Archive for May, 2010
Ella’s Kitchen Review and Giveaway
May 28th
CLOSED
Mr. Toddler is a picky eater. I want him to eat well, and I recently found this wonderful organic baby food company called Ella’s Kitchen. They are a kid friendly, organic baby food company. When I was given the opportunity to review Ella’s Kitchen products, I was excited and I couldn’t wait for my little one to try it out.
Ella’s Kitchen has two smoothie fruits options, The Red One and The Yellow One(organic bananas, mangoes, apricots, and apples that are pureed.) all made with 100% crushed organic real fruit. Mr. Toddler loved the smoothies. He thought the packaging was quite fun looking!
Ella’s Kitchen also has a variety of organic stage 1 baby food, made from 100% pureed organic fruits and vegetables. Ella’s kitchen provides nutritional stage 1 baby food, but it is great for any age. It can be used to supplement your meals, or to be used while on the go with the little one. Since, Mr. Toddler is so picky, I will give him fruits and veggies any way we can get it. He absolutely gobbled up the broccoli, peas and pears. I was in shock, and so happy to know that my child is eating healthy, quality 100% organic foods. After we finished our samples for review I had a to head on over to the store to buy Mr. Toddler some more!
For immediate purchase head over to Ella’s Kitchen and for additional stores visit their where to buy page.
Giveaway:
One lucky reader will win a sample box of Stage 1 baby foods and Smoothies (8 pouches)
Mandatory Entry:Visit Ella’s Kitchen and tell me which flavor you are most interested in.
Extra entries:
1. Follow me via Google Friend Connect
2. Follow me on Networked Blogs
3. Follow me on Twitter
4. Like me on Facebook
5. Follow Ella’s Kitchen on Twitter and Facebook-2 entries
6. Tweet the giveaway,leave link to your tweet, (may enter daily)
7. Blog about this giveaway and link it back to me. ( 5 entries)
Rules: Open to US Only! Winners will be chosen by random.org. Giveaway ends June 8th at 11:59 P.M CST. Winner will be emailed and must respond within 48 hours or another winner will be selected.
Thank you to Ella’s Kitchen for this product review and giveaway opportunity. I received the products to try for my son, and no other compensation was provided.
WINNER: MICHELLE #29 with comment I like Ella’s Kitchen on Facebook. Congrats Michelle
Biggest Loser Season Finale
May 26th
I have to say that I really got into Biggest Loser this season. I felt a connection to the people on the show, and they all did amazing. It was certainly a motivational season.
This season had the largest contestants. Michael from Chicago, started the season at 526 pounds, and transformed his life on this show. He was the 250,000 dollar winner losing over half of his body weight. He ended the show at 264 pounds. Amazing!
Ashley “the pink ninja” also did great. Starting the show at 374 pounds, she was able to lose 183 pounds.
Darius also did amazing. He finished the marathon in just over 4 hours! And he also lost approximately half of his body weight over the course of the show.
I think that the concept of Biggest Loser is excellent, these contestants are able to lose extreme amounts of weight with the intense exercise regimen and appropriate diet. What really surprised me was how well the contestants who competed for the 100,000 dollars from home did. They all lost weight and looked GREAT! It just goes to show that if you have the regimen and the “WILL” to lose the weight you can do it.
The show is definitely inspirational, and it makes me want to get off of the couch and get in a workout!
I am now going to have to watch, Jillian’s “Losing it with Jillian,” on June 1st at 10/9 central.
Making Exercising With Your Stroller More Fun
May 24th
Today Mr. Toddler and I went for a jog with my BOB jogging stroller, which was only the second trip out this season. We live in the Chicago area, and the weather just hasn’t really cooperated. And today didn’t seem much different as it was 84 degrees at 9 am. Which is hot around here, and I am not quite acclimated to the heat.
But I do love my runs, and I am so glad that it is getting nice out so I can enjoy the time exercising, and spend time with my son. As I was running today my thoughts drifted as to what makes it easier for me to get out and get my run in for the day!
And #1 would be: To keep Mr. Toddler occupied. I have a BOB ironman stroller, and I had bought the snack tray/infant car seat adapter for it. Which is a life saver. The car seat adaptor worked great to get out when he was little and still in his car seat for travel. And it converts to a snack tray as they get bigger. Today he had crackers, and a sippy cup along for the ride.
My # 2 at keeping the child occupied, is make sure he has some of his favorite toys along. Today, he managed to bring along, a Nemo stuffed animal, two hotwheels, and a Thomas the train toy. So the whole run he was content, other than the occasional toss of the toy from the stroller, which of course can become a game.
#3 We also play games along the way. He loves animals, and we have been working on naming things in the environment. So as I run, I ask him where is the grass, trees, flowers, birds, etc…He really seems to get a kick out of it when he can name something before I point it out to him. I am now excited to get out with him more in the jogger, because he is learning so quickly, and it is kind of fun to bond with him along the run.
Safety tips to remember:
1. I always run on the right side of the road, so I am facing oncoming traffic. They can see me, and I can see them coming to get out of the way.
2. Run in places that aren’t as heavy on car traffic. I run in my subdivision, or on local running paths.
3. Never take your hands off the handlebar. This one is tricky. You will start to run and realize your stride is different. I always hold on with one hand and alternate my hands. I also always have the safety strap around my wrist while running.
4. Don’t forget to consider your baby’s exposure to the elements. Use sunscreen and hats to block the sun. I always have the visor on the stroller pulled over him. Consider dressing the child in an extra layer in cooler weather. They are sitting while you are runnning. I also sometimes bring a blanket along. If it is hot out consider that too, for both you and the baby, you might want to limit the time you are in the heat.
5. Bring along a drink for yourself, just throw it the extra compartments on the stroller. I also always bring my cell phone for safety.
Well, I think that about sums it UP! I love my BOB Ironman Stroller. If you are considering buying a jogging stroller check one out today! I recommend doing a bit of research there is several models, and they all have different functions, and you will definitely find one that is right for you.
Amazon.com sells the stroller BOB Ironman for 349.00 with Free Shipping you can check it out HERE.
Children’s Claritin Review
May 24th
Mr. Toddler happens to have trouble with allergies and eczema. We were using Zyrtec to help him combat the allergies, but when the zyrtec was recalled we switched to Claritin.
Among leading OTC brands, Claritin states it’s the number one pediatrician-recommended non-drowsy allergy brand.
Claritin allergy medicine
- temporarily relieves these symptoms due to hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies:
-
- runny nose
- sneezing
- itchy, watery eyes
- itching of the nose or throat
We’ve been using the liquid version for Mr. Toddler. I did receive Claritin Grape Chewables to review, but he is not willing to chew the tablets. So I have been dissolving them in his milk. That might be something to consider when deciding what type of claritin to purchase.
If your children have allergies, children’s Claritin might be right for YOU.
Disclaimer: Please speak with your doctor before starting your children on allergy medicine. I received a complimentary package of Claritin along with coupons for my role as a BzzAgent. I received no financial compensation.
Happy Friday Everyone!
May 21st
Happy Follow Me Fridays! And thank you for stopping by, please take some time to take a look around.
This week I also joined Friend Friday with The Girl Creative
First of all the winner of the Boogie Wipes giveaway was Sara # 4. With comment, I follow on twiiter @mommyheadqrtrs.
I also have a few giveaways running!
CSN stores 50 dollar gift certificate through 5/28.
Crazy Dog T-shirts through 6/4
Book Review: What to Wear for the Rest of Your Life
May 20th
What to Wear for the Rest of Your Life: Ageless Secrets to Style
Publisher: Springboard
Release Date: May 3rd, 2010
Every woman’s closet-no matter the size-is a room of her own. In that space hang side by side the special occasions and the everyday, the triumphs and the disasters, the memories we want to keep and those we should jettison. Gross helps us to reconsider our closet identity and discover who we want to be. Gross’s engaging stories will help every woman evolve gracefully from wife to mother, from empty-nester to globe-trotting adventurer–whatever role she chooses–while letting her style express her inner beauty.
My Review:
Who doesn’t want to look fashionable and chic? Yet when you reach a “certain age” and are a mommy, you need styles which don’t make you look as if you are attempting to be a teen, but not as if you want to be seen as “unfashionable.” All women want to look good, and Kim Johnson-Gross can help with just that!
The book What to Wear for the Rest of Your Life is very informative. Included in the chapters are sections on “Mirror Talk” which are very helpful. It is set up as reality checks that use your mirror as a constructive tool. This book is definitely something to keep in the nightstand, as it is full of information, and acts as a style mentor–one that I will have to go back to often.
Her hints on makeup, and dressing your age were great. I tend to be the person who loves to find a great deal, and also will buy clothes that have a cheaper price tag, and she taught me, “Always buy less, but buy better.” I also loved the comment about jeans, “Jeans are our new little black dress, they are there to help us dress up, dress down, and to feel our best whatever the occasion.”
If you are wanting a fresh new look without breaking your budget, you can’t go wrong with this book.
Available at Amazon.com for 16.49
Disclosure Notice:
Thanks to Hachette Book Group for sending me this review copy.
Crazy Dog T-shirts Review and Giveaway
May 19th
Closed
Crazy Dog and Nacho Mama T’s Review
I have to say that I love t-shirts! I love being comfortable, and I find myself in t-shirts most days! My husband and son also like t-shirts. I was able to review a toddler shirt from Crazy dog t-shirts and it is adorable, and 100% preshrunk cotton, and soft.
Mr. Toddler loves his dinosaur t-shirt.
We also had the opportunity to review a t-shirt from Nacho Mama Tee’s.
When I received my shirts, I was very impressed with the material, and that it was 100% Cotton. The customer service was great, and the t-shirts arrived quickly.
Crazy Dog T-Shirts and Nacho Mama Tee’s have a very wide selection of shirts for the whole family. Whether you are shopping for Husband, Dad, Mom and kid’s crazy dog has you covered, they have 100’s of designs to choose from so you will always find something to fit your mood without breaking the bank! Interested in buying one of these tees for yourself? You will be happy to know that they run a daily t-shirt special for the low price of $6.99! Visit their homepage here to see their daily deal!
Now for the FUN part! One of my lucky readers will win a t-shirt of their choice from Crazy Dog T-shirts. You can pick one for you, your child, or the man in your life.
Ends: 6/4/10 at 11:15CST
Mandatory Entry:
Visit Crazy Dog T’s and tell me what shirt you would like.
Extra Entries!
1. Follow Me on Twitter
2. Follow CrazyDogTShirts on twitter
3. Tweet this Giveaway (you can tweet daily)
4. Follow my Blog on google friend connect
5. Follow me on Networked blogs
6. Like Crazy Dog Tshirts on FACEBOOK.
7. Blog about this giveaway (5 entries)
8. Grab my button (2 entries)
Winner by Random.org: Out of 53 entries, # 31 Emily with comment, blogged about this giveaway. Congrats Emily.
Wow I have received three Blog Awards
May 17th
I was very excited to receive the Sunshine and Gorgeous Blog Awards from Monique over at Show Me Mama. She has a wonderful blog, so please stop by and visit her.
I also received a wonderful blog award from Ocean over at Ocean’s Blog. She has a very fun, creative blog so please stop by and say hello.
I am certainly honored to pass along The Sunshine and The Gorgeous Blog Award to the following 12 people.
1. Mandee at Raising my 4 sons
2. Amy at Five Lucky Charms
3. Jennifer at This is What Mommy Has To Say
4. Shay at Wonderfully Chaotic
5. Heather at The Crazy World of Toddlers
6. Nicole at The Activity Mom
7. Shelley at I’m Still Standing
8. Moriah at Josiah’s Nest
9. Modern Mom at How to Survive Life in the suburbs
10. Kristen at Hands, Hearts, and Heart full
11. Lori at At the Fence
12. Natalie at Blonde at Heart
CSN Stores 50 dollar gift certificate giveaway
May 14th
CLOSED
As a mom I enjoy finding great products for my home and my family, and I recently came across the CSN stores. The CSN stores include over 200 U.S. online shops that sell just about everything. The shops sell everything from a sofa, to home decor, cookware, health and fitness, and baby items just to name a few. 
My favorite is the baby and kids goods. Mr. Toddler would love any of the toys available!
If you love to shop for your family, your house, or yourself than this site is for YOU!
And one of my lucky readers can WIN a $50.00 gift certificate to use at any of the over 200 CSN Stores!
Mandatory Entry: Open to US and Canada Only! Visit CSN Stores and leave a comment here and let me know what you will purchase with your Gift Certificate.
Extra Entries:
Follow me via Google Friend Connect.
Follow me on Twitter @lifeofmodernmom
Tweet the giveaway (leave the link to your tweet and include @Lifeofmodernmom)
Like me on Facebook
Follow me on Networked Blogs (2 entries)
Grab my button and tell me where you placed it (2 Entries)
Blog about this giveaway and link it back to me(5 entries)
Rules: Winners will be chosen by randomGiveaway ends May 28th at 11:59 P.M CST. Winner will be emailed and must respond within 48 hours or another winner will be selected.
We had 195 entries, and the WINNER: Stephanie Coldwell # 101, stating I tweeted.
Powered by RANDOM.ORG
Happy 2nd Birthday to Mr. Toddler
May 12th
So my little man is turning 2 years old today! I cannot believe it! I remember bringing him home from the hospital, like it was yesterday. He has grown so much, he is now truly a little boy. He is smart, and he knows his wants, he has a large vocabulary. He is inquisitive, sweet, and so much FUN! I love all his giggles, and smiles they are contagious! I absolutely LOVE everything about my little man! Of course I might be a bit biased. 
Today, reminds me to slow down, and enjoy every moment with my little man, because he will not be my little boy forever!!!
Happy 2nd Birthday Mr. Toddler!!!!
We had a “Finding Nemo” Party for him and he had a wonderful day!
He also LOVED his new Toys!
