All About Baby: Zootie Patootie

Little girls are so much easier to shop for than little boys.  I remember going into store after store in the mall, in search of an outfit for an event, holiday, or other special occasion…particularly when my son was a baby.  There is no shortage of adorable, little-girl themed clothing in stores today.

Zootie Patootie is one such boutique offering fashionable mix and match ensembles for girls and boys.  If you were to shop at any number of stores offering baby clothes, you’d find no shortage of onesies.  But it’s very rare to find an entire outfit with a onesie.  Zootie Patootie offers complete, matching outfits, sans pants.  This mother/daughter team started the company after struggling to find children’s clothing that actually matched.

At Zootie Patootie, you’ll find leg warmers in place of pants.  Pair them with a long-sleeved onesie and a flower-topped hat and you’ve got yourself the most fashion-forward baby around.  I chose the Groovy Heart long-sleeved onesie ($26), Pink Sunshine leg warmers ($12) and a light pink hat ($20).  The hat and leg warmers come in one size, so they were a bit big on our daughter.  But I think it’s neat to be able to mix and match onesies, leg warmers, and hats.  You could get a few of each and mix and match to get numerous outfits.  I like that the site suggests coordinating pieces.

I had never thought about using leg warmers in place of pants, however, I really like the convenience of not having to take pants off in order to change our little girl’s diaper.  If you’ve got a crawler or a new walker, leg warmers are ideal for protecting their knees and  preventing tears and fading on their pants.   They’re a cotton/polyester, spandex blend so they’re warmer that you would think.  I only wish they came in different sizes because they were definitely big on our little girl.  I would say the same thing about the hats.  You can purchase the same sets for boys, although I had never heard of putting leg warmers on a boy.

The onesies are 100% cotton and are super soft and cozy.  The company offers short and long-sleeved versions and they’re available in sizes 0-3 months up to 12-18 months.  The entire outfit is adorable, complete with the flowered hat.  However, my children were never fond of hats (my daughter screams when we try to put one on her) so I’m content to mix and match the leg warmers and onesies. For more information, just visit their site.

I did not receive compensation for this post.  Product samples were provided to facilitate this review.

I Don’t Want to Miss…

Park days and Disneyland days with my son.

And that’s what Clorox is asking school groups across the country.  What would you and your children miss out on if they were to get sick?

I have to admit that I’m breathing a sigh of relief that the weather is warming up, there is no rain in site, and winter will be over soon.  Living in Southern California, we are afforded weather that most people only dream about.  But we still get lows into the 40′s and cold and flu season is as prevalent here as it is anywhere else.

I’ve written several posts about what we do as a family to avoid getting sick.  My husband and I both received the seasonal and H1N1 flu vaccines, wash our hands diligently, and try to eat and rest appropriately.  As a busy mom of two, it’s challenging enough to do everything that needs to get done around the house while taking care of them without adding sickness into the equation.  And everything I’ve read about H1N1 influenza makes me want to do everything I can to avoid it.  Getting sick means no play dates, park days, preschool, or Disneyland.  And staying cooped up in the house is no fun with an active toddler.

Clorox has teamed up with former American Idol finalist Danny Gokey to help spread the word about flu prevention.  They just launched a national campaign called “I Don’t Want to Miss…“  geared towards teens and their teachers.  The campaign features a contest that invites school musical groups to develop a video performance of a song written by Berklee College of Music student Will Wells, on what they don’t want to miss out on if they were home sick.  The winning school will receive a music class led by former American Idol finalist Danny Gokey.  For every entry submitted, Clorox will donate $100 (up to $10,000) to the Sophia’s Heart Foundation, a charity founded by Gokey in honor of his late wife, Sophia, and dedicated to helping children achieve academic success via musical traning.
Have you received your flu vaccine (both of them)?  The CDC recommends that children and teens over 6 months of age get flu vaccinations.  Handwashing and disinfecting surfaces also help in preventing the spread of influenza (my doctor’s office routinely disinfects doorknobs, countertops, and other surfaces).

For more information about the campaign, or to enter the contest, visit their website.  For the first 100 groups to submit an entry, the teacher will receive a wellness care package from Clorox.  And for more tips on influenza prevention, visit their Facebook page.

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Clorox and received $20 thank-you gift certificate.

Valentine’s Day Gift Idea: Cozy Slippers From Oobees

I don’t know about you, but I wear my slippers outside of the house.  I wear them to get the mail…I wear them to walk my son over to our community playground…I wear them in the garage to do the laundry…and I wear them until they’re worn out.  Most slippers don’t have enough support or traction on them to be worn outside, since that’s not what they’re designed to do.

Shoe meets slipper with Oobees funky, furry, footwear (try saying that three times!).  Unlike conventional house slippers, Oobees have a non-skid rubber sole, which means you can wear them at home or out and about. Oobees are made from soft faux fur and feature a cushy foam insole that molds to your feet.  They’re very comfortable, however, I don’t imagine I could wear these while I’m out with the kids since the sole is 1 1/2 inches high.  I’m reserving them for around the house and girl’s nights out.

I was most impressed with how comfortable they are, considering the height of the sole.  Teens and tweens will adore the bright colors and retro patterns.  And…if you can’t get enough of your Oobees, the company also offers coordinating accessories including pillows, blankets, cosmetic and overnight bags.

Oobees retail for $29.95 and are available for purchase on the site and select retailers nationwide.

I did not receive compensation for this post.  A product was provided to facilitate this review.

Valentine’s Day Gift Idea: Lingerie from Yandy

As a mom of two little ones, it’s difficult to get time for myself.  And if I don’t plan time with my husband, days can go by where we get so absorbed in playing, cooking, cleaning, working and all the other day-to-day activities that we’ve failed to connect.  I’ve been given a piece of advice that I have tried to hold onto, particularly now that we have two little ones…plan and make time for each other.  That is really the only way to ensure our marriage is going to remain strong.

When I was younger, I really enjoyed shopping for lingerie.  Despite the fact that nobody sees “what lies beneath,” pretty lingerie makes me feel special and beautiful.  And I just adore silk pajamas and plush robes. Last year I told you about Yandy’s diverse array of affordable lingerie.  If you’re conservative like me, you’ll find gorgeous gowns and cute, comfy pajamas.  I had an opportunity to review their Embroidered Valentines Gown which features underwire cups (for support and lift), cap sleeves (which are adjustable), and an adjustable back closure.  It’s gorgeous and very classy-looking.  I also like the adjustable features to ensure it fits appropriately.  The fabric is a bit sheer but comfy.  The gown, which would make a lovely Valentine’s Day gift, is available in red or pink and retails for $37.95.

Yandy Lingerie offers a varied selection of Valentine’s Day gift ideas.  The site is easy to navigate and the company ships very quickly (if you order before 4 pm PST the order will ship the same day).

I did not receive compensation for this post.  A product sample was provided to facilitate the review.

Be One of the First to Try Pampers Cruisers with Dry Max

Pampers, a company who’s diapers my children have both worn from day one, has completely redesigned their Cruisers diapers.  They’re now 20 percent thinner but still help to lock wetness away for up to 12 hours.  They are the driest diaper on the market and will be available in stores in March.  However, tomorrow morning January 29, 2010), you can get a free sample 3-pack of the new Pampers Cruisers with Dry Max.  Be sure to visit early as the sample packs will run out.

This year (for the first time), babies will have their gold-medal, Olympic moment by sporting their own high performance gear – Pampers Cruisers with Dry Max.  To celebrate the launch of the company’s first high performance Diaper, Pampers will be outfitting Team USA athletes and their families with branded Team USA Pampers Cruisers for the Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver.  These Team USA diapers are not for sale.  However, if you sign up for your sample pack tomorrow, and it includes a diaper stamped Team USA, your baby will win a year’s supply of Pampers diapers.

Additionally, Pampers is also providing babies across the country the opportunity to be in the closing ceremonies of the Olympics! Beginning February 15, moms and dads can go to Pampers.com to load a video of their baby crawling left to right. Pampers will compile randomly selected videos into a Pampers commercial that will air during the closing ceremony of the Olympics!  Pampers is working with two medal contender athletes – 2006 Olympic gold medal speed skater, Chad Hedrick and 2007 World Skeleton, Noelle Pikus-Pace – as they and their families prepare to “go for gold” at the 2010 Olympic games.

The new Pampers Cruisers are so new, I haven’t had a chance to try them out yet.  However, come back in March for my review and a fun giveaway to go with it.

I did not receive compensation for this post.  The information was supplied by the company.

Get Sheepless with Serta

It’s not often I post about contests.  It’s not that I don’t enjoy them…it’s that there are so many that I could never find time to post them all.  So I strive to bring you only THE best contests!  Serta is hosting a “Get Sheepless with Serta” promotion and the grand prize is a brand new Serta mattress (very cool!).  I’ve already entered and it’s easy!  The basic premise of the contest is that Serta wants to help you get a good night’s sleep (and therefore stop counting sheep to sleep).  Here are the deets:

All you have to do is share a favorite “sheepless” tip (in 140 characters or less) for a chance to win a Serta plushie and/or a new Serta mattress with a retail value of up to $3,000.  Visit the official Serta Facebook Page for details for entry rules and to get more info.  You don’t have to be a fan to win or enter, but when you become part of the “Serta Flock” (aka, a fan) you’ll have access to exclusive giveaways and be among the first to hear about the latest promotions and events.

The contest runs until next Sunday, January 31^st at 11:59 PM EST.

For full Serta mattress contest details click here

I did not receive compensation for this post.

Valentine’s Day Gift Idea: Truffles from Dove Chocolate Discoveries *Giveaway*

This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by.  The winner is Lisa.  Congrats!

You all know how much of a chocoholic I am, right?  I recently found out that Dove Chocolate has gotten into the “Home Party” business and now offers opportunities for “Chocolate Tasting” in the comfort of your own home.  A chocolate party?  Where can I sign up?  Seriously.

The entire line of products are made with Dove Chocolate and include martinis, smoothies, brownies, and more.  This Valentine’s Day, Dove has developed an incredible box of truffles for their Dove Chocolate Discoveries line and you won’t find it in stores.  It’s only available through their new “Home Party” line.  Jin Caldwell, named one of the top 10 Pastry Chefs in North America, was commissioned by Dove to create these rich, creamy truffles. Jin has has designed 6 flavors of truffles; Tiramisu, Passion Fruit, Cheesecake, Lemon Meringue, Cinnamon Bun, and Chocolate Mousse especially for Dove Chocolate Discoveries. The truffles are made with the freshest ingredients, so fresh, that they have a shelf life of only 4 weeks.

Dove Chocolate Discoveries has packaged these lovely truffles in a gorgeous box, covered in hearts and wrapped with a bow. Orders are being take through January 31, and Jin will make them the first week of February, and ship them direct to you (or your love) in time for Valentine’s Day.

If you’re interested in learning more about how to host a chocolate party (I know I am), you can contact Kim Sprague, a mom and Independent Chocolatier who loves throwing chocolate parties.

Win It! One of you will win a box of Dove Chocolate Discoveries truffles!  Simply follow The Chocolate Lady Blog OR fan “Dove Chocolate Discoveries, Independant Chocolatier Kim Sprague” on Facebook. Then post a message here, letting me know that you’d like to win, and what flavor you can’t wait to taste. Comments will close on Saturday, January 30th at midnight PST.  One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). 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? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.

Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

I did not receive compensation for this post.

Win An Amazon Gift Card in Honor of Thyroid Awareness Month

This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by.  The winner is Annette D. Congrats!

January is almost over, and I just learned that it’s Thyroid Awareness month.  As a nurse, I know where my thyroid is.  My mom has a long history of thyroid nodules that she watches and my best friend is takes medication for her hypothyroidism.  Diseases of the thyroid are more common than most people think.

So what is the thyroid and where is it located? It is a small gland located in the middle of the lower neck, which produces hormones that regulate many functions including temperature, weight gain, and weight loss.

What are some signs that my thyroid may not be functioning properly?

• sudden weight gain or increase in body fat
• inability to lose weight despite proper diet and exercise
• fatigue, insomnia or restless sleep, anxiety or panic attacks
• gas, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation
• chronic sinusitis or lingering infections

If I experience any of these signs, what should I do? Be sure to see your physician who can perform a physical exam and a blood test to find out if your thyroid is functioning appropriately.

What should I do if I have further questions about thyroid disease?  Online resources, such as the Fibro 360 Community – Fibromyalgia and Fatigue Center. This online community offers support and serves as a resource for those seeking information about fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and disorders relating to the thyroid gland.  If you’d like to learn more or would like to join the Fibro 360 Community, please visit Fibro 360 on Facebook and follow Fibro 360 on Twitter.

Win It! Could you use a little pampering?  One of you will win a $25 gift card to Amazon, courtesy of Fibro 360. To enter, please visit the Fibro 360 community on Facebook and become a fan.  Be sure to leave a comment letting me know you did so.  Comments will close on January 31, 201o at 11:59 PM EST.  One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). 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 Fibro 360 on Twitter and leave me a comment with your Twitter handle.

I did not receive compensation for this post.

Pizza Hut’s Super (Bowl) Specials *Giveaway*

This giveaway is now closed. Congrats to our winners! Adrienne Gordon #155, Marci #74, Anne G #128, Ms. T #182, Sonya Sparks #174

In just about a week and a half, the New Orleans Saints will battle the Indianapolis Colts (I totally had to look that up!).  I admit that I’m not a huge football fan, but I do love getting together with family and friends for Super Bowl Sunday.  This year we’re playing it low-key at home, but if you’re planning on hosting a party you’re going to need food!

I recently told you about Pizza Hut’s AMAZING $10 pizza deal.  I have no idea how long it’s going to last but we’ve ordered like once a week since the promotion started because it’s affordable, convenient (love home delivery), and yummy.  Just to remind you that the special includes any size, any crust, and any toppings for $10 (plus tax and delivery).  And if that wasn’t enough, now you can order any Tuscani Pasta (Creamy Chicken Alfredo, Meaty Marinara, Premium Bacon Mac ‘N Cheese, Lasagna) for $10 on Tuesdays and $.50 WingStreet wings on Wednesday.  I haven’t tried their WingStreet wings but they offer three different varieties and eight different sauces (Honey Barbeque is the most popular) to accompany them.  Their Tuscani Lasagna is delicious (check out my review here).

Super Bowl Sunday is typically Pizza Hut’s busiest day.  Interestingly enough, the company will sell enough pizza to cover over 50 football fields.  If each slice of pizza sold were laid end to end, the pizza trail would stretch halfway across the US (crazy!).

If you’re looking for an affordable way to celebrate Super Bowl Sunday, check out Pizza Hut’s $10 deals.  But hurry…I have no idea how long they’ll last.

Win It! FIVE of you will win a $10 Gift Card to Pizza Hut to help with your Super Bowl party planning.  Simply leave me a comment with the type of pizza or pasta you’ll order for the big day.  Comments will close on February 3, 2010 at 10 PM PST.  One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). 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? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.

Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

I did not receive compensation for this post.  The gift cards were provided courtesy of Pizza Hut.

Valentine’s Day Gift Idea: Fresh and Easy

I have fond memories of our time in Edinburgh…shopping on Princes Street with the Castle looming in the backdrop…taking a double decker Lothian bus to the Royal for work…sitting outside in the rain watching the Tattoo…watching New Year’s Eve fireworks from Calton Hill…hiking to the top of Arthur’s Seat…perusing the German Market at Christmas…taking our weekly trip to the “big” Tesco for groceries…I could go on and on (but I won’t…fortunately).  Living overseas is the type of experience that changes a person.  My husband and I have memories and adventures that could never be replicated in this country.  We are forever changed by our experiences living abroad.  And one day, we plan on taking our children back to the city where we lived and worked and dreamed of our little boy.

I’ve always been partial to European-made products.  Imagine my excitement when I first learned that an American version of one of the UK’s leading chain of grocers was making it’s debut in the US.  Fresh & Easy offers a wide range of affordable natural foods and products that are free from artificial flavors, colors, and trans fats.  With Valentine’s Day less than three weeks away, you’ll definitely want to check out Fresh & Easy’s selection of foods and wines for your sweetheart.

Buying flowers (especially roses) on Valentine’s Day, despite it’s romanticism, is a bad idea.  Flower shops typically increase their prices dramatically (due to the principle of supply and demand).  Ladies…tell your husbands and significant others to head over to Fresh & Easy (if your a rose lovin’ gal like myself).  Fresh, long-stemmed roses are just $9.99 a dozen (hint hint hubby…I know you read my blog!). And with all the money he’ll save, he can even splurge and pick up a bottle of wine and some chocolate.

I’m not an expert on wines, but I can tell you that $4.99 for a bottle of Montcadi Cava Rose sounds like a great price to me!  You can also pick up a bottle of McGuigan Hand Made Barossa Shiraz for $12.99.  But their selection of wines doesn’t end there.  Fresh & Easy offers 170 different wines to choose from, many of which are under $10 a bottle.  Since I’d have to defer to my husband for the technical specs on all things wine, I’ll give you some info about the above two wines, available at Fresh & Easy.

Montcadi Cava Rose:  A fresh, rose sparkling wine with ripe strawberry fruit and soft, biscuit flavors, made from grapes grown in Spain’s Cava growing region.

McGuigan Hand Made Barossa Shiraz:  This wine is rich and full-bodied with classic varietal berry and pepper flavors.  It is made from Shiraz grapes grown in the Barossa region of South Australia.

I am a chocoholic.  I probably eat chocolate every day (yikes!).  So when they sent me a GINORMOUS chocolate bar I wanted to do two things: Open it up and try it.  Close it up and hide it.  Fresh & Easy’s One Huge Hunk Chocolate Bar with Pecans & Fruit is made with Belgian milk chocolate (YUM!) and contains candied pecans and chewy fruit pieces.  I typically like my chocolate plain…without anything in it.  But this was seriously yummy.  I almost want to share it with hubby since the baby weight is looming. If you like truffles (um…who doesn’t?), Fresh & Easy offers their Sweet Boutique Gourmet Swiss Truffles.  They’re imported from Switzerland and the package contains both milk and dark chocolate varieties.  Dark chocolate and a cream filling make for a perfectly smooth combination.

If you don’t like chocolate (gasp!), Fresh & Easy offers cookies that taste better than any I could make here at home.  Their Snickerdoodle Cookies are made with butter, bourbon vanilla and premium cinnamon.  They’re so soft and chewy (like cookies should be) and just melt in your mouth.  Yes. They’re gone.

The above items are just a tasting of all Fresh & Easy has to offer.  If you’re looking for affordable Valentine’s Day gift ideas, be sure to visit a store near you.

I did not receive compensation for this post.  I received product samples to facilitate my review.

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