First Cut!

Well…we did it!  We finally took our little boy for his first haircut.  Surprisingly he did really well!  We took him to First Cut 4 Kids, which I highly recommend.  They have little rocketships the kids sit in and TV’s to distract them!  The gal brought out a basket of toys and I don’t even think he really knew what was going on.  He looked up at the girl cutting his hair a couple of times with an odd look on his face but just kept right on throwing playing with his toys.  I can imagine how difficult it is cutting hair but to have a moving target?  Ridiculous!  But she made it look so easy (although you won’t find me breaking out the scissors anytime soon!).  Anyway…here’s the before and after!  Enjoy!

Sizzlin’ Summers

By and large, mothers and housewives are the only workers who do not have regular time off.  They are the great vacationless class.  ~Anne Morrow Lindbergh

 

After returning from the 8 months we spent living, working, and traveling in Europe we have not had a proper vacation.  Yes…we went to San Francisco for BlogHer and to Nashville to visit the grandparents.  But I’m talking about a proper vacation…the kind where you sleep in until noon and visit places the locals stay away from and eat food you’ve never eaten before (or shouldn’t be eating)…

And it doesn’t look like we’re going to be going anywhere soon.  But…I’d love to share with you some pictures of how much fun we’ve been having this summer!  And BTW…see that pretty yellow button to the right?  We Are THAT Family is having a Sizzlin’ Summer Vacation Spectacle all day.  Head on over and read about how much fun other people have had this summer (not pouting…promise!)

 

 

 

Sizzlin’ Summers

By and large, mothers and housewives are the only workers who do not have regular time off.  They are the great vacationless class.  ~Anne Morrow Lindbergh

 

After returning from the 8 months we spent living, working, and traveling in Europe we have not had a proper vacation.  Yes…we went to San Francisco for BlogHer and to Nashville to visit the grandparents.  But I’m talking about a proper vacation…the kind where you sleep in until noon and visit places the locals stay away from and eat food you’ve never eaten before (or shouldn’t be eating)…

And it doesn’t look like we’re going to be going anywhere soon.  But…I’d love to share with you some pictures of how much fun we’ve been having this summer!  And BTW…see that pretty yellow button to the right?  We Are THAT Family is having a Sizzlin’ Summer Vacation Spectacle all day.  Head on over and read about how much fun other people have had this summer (not pouting…promise!)

 

 

 

Get Your Fill With Bagel-fuls

If you’re like me, mornings are often hectic as we scramble to get ready and out the door.  Too often Jason and I grab something quick or he doesn’t eat breakfast at all.  Ironically, breakfast is my favorite meal of the day and it’s also the most important.

Recently I was given the opportunity to try Kraft Bagel-fuls.  This all-in-one bagel with cream cheese is available in five different flavors and can be found in the frozen breakfast section of your local grocery store.  We were able to try the Original and Cinnamon varieties and I have to say that I was surprisingly impressed.  I like bagels and cream cheese but I don’t buy them that often because we never go through them fast enough and inevitably both get thrown away.  We popped two Bagel-fuls in our toaster oven and they came out perfectly warm and a little crispy in minutes.  I don’t like using the microwave for anything except sterilizing (and I don’t mean my food) so we did not try to heat them this way.  I suppose it would be quicker but you probably wouldn’t get that toasted bagel texture we all love. We both preferred the cinnamon over the original simply because we find plain bagels a tad on the boring side.  Now if only I could custom make my ideal combination…whole wheat or even a multigrain bagel with low-fat strawberry cream cheese (hint hint).  

I’m not lazy and I don’t buy convenience foods often but I do find this to be a quick, healthy breakfast alternative.  And the other alternative is that my husband wouldn’t eat breakfast most days of the week since I am too busy sleeping taking care of our son make breakfast (that might actually entail waking up early!).  At 200 calories one Bagel-ful is the equivalent of 4 Weight Watchers points (and I didn’t feel hungry enough that I needed to eat another).  Bagel-fuls are low in fat and sodium and don’t contain any trans fats.  The company makes a whole grain option that I’m definitely interested in trying since we try to eat as many whole grains as possible.  The only thing I’d love for Kraft to do is make a version with low or non fat cream cheese.  

Stay tuned for more food talk and giveaways to go along!

McCain Foods: Healthy Schools, Healthy Children

Why is it that the foods that taste the best are not the best for you?  You know those foods you love to eat but don’t (or try not to) because they’re loaded with calories and fat?  Pizza, hamburgers, and french fries are convenient and tasty but continue to contribute to increasing waistlines and chronic medical conditions. The incidences of childhood obesity and diabetes in children are increasing at alarming rates.  For these reasons we must be proactive in our approach.  Eating habits are formed at an early age which makes it so important to instill healthy habits early on.  

I was first introduced to McCain Foods during BlogHer.  They had a little booth set up and I recorded a little video with them about my blog.  They sponsored one of the afternoon breaks and I was hooked after my first sweet potato stix.  McCain Foods a privately-owned, multinational leader in the frozen food industry.  Their mission is to create healthier food options, particularly for children.  The company has committed to the Alliance for a Healthier Generation and their competitive food guidelines.  The goal of the Alliance is to reverse childhood obesity through nutrition, education and physical activity.  

I struggle tremendously with getting my son to eat veggies.  I’ve tried disguising them and hiding them and frankly he’s too smart.  Profuse thanks to McCain Foods for allowing ALL of us to try the McCain Smiles and McCain Sweet Potato Stix.  I have to diverge a second to let you know that McCain’s sample was surprisingly generous and I was able to share with my parents and my good friend’s immediate family.  All of us agree that both products were tasty and a tad bit addicting.  ”No One Can Eat Just One” should be their tagline.

McCain Smiles are potatoes (just like a french fry) in the shape of a happy face.  Apart from the fact that they contain 0 g of trans fat and 180 mg of sodium per serving, they taste like a typical french fry.  Kids will love their great taste and fun shape (my son did!).  McCain Sweet Potato Stix are also tasty and healthy.  They provide 100 percent of the daily requirement for Vitamin A, contain less than 200 g of sodium per serving, and are a great source of vitamin C and fiber.  Again, we all found these to be full of flavor.  

As a parent, it is vital that you become an active participant in your child’s school.  If your school provides meals for your child, consider the following suggestions provided by McCain Foods:

Start Talking and Asking Questions:  Discuss healthier food options with parents and administrators.  Ask about the nutritional profile of the foods consumed by your children.  

Drop In and Look Around:  Take a tour of your child’s cafeteria including preparation techniques.  

Attend a School Wellness Committee Meeting

Keep Your Child Involved:  Ask what your child would like to see changed on his/her school menu.

Do What You Do Best:  Write, blog or communicate with others about the importance of healthier choices for kids.  

Are you a blogger?  Join the McCain Foods Mom Squad to influence and bring about healthier options to schools.  

For more information, check out McCain Kids, Meal Makeover Moms’ Club, and the Alliance for a Healthier Generation.

BabyBjorn Believers Giveaway Opportunity

One of the first baby carriers I bought was a BabyBjorn Active Baby Carrier.  While the world of babywearing has increased exponentially, BabyBjorn still remains one of the most popular baby carriers worn by millions of parents worldwide.  A few months ago I became a BabyBjorn Believer.  I know…I know…you’re asking…what in the world is that? A BabyBjorn Believer makes a difference by recommending safe, quality products, gets a first look at new Baby Bjorn products, and expresses his/her opinions about the products to BabyBjorn.  The company is currently looking to expand their network of “believers.”  In order to qualify, complete this survey by September 21, 2008.  If you qualify and indicate that I referred you (Caryn Bailey) in the “I would like to share with you some of my personal feelings about BabyBjörn” field we both have the opportunity of winning one of the following BabyBjorn products:

A Plate and Spoon set ($19.95 value per person)

A Plate and Spoon set, Soft Bib and Potty Chair ($54.85 value per person)

A Plate and Spoon set, Soft Bib, Eat & Play Smock, Toilet Trainer and a Safe Step ($101.75 value per person)

*Update*

Just to clarify, the above prizes will be given away based on the number of referrals to me and one of you who qualify to become a BabyBjorn Believer.  In this case I will hold a contest for the second prize package! Stay tuned for more details as they become available!

Diaper Rash Bummin’ You Out?

My son STILL gets a lot of diaper rashes despite the fact that we’ve been through every kind of diaper, wipe, ointment and cream on the market.  As a nurse who’s worked with infants for over eight years, I’ve come to accept the dreaded diaper rash as an inevitable part of being a baby.  When you add moisture and friction, there is bound to be irritation…no matter how many times that diaper is changed.  

The list of possible causes is endless.  However, one company is addressing an infrequently addressed cause of diaper rash…yeast infections.  Yeast is a type of organism that occurs naturally within the body, particularly in the intestinal tract.  The yeast is able to make it’s way to your baby’s skin via the stool. 

Vusion ointment is a topical prescription skin medication used to treat diaper rashes complicated by yeast.  In addition to the ingredients commonly found in over-the-counter diaper creams (zinc oxide and white petrolatum), it contains Miconazole nitrate which is an antifungal agent.  It’s safe to use in babies as young as 4 weeks old and should be used no longer than 7 days.  Vusion is the only diaper ointment approved by the FDA for the treatment of yeast diaper rashes.  

While this may be a beneficial treatment, it does not negate the importance of meticulous hygiene and skin care.  Frequent diaper changes are necessary to combat moisture.  If your child experiences a diaper rash that just won’t go away, ask if there is a possibility of the rash being fungal in origin.  

Diaper Rash Checklist

*Download a coupon here*

Diaper Rash Bummin’ You Out?

My son STILL gets a lot of diaper rashes despite the fact that we’ve been through every kind of diaper, wipe, ointment and cream on the market.  As a nurse who’s worked with infants for over eight years, I’ve come to accept the dreaded diaper rash as an inevitable part of being a baby.  When you add moisture and friction, there is bound to be irritation…no matter how many times that diaper is changed.  

The list of possible causes is endless.  However, one company is addressing an infrequently addressed cause of diaper rash…yeast infections.  Yeast is a type of organism that occurs naturally within the body, particularly in the intestinal tract.  The yeast is able to make it’s way to your baby’s skin via the stool. 

Vusion ointment is a topical prescription skin medication used to treat diaper rashes complicated by yeast.  In addition to the ingredients commonly found in over-the-counter diaper creams (zinc oxide and white petrolatum), it contains Miconazole nitrate which is an antifungal agent.  It’s safe to use in babies as young as 4 weeks old and should be used no longer than 7 days.  Vusion is the only diaper ointment approved by the FDA for the treatment of yeast diaper rashes.  

While this may be a beneficial treatment, it does not negate the importance of meticulous hygiene and skin care.  Frequent diaper changes are necessary to combat moisture.  If your child experiences a diaper rash that just won’t go away, ask if there is a possibility of the rash being fungal in origin.  

Diaper Rash Checklist

*Download a coupon here*

In The Know…

Don’t you just love the internet?  You can find all you ever need to know about everything and nothing!  Some days it saves me so much time and other days I wonder where I’ve spent the last hour.  I’ve decided to start a new weekly column about the latest and greatest finds on the web to keep you “in the know.”  Hopefully the information I provide will be a time-saver.  I’ll highlight everything from the best contests and giveaways (the ones that I think are worth your effort although it’s just my opinion) to fab product finds (only the best of the best), deals and steals, PR/marketing opportunities and more.  If there is something you think the world needs to know about, feel free to send me an email and I’ll add it in!  Enjoy!

Contests/Giveaways:

Win an Oeuf Baby Lounger from The Bump.  Deadline August 28, 2008

Win one of five $100 gift cards to Lands’ End from MomSelect by completed this 2008 Lands’ End Outerwear Survey.  Deadline August 28, 2008.  

Win a Micralite FastFold stroller from Chic Shopper Chick.  Deadline August 29, 2008.

Win a Bumbleride stroller from momdot.com.  Deadline August 31, 2008

Idina Menzel Review & Giveaway

*Update*

This giveaway is now closed.  Thank you so much for stopping by and entering.  The winner is Ken Robinson (#29).  Congratulations!  Please stop by this week for more giveaways!

 

As different as my husband and I seem to be sometimes, we actually have a lot in common. I remember the first time we met (another place, another time) and how we shared a passion for Broadway musicals. How much better can you get than a man who enjoys the theater?

Living in Europe for 8 months afforded my husband and I plenty of opportunities to see plays, musicals and even the opera. So you can imagine how I excited I was to learn that the illustrious voice behind Maureen Johnson in the Broadway and film versions of Rent and Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, in the musical Wicked is Idina Menzel.

 

The Tony award winning actress-singer-songwriter has just released her new album entitled I Stand. She has a beautiful voice and her lyrics are rich and honest. The album has a good mix of uptempo, blare it on your radio beats and moving ballads about life and love.

 

If you’d like to see where Idina Menzel is going to be on tour next, check out her MySpace page here.

Watch her “Brave” video here.

Buy her latest album, I Stand, on Amazon.

One2One discount: TEAM IDINA to save 10% at her merchandise store

 

I was thinking the other night that it’s time for another contest! Thanks to One2One Network, one lucky reader will win the following Idina Menzel prize pack:

• I Stand album & Idina Menzel Tote ($29.99 value)

Head on over to the Idina Menzel website and listen to the songs on her latest album, I Stand (they’re at the top). Come back and leave me a comment indicating your favorite and why. Comments will close on August 31, 2008 at 10 pm PST and I will announce the winner here the following day. One comment per person, please. US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Follow me on Twitter. Be sure to send me a message letting me know since it’s getting a little difficult keeping up with everyone who just started following to gain an extra contest entry!

 

 

 

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