If you didn’t realize yet, I’ve got another bun in the oven. Even though I’ve been through 3 other pregnancies and generally know what to expect, I find myself devouring all the information I can about pregnancy and baby development.  You would think I would have them memorized by now, right? Well, practically. And in truth, a lot of the typical well known books do get old after a while, with dry medical terms that scare you while they supply their information. They also some times lack real life experience and personality, resembling a boring text book.

Enter the new pregnancy book: The Hot Mom to Be Handbook by Jessica Denay. While this book does not have fetal development each month, instead it focuses on what other pregnancy books lack: real daily life, encouragement, and humor. The book isn’t all about physically looking great while pregnant as the definition of “Hot Mom” but turns inward as well. I absolutely love the opening introduction:  “A Hot Mom is a woman who is confident and empowered. It doesn’t matter what age you are what shape or size; EVERY mom can be a Hot Mom! It’s a choice. An attitude and a way of being. It’s knowing that you are not the best mom unless you are the best YOU.” I love that it focuses on real life daily issues, from choosing a doctor that isn’t a “McDreamy” to protect your marriage, starting a baby blog, finding a maternity bathing suit, the importance of good nutrition, dealing with unwanted advice, having “gadgetitis” for baby things, etc.

Besides the practical and relatable advice provided in a fun way, I love that this book has great quotes, stories from other “Hot Moms”, facts, and check lists interjected through out. She also includes lists with fantastic resources for every type of momma, like ones on a budget or eco-minded, as well as a place to journal and answer questions at the end of each chapter to capture thoughts.  This book truly has it all for any type of mom preparing for a baby, taking into account all types of lifestyles during pregnancy and each woman’s vision of birth and parenting. She even talks about cloth diapering and hypnobirthing!

And best of all, the down to earth humor Jessica interjects in every single sentence and title keeps this book so much fun even in serious topics like “post-party depression.” I could not put this book down and could not stop laugh-out-louding  while reading this book. I would stop often to share a fun fact or funny too-common-in-our-house situation with my husband.  In short: this book is much more fun and practical to read than the typical pregnancy book. It has something for everyone, whether you were waiting for the perfect day to pee on the stick or the positive line shocked you and you aren’t so excited about this new change in life. I love that she deals with so many aspects of life that get washed over in other pregnancy resources, dealing with real feelings or situations and telling it like it is.

This book is definitely a must have for any mom-to-be, whether it’s their first time “baking” in the womb or a seasoned baby baker!

You can find this book on Amazon and more from “Hot Moms” at The Hot Moms Club online.

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of HarperCollins and received a copy of The Hot Mom to Be Handbook to facilitate my review. Mom Central also sent me a gift certificate to thank me for taking the time to participate.

One of the scary-nerve-wracking parts of being a parent is knowing that accidents happen. Despite what precautions we might take keeping medicine out of reach, despite making sure she wears a helmet while on her bike, or making sure he doesn’t eat the peanuts he’s allergic to, things happen. The even scary part is that we as parents are supposed to know what to do when things happen. I mean, I don’t know about you but if I know something major has happened, I tend to freak out a little bit!  Thankfully, we have not had anything serious happen that needed the attention of 911 or a trip to the ER, but I did have to call Poison Control twice.  Like I said, things happen, but the important thing is to know what to do.

Enter this amazing know-it-all book: “If Your Kid Eats This Book, Everything Will Still Be Okay” by Lara Zibners, MD. Dr. Zibners is an emergency room pediatrician that has taken her experience in the field and put it in a usable book format.  She realized that 50% of ER trips were not needed, so she wrote this book to help parents know when medical service is needed and when we can do something about it at home. I love this book.  It covers everything you can think of from baby vomit and poops to broken bones and even when they shove things up their nose, and it’s all written in a humorous way. Each chapter is divided by body parts and situations like “The Plumbing,” “The Noggin and Nervous System,” or “Allergies, Bites, and Stings” and there is a content page that makes specific issues easy to find in a hurry.   Dr. Zibner addresses each issue  with descriptive details, measures that can be done at home, when to call the doctor, and reminders, of course, to remain calm.

I love that she also includes little knowledgeable tidbits throughout the book like “Is it sprained or broken?” and even has a chapter on prevention.  She obviously has the knowledge and experience, but breaks the material down in such a way that even a mom under stress can understand what action to take and even can cause a chuckle or two with her choice of words. It’s fun book to read even if you aren’t experiencing a possible emergency.

Absolutely, this is definitely a must have book for any parent, parent-to-be, or even a babysitter!

P.S. If you head over to Amazon you can get an inside look at the contents and check out Dr. Zibners’ website for more information.

A mountain of laundry is one the beasts of daily life, isn’t it?  I know I’m not alone, right?  But, we know it has to be done so we do it. Day after day. It gets done. It might not get put away instantly, but we have clean clothes!

Being a young student Mom, I also value saving money. So, while it is a necessity to get those  baskets of laundry done, I do not like to spend a fortune in the process.  I also have to be aware of my family’s needs to better fit Savannah’s sensitive baby skin, as well as my own sudden allergy to scents.  We’ve used All Free and Clear for the past two years to meet those needs: Save money, no extra “stuff” added (id. perfume, dyes, etc.), and  clean clothes.  It’s hypoallergenic and still promises to fight stains for me (which, we use a little extra help on top as well)

Recently though, I began purchasing the bulk size in hopes of saving even more money (it does! It has lasted well over 2 months for us).  But boy, that jug is heavy and takes up space in our laundry area.  However, now All has a new “small and mighty” container that washes the same amount of loads (96!) but at 3 times the concentrate which entails smaller packaging to save you space, your arm muscles as you tote it home from the store, and less room in your recycle bin when you’re done.

All also has four other detergents at the big 3x level: Stainlifter, Wild & Fresh, Relax, and Fresh Rain HE.  Something for everyone’s laundry needs!

Now for the good part to pass savings onto you: TWO Giveaways!

First Prize: A coupon for any free All Small and Mighty 3x Concentrate and a Hayden Harnett Bag (worth $198!).

The HH bag is a large tote style that has lots of room for women on the go, including lots of pockets and zippers for organization. It also can be folded half it’s size to make a smaller purse. Includes a laundry bag as well.

Second Prize: A coupon for any free All Small and Mighty 3x Concentrate.

The Rules: Comment on this post before Friday July 3rd. Winner will be chosen at random and announced on July 4th!

So, if yall didn’t hear yet…I found out I am pregnant again a few weeks ago!  Which, is why this most recent review (and giveaway for you!) had perfect timing. While I am not due until December, I absolutely will be breastfeeding this baby as well.  My breastfeeding relationship with Savannah was a much treasured time, so much so that I was sad to see it end at 10 months and I just could not make anymore.  See, I started going back to college when Savannah was 6 months old, but in doing so it was hard to maintain my supply. Let me just say, pumping in bath rooms between classes was not fun (but I will be doing it again, I’m sure!) and it often left me forgetting I had my pump in my backpack and it quickly got moldy (I NEVER fed her the milk, don’t worry. It was “pump and dump” to keep my supply going and keep me from busting). Obviously, once our breastfeeding relationship was over I could not keep that pump. I knew it would not be safe for future baby feeding use, so I tossed it.

I knew I would have to buy another one for this baby, and I’m so glad Mom Central provided this opportunity to review the new Evenflo Comfort Select Performance Dual Auto-Cycling Breast Pump. While I obviously can’t try it out just yet, I can tell you how excited I am about this product and my initial impression. Firstly, I was impressed with how compact and light the bag is. I don’t know about you, but when I think about dual electric pumps I think big bulky bags that I’ve seen busy Mom’s carrying around. This? Is about the same size as my purse, and definitely lighter than my purse The dual bag has two openings, one side is insulated to store your breast milk (it even comes with ice packs!) and the other holds all the pumping supplies you need.

Even though I can’t use it yet, I did open my box up to test how easy it is to put together. I’ve never used an electric pump before so I was not quite sure how that would differ from my manual one, but it wasn’t much different. And, even if you don’t have experience with pumps it is still easy!  The directions are very clearly explained and it is not too many parts to put together. The only issue I had was my own fault; I looked over a step about putting the horn piece to the pump unit, and I got it stuck! So, just make sure you read everything carefully (and boil before your first official use, of course) and it’ll be simple.

The pump itself has many features that I love as well. Such as, it comes with a nipple adapter to make it smaller and fit properly if needed, it has several speeds to assure comfort, and you can either plug it in or use batteries. I also love that this is a dual pump. From my experience, it is MUCH easier to have a successful pump from both sides if you pump at the same time because the “let down” happens at the same time.  I’m so excited to have two now!  And an added health bonus?  All the plastic pieces, including the bottles, are BPA free. Which means, a healthier baby and ease of mind for mommy.

You can win it!

I will be giving away a Comfort Select Performance Dual Auto-Cycling Breast Pump (sealed and unopened) as well as two boxs of Disposable Nursing Pads (one with Lanolin).

The Rules

1. You must be pregnant or breastfeeding currently.

2. Sorry, but this is only open to entries in the USA.

3. Simply leave a comment on this post telling me why you need this product ie. you are pregnant, or nursing, and will be going back to work, just need a pump to store milk for babysitters or Daddies to use, whatever! And/or tell me why you love breastfeeding  or why you plan to breastfeed.

4. Comments will close Thursday, April 30th and the winner will be announced Friday, May 1st!

5. For extra bonus tickets: twitter, blog, facebook, myspace, whatever, about this giveaway and comment with the link(s).

Also! There is more than one place to win this item! One place I know of is over at Mom Central where they have three to giveaway, and go double (triple, quadruple) your chances and look out for other blogs participating in this blog tour.

I’ve never been a big hair accessory wearer. While I’ve always admired the look, I find it simply to be a pain. Literally.  Headbands are adorable but the hard style hurts behind my ears and the soft slip on kind is better but doesn’t stay put well.  And? I’m also smaller than most people so it’s hard to find a head band that is not too big or too little.  And clips?  Both Savannah and I have very fine, you can just forget clips all together.

That is…until I tried LemonHead. I am totally impressed, not just with the cute factor, but how this company has taken issues like I have with hair accessories and made it work!  I received one Bandeez Headband in this lovely purple paisly pattern, and one pink clipeez similar to this. I immediately tried it on (sorry no pictures since haven’t put real make up or done my hair in days!) and love the fact that it has an adjustable plastic piece that will allow it to fit anyone, so Savannah was able to wear it comfortably as well.  I also love that on the top underside of the ribbon is a strip of velcro (the hard side) to maintain where it stays once you put it there. It’s genius! I have never been able to keep a clip in Savannah’s hair, either for the fact of how thin her hair is or how she just doesn’t like it. But this clipeez? She wore around for a quite a while, forgetting it was there and it never moved. And it was adorbable to see.

Each can be used separately or your can clip the clipeez onto the headband for another look. I also like how the products came with different hair style suggestions. It would be awesome to have a whole collection of these to mix and match the bandeez patterns and clipeez colors!

Add some pizazz to your hair…and comfortably at that. I love, love, love these products and highly recommend them for all ages.

Big thanks to LemonHead and Family Review Network for this review opportunity.

We’ve been a big fan of Baby Einstein DVDs since Savannah was a baby. 2 years later, I cannot even begin to tell you all the words and sign language she has learned through watching.  Let’s just say it’s proven to be a valuable part of our DVD collection.  So, when Mom Central gave me the opportunity to preview Baby Einstein’s newest DVD called World Music (it comes out next Tuesday, March 31st!), of course I jumped at it. We also received the World Music CD to try out.

This DVD is full of different cultures, musical instruments, dancing styles, animals, nature scenes…and of course those funny puppets.  While Savannah was confused there were not any babies in this one (she kept asking for babies), only older children and adults unlike her other Einstein DVDs, it certainly kept her attention. Every time a new picture popped up on the screen of a zebra, giraffe, pyramid, water fall, etc. she kept asking, “What’s that Mommy?” and I would tell her. Again, this DVD proved to be a great education resource and expanding her knowledge of the world and new vocabulary.

What’s really cool about this DVD that I haven’t noticed on others is that it has a “Grow With Me” feature.  Basically, there are 2 different viewing options. One that is the typical pictures with music, and another one that adds words to the pictures encouraging recognition of words.  So as your baby turns into toddler or preschooler, it adds another layer of learning. Love, love, love this idea and feature!  The second option also includes more Puppet shows to show interaction and grow their sense of humor.

The CD contains the same instrumental music that showcase different parts of the world, from America to Spain to China. However the CD expands on the music more and even includes some songs sung in different languages!  Which, honesty might even help me some as I’m continuing my own Spanish lessons (for my English degree…? I don’t know why either).

While this is not my top favorite Baby Einstein DVD (I’m partial to First Signs because it helped us communicate when she was just a baby!), this video is definitely educational for babies, toddlers, and parents alike.  It takes us beyond our limited view and helps us explore different cultures. What I noticed is the the drum is in every puppet scene, no matter what country they were showing, as if to show that music connects us all no matter where we live.

We all have music.

I got lucky–my daughter actually likes brushing her teeth. If I want her to get up stairs to start getting ready for bed, or to get out of the bath tub, all I have to ask is, “Do you want to brush your teeth?” She will respond with, “BRUSH!”  and promptly move it.  However, even though she likes brushing doesn’t mean her little 2 year old hands know how to do it correctly, or for how long, or when and how spit.

So, as kids are learning the process the Crayola Light Timer Toothbrush helps at least make one of those tasks easier with…(you guessed it) a light up toothbrush!  The light flashes in the handle for 60 seconds to encourage kids to keep brushing so their teeth should be good and clean.  The bottom also has a suction cup so that it stands up right to keep the toothbrush cleaner.  Also, the fact that the handle is shaped like a colorful Crayola Crayon Savannah fell in love instantly. And of course, kids love anything that flashes.    However, since she is just 2, the overall toothbrush it’s self is a bit big for her size so I would recommend this to an older child (the website says ages 4-11).

This toothbrush is made by the Gum brand of dental hygeine products so you know it’s well made. The company sent me a gift bag full of other Gum products like their adult toothbrushes, Ez-Thru flossers, and their Crayola flossers for the kids.  They have something for the entire family!  And? You can win a Crayola Light Timer Toothbrush and a Gum goody bag for your family. Just comment on this post by Februrary 27th and winners will be announced on Februrary 28th.

And even if you don’t win the giveaway, there is something for you too. A coupon!  Good for $1-off coupon for the Crayola Timer Light Toothbrush using the promo code CRAYTL on the Gum website.

Like I’ve mentioned before, I am a huge list maker.  The good ol’ paper and pen is still one of my list places right now, but I am on the computer so often between school and personal use that  like to keep a master list on the computer at eye’s view. Ya know, so when I’m on the computer wasting time I can see that to-do list and remember to get back on track!  When Mom Central told me about Cozi, I already knew about this awesome website and I jumped on board to spread the news.

I’ve tried a few websites, but this one by far is my favorite. Why? Because it has so many options and tools to help a busy person out.  And, I think that it’s just pleasant to look at with all the fun colors! Cozi offers not just list making tools (and more than one type of list at that), but also journaling tools, meal planning, calendars you can sync with Outlook or access through your phone. That means you can keep track of groceries, to-do list, chores, projects or homework that are due, appointments, whatever! Not just on your computer, but everywhere you go. You can even import your child’s school schedule to automatically appear on your calendar.  Need to print your list or calendar out? Easy to do!

My only complaint is that when I view the calendar for my family, the font color is so extremely light orange it is very hard see where to place my appointments or events.  I’ve tried looking around the settings, but I don’t see a way to change it.  Other than that though, I love this website.

Who couldn’t use a little more organization in this new year?  I know I do and I will certainly be using Cozi to help acheive it!

Who’s a chronic list maker? *raises hand* Like many busy Moms, I survive off of lists. Otherwise, I wouldn’t get anything done, let alone remember what all there is to do.  Now typically, I use the good ol’ fashioned paper and pen for my lists, but when I was offered the opportunity to try the SmartShopper I was eager to test it out.

The SmartShopper is an electronic grocery and errand organizer. And get this, you don’t write a thing. You speak into it!  I have mine hung on our fridge and when I notice we are in need of an item, I just walk by, press “Record,” and speak the name. Usually, it’s in the pre-programed list of a over 2,500 items and it understands my commands easily, however, say you need a specific item like “Fruity Pebbles” and it isn’t in the list? It can be added manually. You can also make several lists at once, say one for groceries and one for errands. When you’re ready to head out the door, you simply hit print on the list you need and it prints out the items like a receipt in categories like “Fresh Produce,” “Snacks,” “Coffee/Tea,” “Errands,” etc. so it makes your shopping easier.

It also has other neat features like a kitchen timer, and once Mark got it to show the temperature but we can’t figure out how to get back to to it!  The magnet is SUPER on this machine as well. We have a stainless steel fridge that won’t even keep regular magnets on it, but these magnets are super strong so that this will not hardly budge. Which is good because it’s not exactly light weight either.

The cons? It is technology that can be confusing to work at first. It’s easy to get started by simply speaking into the machine, but it can be confusing to learn the menus to add new items, add coupons, etc. And like I said, I can’t figure out how to view the temperature again. However, once you read through the manual and play around with it’s features, it not too bad. I would think this would be difficult for an older or technology challenged person though! My MIL refuses to touch it. Also? It’s good to record things when the room is quiet.  It has a sensitive microphone so if you have the TV on or a screaming kid around? It won’t get things right.

As a holiday special SmartShopper has lowered it’s price by $20 until December 31st (it was originally $100)! And, they have given me a code to get an additional $5 off to share with you guys (DH52569), AND all orders between now and December 31st will include FREE shipping!  However, you do have to order by Thursday December 18th to make sure it arrives by Christmas if it is a gift. Pretty sweet deal if you ask me.

But, it gets sweeter!  I have a SmartShopper to giveaway as well!  Want to win it? Just leave a comment on this post (if you have posted on the other giveaway post due to my technical difficulties, I will accept those as well) telling me the importance of making lists in your life. Since the holidays are quickly approaching, comments will close on December 18th at midnight. One winner will be chosen randomly and announced on Friday the 19th. I will then get it shipped to you ASAP in time for the holidays!

Remember this giveaway is only open for 4 days so enter while you can. Good luck and happy shopping!

Apparently during my website updates, WordPress decided to “eat” my latest post reviewing the SmartShopper.

So, this post is to hold it’s place until I get the chance to write it up again.

A quick run down for giveaway purposes:

1) Visit SmartShopper’s website to learn full details, but basically, it’s an electronic grocery and errand organizer that you speak into.

3) Has 2,500 pre-programed items, but also can add specific items or errands manually.

4) When ready to shop, hit print and it divides list into categories to make shopping easier.

5) Magnet is super strong to place on fridge. Or, it can be wall mounted.

6) Can be confusing to work at first figuring out the menus and features, so would be difficult for older or technology challenged people.

7) Record in a quiet room so that it works correctly.

Also, the price of the SmartShopper has gone down $20  (orignally $100) AND is offering free shipping until December 31st. And, with the code DH52569 receive $5 off.

Plus, comment on this post if you would like to win the Smart Shopper telling me why lists are so important in your life.  Comments close Thursday, December 18th and one will be announced Friday December 19th.