Huggies Every Little Bottom: Diaper Donations

I'm a long time Huggies mom and I cannot write enough about how much I love Huggies as a corporation.  Not only do they provide products that we can rely on, tools to help parents but they also meet a need.  


Diaper need is the struggle to provide babies with a basic need—diapers. Although largely unrecognized, a new study commissioned by HUGGIES^® reveals that diaper need is a critical issue in the U.S.


Here are some facts:

• Without diapers, mothers can't meet one of their babies' basic needs. Yet there is little support for these moms and babies in need.
• 1 in 3 American moms struggle with diaper need. These moms have had to cut back on basics such as food, utilities like heat and electricity or even child care to provide diapers for their babies. *
• Lack of clean, dry diapers may cause physical and emotional suffering for babies.
• Diaper need affects moms' abilities to carry on with necessary daily activities.

* Results of The HUGGIES^® Every Little Bottom Study

HUGGIES^® created Every Little Bottom to help address diaper need. But they need help. Together, they can help get this basic necessity — diapers — to millions of babies.  Donate diapers, and learn more about their commitment.

Join in and help along with learning more about Huggies' partners here.

I was not compensated for this post and chose to spread the word about this wonderful program helping babies be more comfortable and healthier.

Getting Ready for Christmas?

Getting ready for Christmas yet or did that just send your head spinning?  I prepare every year a year ahead of time.  I try to maximize my bank cards to get bucks/points back, I use MyPoints for when I purchase items online as you get points to use for gifts/gift cards, MyCokeRewards for gifts, Swagbucks for my searching for more points to cash in for gift cards and surveys from Inbox for more points.  It's amazing how much these things can add up to save you money. 


This is one item I used with a rewards program that I purchased for my girls at Christmas with no money out of my pocket:

Don't forget all the blogger giveaways, Twitter giveaways and Facebook ones.  There are a lot of things to be won if you are an online person.  Another big event is Blogmania 2010 that occurs on 9/15 and 9/16 with well over 150+ bloggers participating.  My prize pack alone is over $700.  

Agoo $50 GC, Lash 28 Eyelash Conditioner, InvitationBox, Wii Console, Cheerios/$25 AMEX GC, Sunmate & Brugo Mug Giveaways & Blogmania 2010

Don't forget to enter the giveaways coming up!

Youthfultips Agoo $50 GC Giveaway 7/19 - Children's Clothes & More

YouthfulTips Lash 28 Eyelash Conditioner Giveaway 7/22

YouthfulTips InvitationBox $25 Gift Card Giveaway 7/22

GiftZip.com Wii Console Giveaway 8/1

YouthfulTips Cheerios & $25 AMEX Gift Card 8/3

YouthfulTips SunMate Giveaway 8/4

YouthfulTips Brugo Mug Giveaway 8/4

Also, check out the $700+ prize pack for one winner for Blogmania 2010!

Free Zulily Shipping Code Expires 7/18

Free Shipping on orders over $50 from now until 7/18 with code AFFSHIP.

  

 

Be Stylish with Saint Francis Couture's Fashionable Accessories & Clothing

Saint Francis Couture designs high fashion, animal friendly shoes and accessories, and they are now introducing apparel and jewelry. The company's founder and designer, Tere Albanese, is a vegetarian who refuses to wear anything made from animals. "I thought the world needed some high fashion, moderately priced, comfortable, but sexy, shoes and accessories that were cruelty free," said Tere. The company is named after Saint Francis, who is the patron saint of animals and part of the proceeds go to animal welfare organizations. Her first line is the Africa Collection, which honors African Wildlife. 

 

The Big Bag is your weekender/carry-on bag. Great for Holiday travel. Big enough to fit everything you'll need for the weekend. The only other bag you'll need is your Africa Clutch Bag. Made with cruelty-free pleather. Side Pockets with turn-key closure for securely holding your keys and boarding pass. Adorned with Saint Francis Couture Logo with Swarovski Crystal Zebra Eye Accent. 

I was lucky to receive a complimentary Africa Clutch Bag (top picture above).   The Africa Clutch Bag is an adorable and functional bag for formal wear without the shoulder strap, or with the shoulder strap over your head and across your body while riding a bicycle with your Africa Flats or Clogs. Petit, but roomey enough to carry a wallet, make-up and brush.  Made with Cruelty-Free Pleather.  Adorned with Saint Francis Couture Signiture Noah's Arc Logo with Swarovski Crystal Accent. 


The removable shoulder strap goes from 24" to 48" and I like the fact that it's interchangeable and can be worn for many occasions and styles.  It's made of high quality material, has a nice quality inner layer and it's small enough to carry as a clutch yet big enough to put all the essentials in it.

 

The Shoes range from 3" heels, pumps, ankle boots to wedges, pump wedges, knee high boots and flats.   I was able to review the Africa Pump Heel.  It's all it states it is a provocative pump that will get you noticed, but the way it feels you'll think you are wearing running shoes. Rounded toe for comfort. It's truly fabulous with dresses and skirts of any length, and just as fabulous with pants or jeans. Made with Cruelty-Free Pleather. Rubber sole for quiet, comfortable walking. Ankle strap with changeable laces and 3" heel, which is sexy, but all-day wearable.  They are one of the most comfortable shoes I have worn and they are high quality.


The shoes come in such a wide variety for individual tastes and the price is right!  The Africa Pump 3" Heel is priced at $42 which is very affordable.

The final touch for the outfit is the Africa Belt.  Priced at only $38, it is definitely what ties it altogether.  Perfect for skirts, shirts or dresses, it's the finale on the night!  Also made with cruelty-free pleather, it has the Saint Francis Couture's logo belt buckle, movable belt loop and is 2" wide.  It is available in sizes small, medium and large.


Looking for some cute bling or fashionable accessories, Saint Francis Couture does have you covered!  Take a look and you won't be sorry!  


Saint Francis Couture also carries apparel that is just as cute, trendy and fashionable.

 

Visit www.saintfranciscouture.com today and with every purchase, Saint Francis Couture donates to the Animal Welfare Organization!  It's always nice to be able to buy something where a portion of the proceeds are donated for a worthy cause.


You can stay up to date by signing up for the newsletter here and watch a great video (right side) about Saint Francis Couture here. 


*Disclaimer:  I received complimentary samples from the company or PR agency in exchange for my honest review.

Blogmania 2010 & How You Can Win Over $700 in Prizes

Blogmania 2010 will be here before you know it and YOU can win big with all the other bloggers who are participating and the great sponsors!   My site alone has a prize package valued at over $700 for ONE winner!


My sponsors represent a variety of great businesses who have wonderful products that will either help you in your day to day lives, make you happier or put a smile on someone else's face.  Home for the Holidays is my theme and it is featuring gifts for many on your list or just gifts for yourself.


Take a peek at the sponsors I have already and visit their shops/stores ahead of time and check out the great prizes they have already agreed to provide:

Find me on Facebook       Find me on Twitter

Designing the Grandbaby's Nursery

My oldest has been trying to decide how to decorate the nursery for her baby-to-be but hers is a little tricky as she doesn't have the room to make a nursery and has to use her bedroom.  The good news is the bedroom is large so that works out nice.  The ultrasound tech said she is having a girl but the Chinese Astrology Chart and IntelliGender say boy.  I think it looks like a boy too but we'll know in a few weeks when she gets her 4D ultrasound!  I can't wait and it's her birthday present from my husband and I.  Happy Birthday to April tomorrow!

I was reviewing the latest blog updates and saw Design Dazzle had some new great ideas for gender neutral nurseries and love them!  I love this one:

I love the elegance, crispness and sophisticated charm of it!  It's so beautiful yet delicate.  The biggest problem is the room is currently blue and we're in the process of needing to move to El Paso for my husband's next assignment.

ERGObaby New Performance Baby Carriers Review

ERGObaby is thrilled to announce the new Performance line of baby carriers! Made of durable, lightweight, and breathable fabric, the ERGObaby Performance carriers are made to accommodate all active moms and dads. The Performance carriers feature a high-performance polyester exterior, ideal for outdoor activities in all climates; a breathable mesh lining, keeping babies and parents cooler and more comfortable; and a CoolMax panel for extra wicking. This sleek, streamlined design offers a smooth, supportive fit for parents and babies of most sizes, and can still be used to carry babies from newborn to toddler on the back, front, and hip positions. Of course, ERGObaby’s Performance line supports the correct ergonomic position for both babies and parents.

   

Available in grey or spring green, they are 1/3 lighter than ERGObaby's standard carrier while durable and quick drying so parents can still remain active with their little one's.  It's a great feature and also encourages families to play together while encouraging healthy living.  Another great feature is the cargo pack that attaches to the side buckles on either Performance Carrier.

They are versatile to be used with infants or toddlers and are easy to wear.  I was curious as to how my toddler would fit while having my niece wear it and she fit perfect!  My oldest scolded me for having my niece try it out but she shows how easy it is to wear!   My little one also seemed to be having fun being carted around!   It's made of the highest quality and provides a very much of a worrier of a mom the reassurance of safety.  Out of all the carriers I have seen, I trust ERGObaby the most given the quality and convenience of how each carrier is made.

If you haven't had a chance to check out ERGObaby, you will be surprised at the quality of products, the expertise provided and other resources available to parents.  It's a great site for any parent but also for a first time parent like my daughter.  There is even a registry and gift list for those expecting moms!

ERGObaby has other accessories to ensure your comfort and your baby's comfort are first and foremost.  Items ranging from back packs to changing pads to sucking pads and so much more are available.  You can also search to find a retailer near you here.

Don't forget to "like" ERGObaby's Facebook page to stay up to date and read about other reviews/comments!

Disclaimer: I was provided with a sample from either PR agency or manufacturer for my participation in this post.  The opinions reflected were not influenced by receiving the sample.

Sophia Catalou, Kartoons Kataloons, Expressiva, Baby Sara & More on Sale at Zulily

Sophie Catalou & Kartoons Kataloons Up to 50% off (event ends 7/20) - Designed in Barcelona, these brother-and-sister brands feature premium cotton with exclusive prints. Everything is soft, easy to care for, and awww-inducing. 

 

Expressiva: Stylish Nursing Wear Up to 50% off (event ends 7/20) - Nursing wear you'll want to wear! We're so excited to offer zulily members more cute nursing options at great prices. Dresses! Tops! Loungewear!

 

Baby Sara's Cute Clothes Up to 45% off (event ends 7/20) - We wish this line of adorable clothes came sized for grown-ups! As it is, babies and toddlers get all the luck. These dresses, tops, and bottoms are simply darling.

 

Be fun! Beeposh!Up to 40% off (event ends 7/20) - Beeposh makes super-cute and fun lounge pants, bags, pillows, blankets, and more that are just right for sleepovers, overnight camp, and trips. Tees and tanks, too!

Stylista Fashions from Lipstik Up to 50% off (event ends 7/20) - Some girls are born fashionistas and this is a line for them! Lipstik has lots of sparkles and modern designs, made with kid-friendly fits and comfy fabrics. 

 

Summer Visit Almost Over

Our summer time visit with my three nieces is almost over and my girls have loved it!  We live the furthest away from them so they don't have the opportunity to play.  I picked up three of them and returned on a 10 hour journey for a total of seven in one vehicle.  My husband should be lucky he was in Kuwait and missed out!  

We've had lots of outside pool time and a trip to the zoo along with Build-A-Bear!  It's been nearly two weeks of a never ending slumber party full of birthday parties, trips, playtime and more.  I'm fortunate to have been able to do this as I think family is so important and in spite of the distance and others in my family not embracing the importance of family, I make sure it happens.

One of my niece's name is Hannah so my three year old keeps calling her Hannah Montana which is funny as she just walked in saying "Hannah Montana is being mean to me."  All in all, it's been a great trip and the only thing I would change would be not going to Wendy's for those kid's meals after the Riverbank's Zoo trip. They have these annoying plastic musical instruments that two have taken an extreme liking to and never stop making the "music!"

Pocket Purifier & Sunmate Review and Giveaway 8/4 WINNER CLOSED

CONGRATULATIONS TO...


fatmeatloaf1@gmail.com


An e-mail has just been sent!


Thanks to all those who entered!

Having children with chronic medical conditions inspires me to do even more to ensure their surroundings are healthy and clean.  Not only do I worry about germs but I am protective of others bringing germs home.  I like the idea of "responsible products for responsible living."  It's logical and with an ever growing trend towards products that end up possibly causing harm (lead based, recalls, etc), I'm more coherent to watch 
what I'm purchasing.  

Purely Products has that logo of Responsible Products for Responsible Living.  Purely focuses on developing eco-friendly products for clean and healthy living for families while also helping children.  Two of the products that I had the pleasure of receiving complimentary as my participation in Mama Buzz, are two that will assist in ensuing my children's health are first and foremost in my every day living.

The Purely handheld germ eliminating light uses ultraviolet light (UV) to sanitize surfaces that traditionally help to spread germs given the community nature of the areas.  In our house, offenders include remote controls, wii controls, computer keyboards, sinks, door knobs, faucet handles and so much more.  The UV technology kills 99.9% of terms that cause colds and flu, plus e-coli, salmonella, mold, fungus and MRSA (staph) without using chemicals or solvents.  Having a daughter with severe allergies and asthma, killing germs is number one as she crashes when she catches colds.  

The nice part about the Pocket Purifier it's priced at $29.95 and runs on battery power (four double A).  It is available in black or pink and you can get 25% off until August 5th by clicking here for more information as part of the summer special.  The other bonus, it serves as a flashlight so it's a two in one great household item to have and due to its size, it can slip easily into a purse or diaper bag for those trips to the store or wherever.  It's easy to use and is made of plastic.  I can't attest to the efficacy since I have no idea how effective it is killing germs but I have read that UV light does.  

Another product by Purely is the Sunmate which retails at $19.95.  The little hand held device monitors the sun's exposure for your family's protection.  The Sunmate measures the intensity of the ultraviolet rays right in the palm of your hand.  It's quick and easy to use and in fact, it was named "Best Beach Tech" by Shape magazine in May 2009.


How it works:


The Sunmate's indicator lights have grades of 1 through 5 that correlate with the National Weather Service Ultraviolet Index Scale.  The corresponding number tells you what your risks are at that time.  For example, a rate of 3 - high - means it's a rating of 6 to 7 and you are at high risk for UV ray exposure.


All you have to do is press the button at the top of the monitor and the LED indicators light up providing a reading.  It's quick, easy, lightweight and portable.


A percentage of every Purely Products sale supports diaperLove, a non-profit providing diapers to children in need.  For more info, go towww.diaperLove.org.


I would recommend both products from Purely.


The Giveaway:


One reader (US/Canada) will receive a Sunmate from Purely Products!


To Enter:


Follow my blog and leave a comment that you follow or why you would like to win.


Bonus Entries:

• Follow Purely Products on Twitter (one entry)
• Like Purely Products on Facebook (one entry)
• Leave a comment on Purely Products' blog (one entry)
• Follow me on Twitter (one entry)
• Like my Facebook page (one entry)
• Subscribe to my blog (one entry)
• Blog about this giveaway (five entries)
• Tweet about this giveaway (two entries - can be done daily)
• Enter any of my other giveaways (five entries)

BONUS ENTRY:

VOTE FOR MY DAUGHTER'S PEPSI GRANT PROJECT FOR THREE EXTRA ENTRIES PER DAY UNTIL GIVEAWAY ENDS:

Stay up to date also with Purely Products on their Facebook page here.

Giveaway open to US and Canada only.  Winner will be chosen by random.org and giveaway ends 8/4 at midnight (EST).

Thanks!

Disclaimer:  This is a Mama Buzz review. The product was provided by Purely Products for this review.

Day at Columbia Zoo - South Carolina

Well, not necessarily a day as the zoo isn't that big but it's a pretty zoo and well kept.  My year membership is about to end and I wanted to maximize the membership and my nieces' visit.  We embarked on our hour plus journey and saw most of the animals as I think it was too hot for some.

I was a little disappointed at how some of the parents let their children run wild in the zoo and encountered a couple of near misses of my little one getting knocked over with other little ones running wild.  I had a wagon hit me and I'm not sure what happened to my oldest but she was ready to go.  The biggest thing I'm noticing in general when I'm out in public is a lack of manners among children.  I'm seriously thinking the whole citzenship and manners lessons need to be incorporated back into the school systems.  It's sad to me when children don't say please, thank you or excuse me.  It's also sad with the general lack of respect across the board.  Not only do children not move over but some parents are just as guilty.

I really hope there will be a re-emphasis somewhere with manners and kindness!  I for one, will continue to teach it at home with my children and hope their behavior will rub off on others.  All in all, it was a good day minus my migraine!  They even had a set up where the kids could see what it's like milking a cow!