Free Software for Kids & Free Leapfrog Board Book

I didn't know PlanetCDRom has free software and all you have to do is pay shipping. Shipping for one item is $6.49 and it goes up from there.  Go here to learn more:  http://www.planetcdrom.com/

Did you buy a Leapfrog Junior Tag book over Christmas?  Link up your Leapfrog toy to the Learning Pad to get a free board book.  Just go here for more information: http://www.leapfrog.com/en/freebook/splash.html

Taylor Swift Birthday Party Theme

If your daughter is really into Taylor Swift, I gathered resources to help plan as my own six year old loves Taylor.  I really like Taylor as she's staying true to herself and is not buying into the whole sell your body mentality of Hollywood.  She's, so far, a good role model.

Party Decorations & Favors:

When planning your party, you will want to get the perfect party supplies for decorating.  It appears that Ebay is your safest bet in securing the party plates and other ware such as that.  Ebay and Etsy will also have party favors and other decor.

Here are links to my other posts with various Etsy shop's with unique, cute and nice Taylor Swift themed products such as invitations, buttons, magnets, Scrabble tile necklaces, bottle caps and much more:


http://youthfultips.blogspot.com/2010/01/taylor-swift-party-ideas-more-great.html


http://youthfultips.blogspot.com/2010/01/taylor-swift-party-ideas-more-ideas.html


http://youthfultips.blogspot.com/2010/01/taylor-swift-party-ideas-buttons-more.html


Staging Area:

Once you decide on your party supplies, you can start planning for the "staging area" for decorating which you can find on Ebay, Etsy or be creative.

• Buy posters at Walmart or local stores.  Those will make nice decorations on the walls and can be easily transferred to the bedroom for a memorable party favor or given away as favors to your guests.
• Print pictures from the internet and make your own poster collages of Taylor.  If you are looking for a particular color theme, be choosy over the photos you select and most of the Ebay/Etsy sellers will customize so don't be afraid to ask for customized products with your own picture.
• Chicoparty.com has white musical notes that you can add to pink guitar picks such as the ones at http://www.musiciansfriend.com/ and decorate the table.  The guitar picks also make nice party favors to take home.  If you are crafty, you can even decorate the guitar picks with Taylor Swift pictures.
• Add the balloons, banner and streamers and you are ready to go with the decor.

Activities:

As the guests arrive, as they never arrive on time and it can be boring for those that arrived early or on-time, have Taylor's music playing in the background.  A fun activity to start off with is making something as it also breaks the ice for those that don't know one another. 

• Make name tags and let the girls decorate with bling.  Use the cheaper stick on types or if you are creative, you can make them out of cardboard.  Use pictures you found on the internet and print on sticker paper for a better look.  Etsy sellers will also sell stickers pre-made to give it a more professional look.  Choose stick on gems to add the bling that all girls love.  This is an activity that will keep them busy when they first arrive.
• Make Taylor inspired necklaces by choosing the Scrabble tiles (linked above) and buy your own string to have the girls finish the masterpieces.  They can use colored string to braid the colors together.  The possibilities are endless.
• If you are going to have food to take home, buy take out boxes and have the girls decorate with stickers and other craft items to personalize it to give it a Taylor look.  You can even have a contest on the best Taylor box.
• Get the new Wii Band game that has Taylor singing to let the girls be their own star or just have her music playing with the girls singing to them.  Buy blonde wigs, jewelry and let them have fun. Make a video as a keepsake of their band performance.  If you prelabel the CDs, it won't take long to download the video and save to each disc.  You can also preprint the CD covers with a picture of Taylor and let the girls decorate the CD covers.  They will love the idea of seeing themselves and each other again and again.
• Play Taylor Swift trivia by making little cards (index cards work great) and place the question on one side and the answer on the other side.  If the kids are little, an adult might have to read.  Turn the theme into anything Taylor related for a fun time.
• Have the girls decorate sugar cookies in the shapes of guitars and music notes.  This is always fun to do if you have selections of icing and cookie toppings like sprinkles.
• If you are disgustingly rich, you can book Taylor for your daughter's birthday at: http://www.bookingentertainment.com/artists/country/Taylor_Swift.php

Here is what I have put together for our own party still in the planning stage:


http://www.healthbeautychildrenandfamily.com/2011/01/our-ultimate-taylor-swift-party.html

Boz! The Green Bear Next Door Updated Review

There's a new kind of preschool program: BOZ! BOZ, the green bear next door, loves exploring God's world and discovering exciting new things with his friends Drew and Gracie, their family, and all their friends in the neighborhood.  Thanks to MomSelect, I received two full-length BOZ DVDs:

Bananas, Bubbles and Busy Bodies also came with a free toothbrush and my two year old LOVES it!  Boz and his friends, Drew and Gracie, provided entertaining fun that educated with exploring the world of God. 

BOZ, Drew and Gracie discover:

• God helps us grow stronger as we play with our friends
• That when we’re hungry for a tasty treat, God’s fruits and veggies are great to eat
• Getting everything squeaky clean — including ourselves — is lots of fun!

Click HERE for a free peek at the trailer.

A WowieBOZowee Christmas has fun sing along carols, a special retelling of the Christmas story and a great lesson that the best presents are not store bought but come from the heart.  It lasts 45 minutes which is perfect time for this wandering minds but there is enough action to keep them wanting more.  It even has bonus material that includes Boz's Christmas Around the World, Let's Go Caroling with Boz and Boz's Build Your Own Snowman game.  I was surprised as I didn't think my girls would sit and watch both DVDs back to back but they did.  There was laughing and participation with no fighting!  You can click HERE for your own sneak peek.

Both titles included song-filled stories, music videos, and lots of bonus activities designed to entertain, educate, and inspire preschoolers.  Both my children, ages 2 and 6, really enjoyed the videos. I even caught both of them dancing but of course when I grabbed the camera, they stopped as I wanted to capture a video for this post. 

Right now, you can get a free Start Singing with Boz DVD when you purchase one of the selected DVDs available HERE.  There is also free shipping on all orders over $30 within the 48 contiguous United States.

There are great family fun activities HERE to introduce or expand their knowledge about God.  My children loves these activities as they can color and I can sneak in teaching without them realizing it.

The entire collection is a great resource for your children and teaching them all about God.  The products range from DVDs, music CDs, books, toys and more.  My girls really did love the DVDs much to my surprise since they are pretty rigid with the shows they like.  It was entertaining and promoted activity as they were up dancing and singing.  I highly recommend this to parents with preschool children.

Updated:  My two kids, 2 and 6, still LOVE Boz!  Everytime it's on, they start rocking with the music, they watch it intently and thoroughly enjoy it.  It's a great series that teaches good things that include God.

Disclaimer:  I was provided the two DVDs noted in the review by MomSelect.  I provided my honest opinions and was not financially compensated for those opinions or this post. 

Atkins Free Quick Start Guide & More

Enter your address to get your Free Quick-Start Guide, which includes and Atkins Carb Counter & 3 Free Bars.  On Akinks, you could lose up to 15 pounds in the first 2 weeks.*

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* Most rapid weight loss typically occurs during Phase 1. Results will vary as actual weight loss varies by individual.

Click here to get your own:  http://community.atkins.com/security/collectAddress.jsp?rc=FreeBars

* Courtesy of UtahDealDiva

ResourcefulMommy's Twitter Party Calendar for January

By TwitterButtons.com

Do you like Twitter parties as much as I do?  I especially like ResourcefulMommy's Twitter Parties because they are fun and if you win, you get the prize pretty quick.  They are full of great ideas, learning events and more.  Here is the schedule or click HERE to see more about ResourcefulMommy.

• January 8 - Sponsored by #EarthFootwear - 9 pm - 10 pm
• Januay 11 - Sponsored by Milk - 9 pm - 10 pm
• January 15 - Sponsored by #Chuggington - 9 pm - 10 pm
• January 21 - Sponsored by Q-Tips - 9 pm - 10 pm
• January 29 - Sponsored by Lunchables - 9 pm - 10 pm

All times are EST.

2009 Year in Review

I'm sitting here watching "1984" and have noticed that it's been playing a lot lately on cable which is ironic as at one time, it was nearly impossible to ever see this movie.  Granted, I've never watched it but heard about it from my father and since 2009 carried forward, more people referenced the movie "1984" and "big brother."  There are many fears we are turning into a country that looks a lot like this movie.  So for my year in review, the change in atmosphere is one of the biggies of the past year.  Time will only tell how it ends up in history but in my little world of history, my year was a good year and deserves a toast:

• My middle daughter's epilepsy finally was controlled and her medication is just right.  She is doing great in school now and is happy and full of life.
• My youngest stayed out of the hospital for a change!  2008 was a bad year that included a near death experience of being on a vent and intubated for two weeks.  Her asthma and allergies are now under control and she's a very active, lively, funny two year old.
• My baby turned 21 over the summer and it's so hard to believe!  She has grown up to be a very warm, caring, loving, responsible adult.  I'm very proud of her.
• My father remained cancer free which was a huge relief to all of us.  He will see his 74th birthday in April while my mom remains healthy at the great age of 69.
• My husband adopted my middle child back in October and words cannot describe the meaning behind this! 
• The Indianapolis Colts almost remained undefeated this season until they threw the game away ... boo!
• I entered the world of blogging and "met" some really nice people such as Cynthia, Colleen and MaryAnn along with many others from great sites such as TwitterMoms, SheBlogs, Mamabuzz, MyBlogSpark, Global Influence, MUIB, Product Review Place, MomBloggerClub, MomSelect, One2One and so many more!

Although I'm missing many other blessings, here's to 2010!

Book Giveaways' ReadingGlassesShopper Giveaway 1/19

Need some great looking reading glasses?  Check out Book Giveaways' review and giveaway for a $20 gift certificate to get your very own stylish reading glasses:

"Thanks to readingglassesshopper.com I got to review their super cute reading glasses! What a fun way to start out the new year with these. I picked the red and black Yolanda to try. The Yolanda is a delicate women's frame adorned by rhinestones and laser flower detailing. The sturdy plastic frame is a great all-purpose reader and comes with a protective case. I love the detailed flower on the sides and the rhinestones!

The are light weight and look and feel great! Thanks readingglassesshopper.com
for the great products!

If you don't wear reading glasses or know someone that does, they also carry a really cute glasses clutch that can also be used as a small purse!"

To Enter, go here:  http://bookgiveaways.blogspot.com/2009/12/reading-glasses-review-and-giveaway.html

Pearl Necklace Winner Announced

Litfuse is excited to announce that Carol from Carol's Notebook won the necklace!


Carol left a comment on Freda Man's blog.


They are also giving away 5 copies of the Pearl Girls book this week on the Pearl Girls' blog. All they need to do to be entered is leave a comment before 1/8/10.


(The winner was chosen using random number integer.com. Amy from Litfuse).

Taylor Swift Party Ideas: Buttons & More by Creative Clam on Etsy

I think this will be my final posting on Taylor Swift theme party ideas showcasing Etsy sellers.  I was only looking for Taylor items but upon looking into the site, Creative Clam, I discovered they had more such as:

• Bags, Purses and Pillows
• Celebrity Buttons
• Celebrity Magnets
• Celebrity Keychains
• Music Collectibles
• Sports Collectibles
• Fruits and Flowers
• Funny Collectibles
• Medical Alerts
• More Stuff

All of the items are reasonably priced and she has received 100% positive feedback!  Here are two my favorite Taylor designs both in a magnet and a button:

The medical alerts are a great idea and are available in buttons and keychains.  My children would be covered if there was one for epilepsy but Creative Clam takes custom orders so that's not a problem.

Next time you want a button, keychain or a magnet, check out Creative Clam and don't forget to look at all the products for sale!

About Creative Clam:

Creative Clam offers original paintings, pet sketches, ACEO Art Cards and a clever collection of buttons, keychains and fridge magnets, and beautiful handbags/purses made from recycled clothing for purchase from Virginia Beach artist Tracey Riedel.

*I did not review a product and I did not receive any financial compensation in exchange for this review.

Here is what I have put together for our own party still in the planning stage:

http://www.healthbeautychildrenandfamily.com/2011/01/our-ultimate-taylor-swift-party.html

Brother Embroidery Machine: Any Opinions?

I'm curious if anyone has any experience or recommendations for an embroidery machine?  I like this one since it sews and does embroidery but I'm clueless when it comes to knowing what to buy.

Taylor Swift Party Ideas: More Ideas from Little Girl Creations Etsy Shop

As I've noted in my other posts, I'm taking a break to showcase Etsy/Ebay creators on their specialized talent to offer great products.  I love parties and with two coming up in the spring, I want to plan for the best.  I also know that some of the unique and best ideas come from the home.  This spotlight is on Little Girl Creations who has an Etsy shop.

Your choices range from hair bows to dresses to very creative bottle pop cap designs.

Since my theme is Taylor Swift, here is the example photo of the bottle caps:

If you need more ideas on what you can use the bottle caps, Little Girl Creations can use them to make hairbows, necklaces and bracelets.  These would make such cute party favors or prizes to any Taylor Swift theme party.

Want more information, go to http://www.etsy.com/shop/LittleGalsCreations?section_id=5560921 to see for yourself!

A little bit about Little Girl Creations Etsy Shop:

We are a mom and daughter team working together to offer you the very best in handmade girls clothes, hair bows,accessories and ribbons! You will find our handmade creations to be very high quality! We professionally sew and serge all of our clothing. We have a wide variety of colors, patterns, and styles of fabric and ribbon. We have over thirty years of experience between the two of us and we LOVE what we do! We can custom make anything you can dream up! Just let us know what you need and we will do our very best to accommodate you. If you don't see the size you need, but you like the style, just let us know and we can make what you need in all sizes! Take a look and ENJOY!

Truly Unique Personalized Cards: PhotoCardDesign Shop on Etsy

I'm trying to be a good blogger citizen as well as a supporter of women being creative and selling their wares.  While I was exploring for unique party cards and favors on Etsy, I ran across PhotoCardDesign shop and thought at first that it would be another photo card shop where the image is obviously superimposed. 

The themes are a great choice if you are having a party for your little one:

• Thomas the Tank Engine
• Wonder Pets
• Minnie Mouse
• Logan and Lilly
• Photo Collage for 1st Birthday
• 12 Photo Collage for 1st Birthday
• Curious George
• Veggie Tales
• John Deere
• Dora the Explorer
• Fire Trucks
• Medieval Knight
• Dinosaur
• Backyardigans
• Star Wars
• Yo Gabba Gabba
• Superhero
• Family Photo Collages (various number of photos)

Here are some of my favorites and I couldn't help but laugh at the Curious George one as you can see, it is adorable!

The quality looks great from the picture.  I have not personally ordered any to provide an actual review but I will once it is closer to time for my daughters' birthdays.  I'm very impressed at how the image blends in so nicely with the background and body of the object. 

When you need that one of a kind, great looking card, don't forget to stop at PhotoCardDesign Shop for great choices at reasonable prices!  She also has 100% positive feedback.

Here is the order process:

1. Purchase the card style you love.
2. Email me at photocarddesign [at] gmail.com the size of card that you desire (4x6 or 5x7), the text/party information you want on the card, and the high resolution jpeg image of your child to use. Please be sure to send a high-resolution photo, straight off your digital camera. Low-quality photos will result in a fuzzy final product, and I want you to love your card!
3. I will create a proof for you to look over. Most proofs will be sent within 24 hours of order.
4. When you're thrilled with a final proof and have paid, I will email you a hi-res .jpg file of your card, which you can then take and print wherever you like, as many copies as you like

 * I have not reviewed nor received any compensation for this post/review.

Taylor Swift Party Ideas & More Great Personalized Products from HTM Designs

I'm making a series of party theme ideas focusing on Taylor Swift as there are so many great Etsy and Ebay shops out there that lets you have an effortless party full of great ideas! 

HTM Designs has two shops, one on Ebay and one on Etsy called MyHTMDesigns.  For the Ebay shop, if you are looking for perfect themed products, this is your shop.  You can pick from the following:

• Large Candy Bar Wrappers
• Mini Candy Bar Wrappers
• Seasonal and Holiday Products
• Kiss Labels
• Hot Tea & Hot Cocoa Wrappers
• Water Bottle Label Wrappers
• Hang Tags & Favor Boxes
• Girl Scout Products
• Address Labels
• Games and Coloring Pages
• Mint Matchboxes
• Lollipop Thank You Cards
• Popcorn Wrappers
• Bookmarks
• Advice and Wishes Cards
• Baby Shower
• Wedding and Bridal
• Jimmy Buffett and Parrotheads
• Religious
• Sports Stuff
• Other

Other than Taylor Swift, you can see there are many other themes available but I'm focusing on Taylor only.

This is a set of 24 CUPCAKE TOPPERS. Laser printed on heavy cardstock with the design on both sides. These do not include cupcakes. These are perfect for decorating your own cupcakes for parties, TV night and more. They don't have to be used in cupcakes, also great in appetizers too! An impressive addition to your table!

The photo shows the toppers on a lollipop stick, which I no longer use; I have changed them to be on a plastic pic stick (assorted colors), as they hold up in icing, and the lollipop sticks did not last in the icing.

The Candy Bar Wrappes are a favorite of mine as I really like the picture.  This is nice because the price does include the silver foils to place over the bars of chocolate.  Hershey quit using the silver wrappers some time ago and to make the bars look really nice, you will want to use the foil over them as they look so professional.

This is a set of 12 candy bar wrappers. These wrappers fit standard size Hershey chocolate bars. This does not include the chocolate bars. This is for wrappers only and does include the silver wrapper foils. They come pre-cut and ready to wrap (directions included). Laser printed on glossy paper for a totally professional look. 

This is a unique idea that I never thought of!  Napkin wraps adds to the look of the party especially when coordinated with the theme.  These Taylor Swift themed cutlery napkin wraps are perfect to finish off the look or if you are having an outdoor party, the wind won't carry off your napkins.

This is a set of 24 custom designed napkin/cutlery wrappers. A super addition to compliment your tableware and decorations! Each wrap measures approx. 1.5" x 4.5". Laser printed on heavy cardstock for a totally professional look. Wrappers come pre-cut. Simply wrap around your item and secure with tape or glue stick. So easy! These are can also be used to wrap around party favors and small gifts, too! A sure hit!

Now, game time!  What child doesn't like scratch off games?  This is a great party idea to jazz up the celebration.

This is a set of 20 scratch-off game cards. The cards read; 'Do you have Taylor's guitar?' Scratch off the 'silver scratch pad' to see if you find the guitar. There is one winner per pack. The remaining loser cards have Joe Jonas saying 'loser'! The winning card is always the first one in the pack. These are perfect for parties, sleepovers, goodie bags and more. Play for fun, or reward the winner with a prize (not included).  

Now if you don't like the idea of having "loser" cards, you can always have inexpensive party favors to hand out to the non-winners.

This is just a sampling of what is available at HTM Designs so the next time you are planning a party and want to do it inexpensively, visit the Ebay shop!

Go to MyHTMDesigns on Etsy for more great personalized products!  Just look at these great Where the Wild Things Are bookmarks:

New:  Get your personalized Valentine's Day Lollipop card holders!

Just contact HRM Designs for special requests!

*I was not compensated for this post or my opinions.

Valentine's Day Fortune Cookie Recipe

What a great way to express your love and personalize your own Valentine's Day message than this delightful how-to from Martha Stewart.  Even if you don't make them for Valentine's Day, they are a great idea for anytime since you can customize the message to fit the occasion or use them as party favors, place cards or whatever you can dream up.

Ingredients:

• Makes 15
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 large egg whites
• 1 cup superfine sugar
• 1 cup all-purpose flour, sifted
• Pinch of salt
• 3 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• Nonstick cooking spray

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 400 degrees. Spray a cookie sheet liberally with cooking spray. Melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat; set aside.
2. In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine egg whites and sugar, and beat on medium speed, about 30 seconds. Add flour and salt, and beat until combined. Add butter, heavy cream, and almond extract, and beat until combined, about 30 seconds.
3. Pour 1 tablespoon of batter onto half of the baking sheet, and spread with the back of a spoon into a thin 5-inch circle; repeat on the other half of the sheet. Bake until the edges of the cookies turn golden brown, about 8 minutes.
4. Transfer baking sheet to a heat-resistant surface. Working as quickly as possible, slide a spatula (an offset spatula, available at specialty kitchen shops, works best) under one of the cookies. Lift it up, and place it on a clean kitchen towel. Using your fingers, fold the cookie in half, pinching the top together to form a loose semicircle. Hold the cookie with your index fingers inserted at each open end, and slide your thumbs together along the bottom line. Press into the center of the cookie while bending the two open ends together and down to form the shape of a fortune cookie. This whole process should take about 10 seconds. Once the cookie hardens, which begins to happen almost immediately, you cannot fold it. Place the fortune cookie on the kitchen towel to cool, and shape the second cookie. Repeat until all the batter is used up. To speed up the process, bake four cookies at a time, staggering two cookie sheets by 4 minutes to give you time to shape. To avoid wasting batter, practice folding with a circle of paper first.
5. Write your message on a long strip of sturdy art paper, such as Japanese moriki. Thread the fortune through the cookie when it has cooled.  

* Photo and recipe courtesy of Martha Stewart

New Year, New You: Getting in Shape for 2010 With Free Tools

I have a goal and although it might seem a little backwards but I want to get in shape before my husband's deployment to Kuwait in May.  I figured better late than never and I want to ensure that my health is top notch for the sake of my children.  I started a fitness challenge this past November with two other fabulous mommy bloggers, Colleen and MaryAnn, who have turned into my inspiration as they have lost combined over 14 pounds!  We decided to carry it over to the new year to keep on going which I can't be more excited as both of these women have children and busy lives but both are in the same boat as me so they do in fact, challenge and motivate me.

If you are ready to jump on board the get-in-shape band wagon, it's easy to do once you commit yourself but only you can decide if you are ready.   One area I always fail at is I want it gone yesterday so I always set up unrealistic goals but this time with the help of a calculator (see below), I will lose the weight sensibly to ensure added success.  One thing I read from Jillian Michaels' today is it's a new year which means a new you.  Don't bring the negativity and disappointment of your weight into this year as that's the old year.  She, of course, is right.  You have to remove the negative thoughts and self-images you have to be successful and I truly believe that when you picture yourself at the weight you want to be, it is a motivator.  I've tried diet after diet and spent tons of money on each one with the same outcome of being overweight as I'm a stress eater.  I'm learning to get that in order but it's not an overnight task to beat.

If you are ready, check out these great tools:

Free online journal and calorie counter:  http://www.my-calorie-counter.com/calorie_counter.asp.  This site has the following free (and paid if you want) tools:

• Food and Fitness Journal
• Weight Tracker Dashboard
• Food and Nutrition
• Exercise and Activity
• Forums
• Personal Coaching
• Food and Fitness Tips
• Meal Planner Setup Tool

Another great benefit of Everyday Health's weight management tool is the ability to set up a network of friends and family.  I'm listed as "youthfultips" if anyone wants to join up!

This weight loss calculator from FitWatch provides you the number of calories you need a day to reach your goal by entering your current information and desired goal weight.  It's a very realistic way to plan to lose the weight you want and stay in shape.

I'm also listening and reading a few books to better understand nutrition which I will review and provide any tips at a later date.  Those books include:

• Prime Time Health by William Sears, M.D.
• Eat for Your Health by Joel Fuhrman, M.D.
• The Seven Pillars of Health by Don Colbort, M.D.

                                  


I'm also waiting on my EA Sports Active to arrive.  Thanks to Mommy blogger Colleen and TwitterMoms, I was turned on to EA Sports Active as a great tool to also provide the activity I need to get in shape.  More information will follow on that once I receive it but you can see my post that I previously wrote here.

Store Brand Formula IS Just as Good

It's very disheartening when you hear cases that are aimed against businesses dealing with products for children.  As a parent, you want the very best for your baby and go to great lengths in making the right decisions.  Whether it's top of the line products because you feel you can trust a particular company or you are betting that a little extra money will mean higher quality.  Unfortunately, that's not always the case.  For instance, Mead Johnson, Maker of Enfamil, lost a multi-million dollar false advertising case against store-brand infant formulas.  I'm one of the first to admit that I chose name brand, Lipil specifically, when purchasing all my children's formula and stayed clear of store-brand thinking it was inferior.

During the court proceedings, it was found that 'store-brand formulas are nutritionally equivalent to and confer the same developmental benefits as the more expensive national brands.'  That is great to hear if you have a baby or are expecting as every little bit of money saved helps.

Here is the press release:

GORDONSVILLE, VA., December 2 , 2009—PBM Products, LLC, a leading infant formula company that supplies store-brand infant formulas to Walmart, Sam's Club, Target, Kroger, Walgreens, and other retailers, has received a favorable jury verdict and a $13.5 million damages award in its false advertising lawsuit against Mead Johnson & Co., the operating subsidiary of Mead Johnson Nutrition Company (NYSE: MJN) (“Mead Johnson”), the makers of the national-brand Enfamil® LIPIL® Infant Formula. Mead Johnson is 83 percent-owned by Bristol-Myers Squibb.

PBM’s lawsuit claimed that Mead Johnson engaged in false and misleading campaigns against PBM’s competing store-brand of infant formulas, suggesting they do not provide the same nutrition as Mead Johnson’s brands. PBM’s store-brand infant formulas cost up to 50 percent less than Enfamil® LIPIL®. The $13.5 million in damages awarded by the jury in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia is one of the largest damages awards ever for a false advertising case.

“This decision by a jury of the people confirms that Mead Johnson’s ads have been false in suggesting that there is a nutritional difference between our store-brand formula products and their products, when in fact the only major difference is price,” said PBM CEO Paul B. Manning. “Despite Mead Johnson’s scare tactics, parents are assured that PBM’s formula products are as high quality and nutritious as Mead Johnson’s.”

U.S. District Court Judge James R. Spencer issued his written rulings yesterday following the November 10th jury verdict. Judge Spencer’s written rulings permanently enjoined Mead Johnson from making any false statements concerning PBM's infant formula, including the claims Mead Johnson previously made in Enfamil advertising that "It may be tempting to try a less expensive store brand, but only Enfamil LIPIL is clinically proven to improve brain and eye development," and "there are plenty of other ways to save on baby expenses without cutting back on nutrition." The Court also ordered Mead Johnson to retrieve from the public domain all advertising or promotional materials containing these or any other false claims about PBM's store brand infant formula.

The details of the decision and the complaint are posted online in full at:

• http://www.pbmproducts.com/docs/Order_Laches.pdf
• http://www.pbmproducts.com/docs/PBM_Complaint_MJ_III_LIPIL.pdf

The nutritional supplements under examination in the case are two fats, DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and ARA (arachidonic acid), which Mead Johnson calls “LIPIL®” solely for marketing purposes and touts as promoting infant brain and eye development. PBM’s claim focused on Mead Johnson’s direct mailing to more than 1.6 million parents of an alarming blurry picture of a child’s cartoon duck next to a clear picture of the same image which suggested that anything other than the Enfamil LIPIL® blend of ingredients is inferior and will result in poor eye and brain development. Other parts of the false advertising campaign consist of statements that only Enfamil LIPIL has been proven to confer visual and mental benefits on infants, and store-brand formulas are a “cut-back in nutrition” compared to Enfamil.

PBM successfully argued that these advertisements were false and misleading especially since PBM store- brand infant formulas have the same nutrients at the same levels as Enfamil. PBM infant formulas are formulated to contain DHA and ARA, and are sourced from the same supplier in amounts which equal or exceed the DHA and ARA in Mead Johnson’s Enfamil LIPIL®.

This decision marks the third time PBM Products has sued Mead Johnson for false advertising claims. On the prior occasions Mead Johnson admitted that it made false claims about PBM’s products. It is also the first false advertising case to focus on the issue of DHA and ARA nutritional ingredients in formula, which were introduced into the market in 2003 and have become a staple in recent years by many brands as key components for infant development.

“This jury verdict should send a significant and clear message to Mead Johnson about the way it conducts marketing and advertising for its brands,” said Manning. “This lawsuit also demonstrates our complete commitment to defending our products and the valuable brands of our retail partners.”

“As a parent and supporter of children’s medical research, I take a personal responsibility in assuring our customers that the products we produce are healthy and nutritionally equivalent to brand names like Enfamil® LIPIL®. It is important, especially now, for parents to know that there are lower priced yet highly nutritious store-brand formulas that will provide the same benefit to their children as any national brand name formula product,” Manning added.

The U.S. infant formula market is estimated at $3.4 billion and the global market is estimated at $7.9 billion.

All of PBM’s formulas, and for that matter all of U.S. infant formulas, are subject to the exacting standards of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), pursuant to the Infant Formula Act of 1980. This legislation vested FDA with the authority to ensure that all infant formula products sold in the United States provide the necessary levels of identified nutrients required for the growth of healthy babies.

PBM Products was represented by the law firm Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP. Partners from the firm’s advertising practice, Harold P. Weinberger and Jonathan M. Wagner in New York, led the team.

About PBM

PBM is privately owned and based in Gordonsville, VA. PBM companies specialize in manufacturing, distributing, and marketing consumer food, nutritional, and pharmaceutical products. For more information, visit www.pbmproducts.com.

Happy New Year Prayer

A New Year Prayer

Holy Father,

God of our yesterdays, our today, and our tomorrows.

We praise You for Your unequaled greatness.

Thank You for the year behind us and for the year ahead.

Help us in Your new year, Father, to fret less and laugh more.

To teach our children to laugh by laughing with them.

To teach others to love by loving them.

Knowing, when Love came to the stable in Bethlehem, He came for us.

So that Love could be with us, and we could know You.

That we could share Love with others.

Help us, Father, to hear Your love song in every sunrise,

in the chirping of sparrows in our backyards,

in the stories of our old folks, and the fantasies of our children.

Help us to stop and listen to Your love songs,

so that we may know You better and better.

We rejoice in the world You loved into being.

Thank You for another new year and for new chances every day.

We pray for peace, for light, and for hope, that we might spread them to others.

Forgive us for falling short this past year.

We leave the irreparable past in your hands, and step out into the unknown new year knowing You will go with us.

We accept Your gift of a new year and we rejoice in what's ahead, depending on You to help us do exactly what You want..

I say it again, we rejoice!

In Jesus name,

Amen.

*courtesy of http://halife.com/halife/new_year_prayer.html

New Items Added to Valentine's Day Gift Guide Giveaway 1/25/10

Current Giveaway Packages:

Gift Pack 1:

• Two Customized Chocomize Chocolate Bars
• $25 Zazzle Gift Certificate
• Chocolate:  A Love Story Hardcover Recipe Collecton

Gift Pack 2:

• Skinfood Skincare Three Products 
• $25 Kmart Gift Card
• 1 Mini Bottle of Estee Lauder Sensuous
• 1 Mini Bottle of Wild Honeysuckle
• 1 Mini Bottle Pure White Linen

Gift Pack 3:

• Sprig Toys Adventure Dino Set
• $10 Walmart Gift Card
• St. Eve's Pink Children's Cozy

Gift Pack 4:

• $25 Eden Fantasys Gift Card
• Sterling Silver Marcasite and Onxy Pendants

Click here for the full Valentine's Day Guide and post.
Stay tuned for more giveaways, reviews and ideas!  Items will be added to gift packs as they come so you never know, a gift pack might end up with more items for each lucky winner!

General Mills Cereal $1 Coupons & Reduction in Sugar Announcement

MyBlogSpark and General Mills has these GREAT coupons that General Mill’s and MyBlogSpark gave to me to offer to my loyal readers. Click HERE to print a $1/1 coupon good on the following General Mills Cereal:

• Cinnamon Toast Crunch
• Cocoa Puffs
• Lucky Charms
• Trix

You can print up to two coupons.

General Mills announced a commitment to further reduce sugar in cereals advertised to kids under 12 to single digit grams of sugar per serving. They have already been reducing sugar in cereals while increasing key nutrients, such as calcium and vitamin D, and providing whole grain. 

For more information about kids and cereals, please visit Cereal Health and Wellness.

Did you know that ready-to-eat cereal eaters consume less fat, less cholesterol and more fiber than non-cereal eaters? Cereals also deliver important vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients, making cereal a top source of key nutrients in children’s diets.

Other cereal benefits:

• Ready-to-eat cereals, including presweetened cereals, account for only 5% of sugar in children’s diets.
• Ready-to-eat cereal is the No. 1 source of whole grains in a child’s diet today.
• More frequent cereal eaters tend to have healthier body weights and lower Body Mass Index measures.

Studies also demonstrate the benefits of eating breakfast. A 1998 study showed that children who eat breakfast tend to perform better at school. Compared to children who skip breakfast, children who eat breakfast score higher on tests, are less likely to miss class or be tardy, have fewer reported discipline problems, and make fewer trips to the office.

Disclosure: General Mills and MyBlogSpark provided me with information, links to the coupons and provided four complimentary coupons for General Mills cereal. All opinions and commentary are my own and I have not been financially compensated.