More DVDs to See

Out this month, are new installments to our favorite preschool shows. As many of you know, we love Bob the Builder, Barney & Friends, Thomas & Friends and all of the other HIT preschool shows. After watching the same episodes over and over, I look forward to new additions to each of these series.

Barney: Hi! I’m Riff! - This DVD was released on May 6. Thank goodness! I have watched “Barney’s Animal ABC’s” so much that I hear “Elephant” and “Mary had a Little Lamb” in my sleep. On this disc, we meet Riff, Baby Bop and BJ’s cousin. He is a 6 year old Hadrosaurus that loves music. Riff is the first new dinosaur introduced in 13 years of the show. He is a welcome addition.

Bob the Builder: The Three Musketrucks - Available on May 13, this is the latest addition to our Bob the Builder library. In our house, Bob can do no wrong and any show that introduces new friends are favorites. My oldest was excited to meet Dodger the Dairy Truck. Thankfully, ‘our’ most favorite vehicle Scrambler also makes an appearance on this disc.

Summertime Favorites - Also available on May 13. I love the favorites DVDs. It’s so nice to have the shows without commercials in such a variety. There is Barney & Friends for my youngest and my oldest’s favorites: Bob, Thomas, and Fireman Sam. We love talking about seasons and this was a great opportunity to talk about the next season, Summer.

You can find all of the above titles on http://www.amazon.com or in your favorite DVD retailer. If you’re a newsletter subscriber, you’ll be eligible for our May giveaway of “Hi! I’m Riff!” and “The Three Musketrucks.”


Category: DVDs
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Posted: May 10, 2008

Organic Baby and Kid Toys

eGemGemEven before all of the toy recalls last year, I was always nervous with the fake, plastic food that my kids seem to love to play with.  They have a toy kitchen, so for make-believe play, “food” is essential.  For my son, especially, the food is almost too realistic and I’d often find him trying to put it in his mouth.

We were sent a set of Under the Nile Crate with Organic Cotton Veggies from the online store eGemGem.  While these veggies don’t look too real, they have adorable little faces, are soft, made of organic cotton, and I don’t have to worry about my son biting them.  The kids absolutely love them - and I like the fact that they include a few less familiar vegetables (at least to kids) like green beans and mushrooms!

eGemGem also sells a variety of other wonderful organic products such as bedding, clothing, toys, bibs, hats, and booties.  If you aren’t specifically looking for organic products, you can also find a good selection of items from Boon, Haba, and other well known brands, as well as some other hard to find quality items.  Check them out at http://www.egemgem.com.  To find the Organic Cotton Veggies, click here 


Category: Baby Gear
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Posted: May 9, 2008

Coralling your Clutter with Kids Klutter Katchers

I wish I could say I was one of those people that have all of my children’s toys organized in neat baskets, buckets, shelves, and bins. I’m not but, I aspire to be! I seek out any products that can help me with the cause. Kids Klutter Katchers are just one product to help. They are mesh bags that help to sort and store small to medium sized toys.

These mesh bags seem to be the perfect size for the very same toys I have the most trouble with…puzzle pieces, small cars, trains, and the small accessories that go along with them. I like that my oldest son can easily open and close them while I enjoy some sense of sanity with a bit of toy organization. Since the bags are mesh, you can easily identify which toys are inside without opening them but the mesh is small enough to contain most toys. I was excited to try them just as we were moving and felt safe knowing that our smallest pieces wouldn’t be falling out of boxes or through holes in bags.

You can find Kids Klutter Katchers here and and use coupon code 3FREEMFS at checkout to receive 3 free toy bags with the purchase of 15 or more. Expires 7/1/08.


Category: Baby Gear, Toys
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Posted: May 8, 2008

Energy for Moms from Ocean Spray

I don’t think it’s a big admission to say that I need more energy. Really? Like who doesn’t? I want to be the type of mom that’s on the floor playing trains in the morning, making mud pies in the afternoon, and jumping on the bed at nighttime. I hate those days, hours, minutes when I feel zapped, whether it’s because I was up late with one little guy that didn’t want to sleep or that I’m so overwhelmed with my to do list, I just want to take a nap. I’ve been seeking and searching for something, anything that would help. I was excited to hear about Cranergy. A new drink from Ocean Spray, Cranergy is made from cranberry juice and green tea extract, two ingredients packed with antioxidants and known for their proven health benefits.

I like that it doesn’t give me the jitters like a cup of coffee or a glass of soda would. When drinking Cranergy, I feel like I’m doing something healthy. It’s like drinking a cup of juice, the same refreshing taste, with some extra oomf. I Cranergy is available in two flavors: Raspberry Cranberry Lift and Cranberry Lift. Each is sweetened with Splenda and has 35 calories per serving.

If you need a little added push to get through the afternoon, or any time of day, visit http://www.oceanspray.com/products/Cranergy.aspx. You can also find coupons and drink recipes on http://www.cranergy.com.


Category: For Moms
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Posted: May 8, 2008

Making Mommy Glamorous with L’Oreal

I remember a time when I would actually work to keep myself more than just presentable. I wore makeup, did my hair, and just took time to get ready in the morning. Now that the boys are a bit older, I’ve come to realize that I miss that. So I pledged that I would take a bit more time for myself, blow dry my hair and put on makeup. I have to admit I was scared…I mean I’m a mom now. Can I wear shimmer eye shadows, dark lipsticks, and not look silly? I didn’t even know if I remembered how to apply eye shadow and blush.

It was just after this that I was given some L’Oreal Makeup to try and I’ve discovered that I really didn’t have anything to fear. I started slow with Telescopic Clean Definition Mascara. It’s fairly simple to apply and doesn’t clump. One minute of application time and it’s an instant noticeable difference. Even your husband will take notice!

Next I tried Wear Infinite Star Secrets Eye Shadow. First off, I love that you can find the right colors for your own coloring by determining which L’Oreal Paris spokesperson your coloring best matches. I love Eva Longoria’s Violets. If you need help applying the four colors, there is a ‘how to’ with illustrations on the back of each palette.

I also tried HIP High Intensity Pigments Cream Shadow Paints. I love the look of these shadows. The paint comes in a tube with a little eye shadow brush and an application well. They are fun to experiment with. You can mix and match colors to come up with the perfect color for you.

For lips, I’ve been wearing Colour Riche Made for Me Naturals. Again you can find the spokesperson that matches your coloring to determine which color would best suit your natural shade. I really loved trying the different colors and I think I’ve found the perfect one for me.

Finally, I also tried Infallible Never Fail Lipgloss, a lip gloss that stays on for 6 hours and requires only one step for application. It is smooth and sleek and comes in some really flattering colors. I love lipgloss and I especially love not having to reapply hourly.

You can find all of these great L’Oreal products at any chain drug, food, and mass market retailers. You can also visit http://www.lorealparisusa.com.

I’m going to end this with…if I can do it, then you can do it too. Trust me. I feel so much better knowing that I’ve put a little time on the way I present myself…whether it’s a swipe of mascara, a little in-depth application of eye shadow, or some gloss.


Category: For Moms
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Posted: May 7, 2008

An Easy Way to Carry Your Diapering Supplies

Buttums UpAre you a mommy who likes her bags to be super organized?  Or perhaps a mommy who doesn’t want to trade in her handbag for a diaper bag?  Either way, Butt-ums Up Baby has a great solution in their Butt-Ums Up Baby Changing Pad, which can hold a hard wipes case (included), and a couple of diapers.

The Butt-Ums Up Baby Changing Pad is a generous sized changing pad that folds up into a small rectangle.  It can be opened with one hand, and the location of the wipes case is perfect for changing a squirmy baby.  It’s machine washable, wipes down easily with a cloth, and is available in hip and trendy patterns.  It is a great baby gift, especially paired with a corresponding Butt-Ums Up Baby Blankie. 

Check them out at http://www.buttumsupbaby.com.


Category: Baby Gear, Diaper Bags/Mom Bags
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Posted: May 6, 2008

Wearing your Mommy Pride

I used to wear all sorts of jewelery. I even changed it. I didn’t wear the same earrings everyday or even the same necklace or bracelets. Now I can barely find time for the essentials and I’ve slowly found myself wearing the same pieces everyday. The necklace I want to wear everyday needs to be sturdy, mean something to me, and it needs to be pretty. It took me some time to find the perfect necklace…I’ve finally found it…it’s from Alli’s Originals.

My necklace has 4 medallions, one for each of my sons with their first name and dates of birth, one with a heart, and one with ‘proud mom’ emblazoned on it. I love that it is so simple yet lets me show my pride as a mom and a little reminder for each of my boys. It’s like wearing my heart and my pride around my neck. There are so many options on the Alli’s Originals website that there is something for every mom, grandmom, sister, friend, or daughter.

If you need a perfect everyday necklace or you want the perfect gift for a special person (even your dog), visit http://www.allisoriginals.com and receive 10% off your order with the discount code “ao10%07″.


Category: Accessories, For Moms
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Posted: May 5, 2008

Gladiolas Are Blooming at Amy Michelle

GladiolaIf you’re following the trends, you know that the hottest purses for 2008 are big and bold. And diaper bags are following suit. Take for example, Amy Michelle’s new Gladiola Baby Bag Tote in vibrant red, sleek black or stylish chocolate jacquard faux patent.

While some bags are too baby-centered, leaving moms digging for keys or searching for ringing cell phones and other bags are too mom-centered and don’t have the ability to carry everything motherhood requires, Amy Michelle’s bag are a perfect blend. For mom there is a key ring clip, credit card slots, a number of zippered pockets and two easy-access external pockets perfect for your cell phone or PDA. For baby there is a removable changing pad, pacifier holder and a number of pockets and compartments for bottles, diapers, wipes and the rest that babies require.

Some of my favorite features of this bag are the thin shoulders straps (no hiking up fallen straps!), the built-in stroller straps (no hunting for them when you need them), and the magnetic pocket closures which ensure easy opening and closing. What’s even better is that this bag doesn’t scream diaper bag and doubles easily as a stylish purse for around town or in the office. I brought it to my last meeting with a client and who would have known there was a bag of Cheerios and a package of wipes hidden inside!

Check out the Gladiola or Sweet Pea in Amy Michelle’s new Chic Baby Bag Collection or all of their bags at www.amymichelle.com.


Category: Diaper Bags/Mom Bags
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Posted: May 4, 2008

DVDs to See

Hip Hop Harry: Move Those Feet - I am admitting to you now…I’m a reality show-addict. As such, I watch all of the dancing shows. I admit it…even the latest addition on Bravo. One late Thursday night, while trying to get my oldest to finally settle down and go to sleep, he became enamored with it and began dancing all over my bedroom. It was at this moment that I had an epiphany….I had to find a more appropriate show that highlighted dancing for him. Enter Hip Hop Harry! Harry is a rapping bear that inspires kids to dance and ‘move their feet.’ My oldest guy loved watching the kids dance and tried to emulate some of their hip hop moves. If you have a child who can’t stop dancing, check out Hip Hop Harry: Move Your Feet on Discovery Kids, TLC, or on DVD here.

FarmKIDS: Chaos in the Country - A DVD with 7 short tales about a group of pampered farm animals moving from a petting zoo in the city to the country location of a dude ranch. It’s a fun television show from Australia now out on DVD. In the same vein as “Madagascar” but with farm animals unfamiliar with farm living, children from 6-11 will enjoy the irony and computer animation. My son and I love Doogie the dog and basketball-playing Dumpster the Bull.

You can find both DVDs at http://www.amazon.com


Category: DVDs
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Posted: May 3, 2008

Children’s Music You’ll Actually Enjoy

Imagine if one of your favorite bands created a children’s music album, with songs that both you and your children would enjoy?  Well, on May 6th, Barenaked Ladies, a band that my friends and I absolutely love, will be releasing Snacktime, a collection of original children’s songs.  These songs, which were inspired by the band members’ children, are meant to be enjoyed by children, but are not strictly for children.

We received an advanced copy for review, and have enjoyed listening to it (I was thrilled to replace the overplayed CD that was previously in my car).  All of the songs have that signature BNL sound, but with lyrics and tunes that little kids (and big kids too), will love.

The standout songs for us are 7,8,9, Allergies, Curious, and Crazy ABCs, although every single song is excellent, and you won’t want to fast forward anything on this CD.  Just a word of warning - you will NOT be able to get these songs out of your head!

Can’t wait to buy it?  We are pleased to offer a download of the song 7,8,9 for our MFS readers (7, 8, 9 MP3 Download)! 


Category: CDs
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Posted: May 2, 2008

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