

You may have noticed some of my grumbling about my parched skin and hair. Boy, I don't ever remember any of this in my 20's. Keeping myself looking good is really hard work once you hit your 40's. It is a real struggle. Between the gym and the creams and oils, I keep trying.  I am always looking for something to really make a difference.  I was intrigued to hear about Emu Oil. 

I didn't realize that Emu oil can help to restore skin elasticity.  This can be an excellent solution for stretch marks, acne and smoothing wrinkles. Some of the additional benefits are that it is anti-inflammatory, hypo-allergenic and won't  irritate the pores.  That really elevates Emu Oil and makes it a super skin moisturizer.  I love that it is safe, gentle and won't irritate the skin or clog pores.



My hair gets just as dry as my skin so I was thrilled to hear that Emu Oil is terrific for  hair and scalp health. The fatty acids in emu oil make it ideal for dry hair and scalp issues. Emu Oil from insta-natural has natural deep moisturizing properties along with added botanical oils like rosemary oil that can even help encourage hair growth. Amazon makes it easy to find and you can find insta-natural Emu Oil fast. I have been using it regularly and I can see that the combination of emu oil with pure essential oils really leaves my hair soft, shiny, silky and full of body. 

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Last Letter is one of the newest and most fun ThinkFun games ever

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

We are a big gaming type of family and I don't mean all those electronic games. Don't get me wrong....I let my child have some computer time but we have always been big on fun board games and intellectual games. My hubby and I always enjoyed them as kids and we started playing with her when she was a tiny tot. I truly credit her early reading to all the board games and learning games we have played since she was a baby.

I think my mom was the first one to discover the great games from ThinkFun a few years ago. She picked up a few of the ThinkFun travel sized games and the little one was hooked. Birthdays and other special occasions were a reason to buy a new ThinkFun game. Many of them including this new one are excellent games to play in the car or even to tote with you on the airplane. We have quite a collection and haven't been disappointed yet so I was excited to hear that they have a new fun game out called Last Letter ™. 
 

Last Letter ™ is a fun game designed for ages 8 to adult.  It is perfect for two or more players.  You can purchase it for about $12.99. This is a unique letter seek game with a twist that will make you laugh, groan and sigh loudly (especially when your child comes up with the answer faster than you!  It is very easy to learn and lots of fun. Each player is dealt 5 cards.  One card is placed into the center upside down.  The starting player calls out a word from one the objects found on the center card. Each player has to search the pictures on their own 5 cards to find a word that begins with the last letter of the card that was called out. The player that finds the card with the last letter has to show the others the object on their card.  In the next round, all the players have to race to be the first to find a card with an object that starts with last letter of the second word and so on. The first player to get rid of all his cards wins the game.

We found it really forced us to concentrate and think...you really get to work those vocabulary words too.  I found myself getting faster as we played more. It was satisfying to see all of our reflexes improve as we played over the past few days.  As we learned the games we got stricter with our rules to try to get everyone to stretch their imaginations so we didn't allow repeats of simple words like "red" or "ear." You can be as relaxed or as strict as you like...its a game so make it for your family.

Last night my little one had some of her friends over and they were laughing hysterically as they played round after round of Last Letter. I was impressed to see one of the children (who was actually younger than 8) really step up to the plate with some challenging vocabulary words too. The kids were encouraging each other and really had fun with it. All of the kids went home saying they were going to ask their parents to buy it for them.  

Last Letter is a fun game for friends and family. This is a great ice breaker game for any party too. Everyone will be laughing as they blurt out words shown by colorful, illustrated cards.  You have to remember that your word must start with the last letter of the word previously called out.  Last Letter is a fun brain trainer games that encourages creativity as you think, think think about the images on the cards to find words that work faster than the other players.  You will be surprised how much quicker your brain starts to work when you exercise it with this fun game.

We really liked the fast pace and fun combined with the educational element in Last Letter. I would definitely recommend this as a birthday present or a special gift for any child or even as a hostess gift.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

The Crowdtap Herbal Essences Body Wash Sampling #TheHerbalistas

Disclosure:  I received the a sample of Herbal Essences complimentary in order to review it.  I was not financially compensated for this post.  The opinions are my own, based on my personal experience with the product.  However, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Everyone knows Herbal Essences makes washing your hair a totally organic experience, but did you know you can now lather up all the way to you toes, with the new line of Herbal Essences bath products? I was so excited that I got to sample Herbal Essences Body Wash? I received the following:

• 1-1.2 oz Sample of new Herbal Essences Body Wash in Hello Hydration
• 1- Sampling Insert 

The Hello Hydration sample of Herbal Essences smelled great...like coconut. It totally made me feel like I was on vacation at a tropical beach resort in Fiji or something wonderful like that. You have to try it. 

One of more of the products or services mentioned above in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe would be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255:  "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

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