Crayola’s Going Green!

As a “green” parent, I’m always interested in learning what companies are doing to protect and preserve our planet.  I recently learned that Crayola is using renewable energy, reducing waste, and protecting rainforests in an effort to work towards providing a healthier environment for children.  Additionally, solar panels are being used to provide power to make 1 billion Crayola crayons and recycled bottle caps are being used to make 500 million Crayola markers. And for every reforested tree used to make their colored pencils, a new one of it’s species is planted. This coming Fall, Crayola will release special boxes of crayons, markers, and colored pencils which will feature icons that describe ways each product is lessening its impact on the environment.

Crayola is searching for the inaugural members of it’s Crayola Green Team, a group of 10 children with “colorful” ideas for protecting the planet by making their schools, homes and communities “greener.”   Now through June 28, parents and/or teachers can submit artwork that illustrates ways children are striving to protect the planet to their Facebook fan page or directly on the site. Crayola will bring those 10 children to Easton, PA to participate in a ceremony in which they will plug their new 15-acre solar farm into the sun. Submissions will be displayed in a gallery on their Facebook page, and you will have an opportunity to vote during July 6-21.

For more information or to submit an entry, simply visit their Facebook page.

No compensation was received for this post.

Ronzoni Smart Taste Photo Contest

It’s very, very rare that I enter general contests (but blog giveaways, absolutely!).  With that being said, I’ve entered my son into Ronzoni’s Smart Taste Photo Contest.  Very soon, consumers (and you!) will be able to vote on your favorite photo.  Pasta is one of my son’s favorite foods so I thought this would be a fun little project for us.

Since we were only allowed to enter one photo…here is the one we submitted and the runner-up.

To vote on any of the entrants, just visit the Ronzoni website.

And stay tuned for my review!

I wrote this review while participating in a campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Ronzoni and received products necessary to facilitate my candid review and photo contest entry. In addition, I received a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

Seventh Generation Wants to Know Who Inspires You *Giveaway*

This giveaway is now closed. Congrats to Valancia #112!

I’ve been deemed crunchy by many of my friends and family members. And I’m actually ok with that designation because, the reality is, we are learning more and more about the potential health hazards posed by many of the cleaning products we use in our homes. I switched to green cleaning products during my first pregnancy and have mostly eliminated those considered toxic from my home (I still have a few stragglers I’m trying to get rid of in my garage).

A large percentage of the cleaning products in our home are by Seventh Generation.  The company is committed to providing consumers with safe, environmentally-responsible products while maintaining social and environmental responsibility.  They are also one of the most transparent companies out there right now.  Every choice made to use a Seventh Generation product saves natural resources, reduces pollution, and keeps toxic chemicals out of the environment.  I’ve had the opportunity to work with the company on several occasions and even spent some time talking with the founder and CEO of the company earlier this year.

This year, Seventh Generation is asking you to nominate the person that has been inspirational to you by making their home, community and/or environment safer and healthier.  Now through May 31, enter Seventh Generation’s Search for Mother Nature contest to win a $5,000 green home makeover.  The winner  and his/her nominee will win a year’s supply of Seventh Generation products.  Seventh Generation will also donate $2,500 to an organization working to make the world a safer place.  The top six finalists will receive a year’s supply of Seventh Generation products. For more information, or to enter the contest, just visit their site.

I’ll leave you with Ivette Melendez’s (Seventh Generation’s Mother Nature inspiration) “Five Golden Rules of Cleaning”

Rule 1: Go Top-to-Bottom.
Whether it’s a room or a bookcase, clean from the top to the bottom and you won’t have to go back and pick up any stray dirt or errant dust that falls as you go.

Rule 2: Go Back to Front.
Always clean from back to front for similar reasons. If it’s a room, start in a rear corner and work toward the door. If it’s a cabinet, begin in the back and clean out toward the edge.

Rule 3: Work Clockwise.
Pick a starting spot and work in a steady clockwise direction. Working systematically in this way will ensure that you don’t forget anything and won’t have to spend any time thinking about it!

Rule 4: Don’t Use or Do More Than You Need To.
Always start with a small amount of cleaning product and use more as necessary for tough spots and other challenges. Using more than you need to start only creates more work when it’s time to rinse everything off!

Rule 5: Look Before You Leap.
If you’re cleaning something you’ve never cleaned before and/or using a product for the first time, you’ll save a lot of premature hair loss by always testing things first to make sure you won’t cause any damage.

Win It! One of you will win a Seventh Generation Cleaning Kit which will include the following:

-          Ivette’s top three cleaning tools (pocket scraper, microfiber rag and scouring pad)

-          Seventh Generation disinfecting wipes

-          Seventh Generation Natural all-purpose spray

-          Seventh Generation Natural dish liquid

-          Seventh Generation Recycled paper towels

Simply leave me a comment with something you learned on Seventh Generation’s website.  Comments will close on June 8, 2o10 at 11:59 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.  Products for review and giveaway were supplied by Seventh Generation.

Extreme Bra Makeover

For the past 3  1/2 years, I’ve been wearing either a maternity or nursing bra.  If anyone needs a new bra makeover, it’s me (hehe!).

Did you know, that seven out of ten women are wearing the wrong size bra? (I did!).  According to Playtex, wearing the wrong size bra can lead to back and shoulder pain, bruising, and digging (ouch!).  After all is said and done (aka, we stop nursing), I’ll need to be re fitted for a bra (or 5).

Fortunately, Playtex just launched Playtex Bra Makeover, a site where women can go to apply for a bra makeover (ahem…that’s me!).  Ten winners will be flown to New York to receive a Bra Makeover with style expert Alison Deyette (ooh…I met her last year at a Marshall’s shopping event!). They’ll also star in their very own webisode, and one makeover candidate will receive a fitting with Alison and go home with the perfect Playtex products (say that 3 times fast!) Hurry!  You only have until May 21 to enter.

No compensation was received for this post.  I was entered into a contest to win a free bra from Playtex, via MomSelect.

Who Shapes Your Life?

That is the question Miraclebody is asking women across the country.  Off the top of my head, I can think of several. My mom…my best friend…the woman that “shaped” me into the daughter, wife, mother, and woman I am today.  My very best friend Amy…who inspires and motivates me to dream big.

In honor of all of the women who do amazing things, Miraclebody is searching for four women who “shape our lives.”  Four winners will receive an all-expense paid trip to New York City, a denim wardrobe, a style consultation with Robert Verdi, a makeover at the Sally Hershberger Downtown Salon and the opportunity to appear in a People StyleWatch ad. You can enter or nominate someone here.

Tomorrow is Mom’s Nite Out.  But if you have small children (like I do), you may not be able to get away.  Miraclebody is hosting a Twitter party to celebrate the launch of their brand new jeans that boast the ability to make you look “10 pounds lighter in 10 seconds.”  Throughout the party, they’ll be sharing tips for finding the best fit when it comes to jeans.  And…you’ll have the opportunity to win a pair…every 1o minutes!  Here are the details:

Hashtag: #Miraclebody.

Custom Party Tweet Grid here: http://is.gd/bM2wb

Be sure to RSVP on their Facebook page.

Want to get a head start?  Just tweet the following:

Win a trip to NYC, celeb style makeover & more! #Miraclebody Jeans “We Shape Women” contest: inspired by you! http://bit.ly/akAJnt

No monetary compensation was received for this post.

Got Hair?

If you’ve seen my hair in pictures, you most likely have seen it straight.  What you may not know is that I have curly hair….really curly hair!  So how do I get it straight?  With a flat iron!  For many, many years, I assumed that the health of my hair was related to the products I use, the treatments I get done (i.e. highlights), and how often I cut it.  However, what I consume is actually more important.  Hair, like skin, requires vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to keep it shiny and strong.  Milk doesn’t just do a body good…it does your hair good too!  Milk contains proteins, lipids, calcium, vitamins A, B6, biotin and potassium…essential for healthy, vibrant hair.

Did you know that…

Hair is over 90% protein

Calcium and Magnesium (both present in milk) promote hair growth and Calcium prevents hair loss

One strand of hair can hold a 3-ounce weight

Cleopatra enjoyed weekly milk baths to keep her skin smooth as silk

People who are lactose intolerant  (like me) can still benefit by drinking lactose-free milk. Lactose free milk contains the same nutrients as regular milk.

Two weeks ago, I attended hair boot camp with celebrity hair stylist Muriel at the Point de Vue Salon.  I promise it wasn’t as painful as it sounds.  It was actually quite fun…and informative.  Instead of blowing out my hair and then using a flat iron to straighten it, I can just blow it straight.  I learned several secrets to achieving the perfect blow dry…much of which involves using the proper brush, and holding it at just the right angle in relation to the hair dryer.   Muriel gave us an intro on how to get that “salon look” all the time!  Her two hour boot camp, which is held at her salon in West Hollywood, will teach you how to use your brush, comb, dryer and hair care products to achieve that look all of the time.  I came away with some tips on how to do this with the small amount of time I have.

Hair has always been a symbol of beauty.  Right now, if you head on over to Toma Leche, you can enter to win a day at the spa for you and two friends plus $500 simply by entering your best hair photo on the site (I did it…so should you!)

I did not receive compensation for this post.  I was invited to hair boot camp and received a gift bag.

Bright Starts’ Comfort & Harmony Cradling Bouncer

When my babies are little…infants…I keep them close to me.  Even with two, I try to keep my daughter in a carrier as much as possible.  These days, running after a 2 year old with a baby strapped to me is both convenient and challenging, depending on what we’re doing.  And if I’m going to get anything done around the house (or get in a shower) I have to put her down.

I’m actually quite content to put our beauty in Bright Starts’ new Comfort & Harmony Cradling Bouncer.  The bouncer, available in four prints/colors, was “designed to provide supreme comfort for baby with the latest on-trend styling for mom.”  The first thing I noticed about the bouncer (besides the fact that it’s adorably pink), is it’s soft, cushy seat.  This is achieved by a cushioned bolster system and head rest.  The design (the removable padding) naturally gives our daughter a secure, snug feeling.

The Comfort & Harmony Cradling Bouncer features an oversized, cradling seat with Comfort Recline Technology that provides 2 full-body recline positions.  The bouncer reclines to about a 45 degree angle which is great for my daughter after she nurses.  I find that when she’s upright after her feeds, she spits up less.  This is the first time I’ve seen a bouncer with a reclining seat (typically bouncers only offer one position).  The second position is actually suitable for sleeping (something my son never did in our previous bouncer because it didn’t recline).

Music and toys are very important with bouncers (and swings).  Babies get bored very easily and my daughter, in particular, doesn’t particularly like to be anywhere but in someone’s arms.  So it’s even more important that she has some entertainment while she’s in the bouncer.  The bouncer includes 2 plush toys (my son used to bat at the hanging toys when he was a baby) and features seven calming melodies (most of which are quite pleasant).  The only thing I’d love to see changed is the removable toy bar.  It actually comes off easily…a little too easily.  I don’t know if there is a better way to design it but my two year old figured out how to remove it and it’s now a fun game..for him!  It also vibrates (of course!) although to truly bounce it, you’d need to use your hand or your foot (I’m not sure if there is a way to have it automatically bounce…perhaps an idea for a future design).

The Comfort & Harmony Cradling Bouncer is suitable for infants up to 25 pounds and retails for under $50.  It’s an affordable alternative to swings (which can be upwards of $150 to $200.  Minimal assembly is required (even I can do it!) and requires 3 C batteries.  You can purchase it on Amazon or at Walmart and Target stores. A portion of the proceeds supports breast cancer research.

Right now, you could win one of three Babymoon trips by visiting Bright Starts. If you’re pregnant with your first or third, a babymoon is a great way to connect as a couple before your little one is born.  Here are the details surrounding the contest:

Bright Starts is giving away a luxurious 7-night babymoon vacation to three lucky couples.  Relax and reconnect at a U.S. Virgin Islands destination – St. Croix, St. John , or St. Thomas.

Your babymoon includes:
·        Airfare for up to four from anywhere in the continental U.S.
·        Seven night’s hotel accommodations
·        Spa treatment for the mother-to-be
·        Dinner for up to four people
·        $500 spending cash
·        Choice of activities

Sweepstakes ends November 30, 2010. One winner will be chosen each 4-month giveaway period.

Enter to win at www.brightstarts.com/babymoon

If you’d like to keep up to date with Bright Starts, they’ve just launched a Facebook page.

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

Share His Unsung Moments

Evenings are my respite.  That is when my husband comes home and gives me a bit of a break with my son.  Very often I’ll hear them upstairs giggling and squealing…And I know that my husband is forever changed by these babies of ours. These are the moments…the one’s my children and I will remember…recognize.  But they’re the most important…those unsung moments…

Dove recently introduced the first product line created specifically for me.  Men+Care was designed for “men who have a reached a point in their lives where they are comfortable with themselves, but not in their skin.”  I know my husband doesn’t pay much attention to the types of products he uses on his skin.  And just like him, many men simply tolerate dry, irritated skin…the result of suboptimal cleansing products.

The line, which includes a Body and Face Wash and Bar, is dermatologist recommended and “clinically proven to fight skin dryness without irritation or tightness.”  If their men’s line is as moisturizing as their women’s line, I know my husband is going to love it.

Dove is asking you to share your man’s unsung moments for a chance to win a backyard makeover package or other prizes.  Entries must be submitted via photo, video, or blog and the deadline to enter is March 22, 2010. For more information, just visit their website.

Be sure to download your coupon for $1 off a Dove Men+Care purchase.

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

A Girl’s Gotta Laugh…Design the Next Hallmark Card

I don’t have the opportunity to spend nights out with my girlfriends much these days, but when I do, it’s usually with moms just like myself.  Once you become a parent, it’s hard for others to empathize with you when your toddler sticks a crayon up his nose.  So most of my nights out with the girls are with other moms.  Other moms who have similar stories about things our children have said and done.

Now through February 22, Hallmark and Ovation TV are hosting a contest called “A Girls Gotta Laugh.”  The objective of the contest is to create a funny card that helps any mom laugh about the crazy reality of motherhood.  Twenty four winners will be selected to have their greeting card creation sold in stores and one lucky winner will have their card broadcast on Ovation TV – reaching more than 38 million homes!

Here are some ideas to get you started…

Do you have a funny potty moment with kids?  Ask my husband!

Do you dream of going off somewhere where nobody calls your name (Mommy)?

Have you had the joy of being in the bathroom with everyone and the dog attempting to barge in? (I can’t even go to the bathroom by myself these days)

If you enter, I’d love to know once the contest is over so I can check out your submissions!

I was compensated for this post on behalf of my relationship as a member of the Role Mommy Writers Network.

Wash Them Grow With Suave Kids (Plus a Contest!)

My son learned the names and locations of his body parts during bath time.  He is able to distinguish his right from his left because of bath time.  He practices swimming during bath time.  In our house, we utilize bath time for many important things.  We use it for learning and playing.  When my son was a baby, he didn’t like the bath.  In fact, it was miserable trying to get him in and washed up in record time.   My husband and I thought about what we could do to make it more enjoyable for him.  These days, he not only asks to take a bath, he protests when it’s time to get out.

A decent bottle of bubbles and some fun bath toys can make a world of difference in a child who does not want to take a bath.  Suave Kids has recently launched their new campaign, Wash Them Grow, encourages you to recognize bath time routine as “an opportunity to teach, nurture and transition your child through the stages of growth and cleansing.”  Right now, Suave Kids is holding a sweepstakes with a chance to win awesome prizes every week including a Family e-Keepsake Kit (which includes a video camera, laptop, and digital camera).  The Grand Prize is a family vacation to Orlando!  To enter, head on over to the site to play a fun online trivia game.  You can enter daily through February 22.  And if you refer a friend, you’ll automatically gain another entry!

Suave Kids offers four body washes for every stage of childhood.  Our favorites are the Strawberry and Berry Body washes because they smell incredible.  I also like the Free and Gentle Body Wash which is dye free and non-irritating to my son’s skin.  My son has very sensitive skin but has not had any reaction to the washes (perhaps because he’s older now as well).  Suave Kids also offers a Moisturizing Body Wash which is a great transition wash for baby’s.  Suave Kids products are made for children’s skin.  They’re ophthalmologist-tested and tear-free (which is important because my son absolutely despises soap in his eyes).

Contest Details:  If you decide to enter the sweepstakes, you will be entered to win some of the fabulous prizes listed above.  And, the blogger who refers the most readers to enter the sweepstakes will win a year’s supply of Suave Kids products for 10 readers.  So it’s a win-win situation! Have fun!

MomSelect and Suave Kids are having a Twitter Party.  Here are the details!

Date:  Monday, February 8th, 2010

Time:  8  p.m. – 9 p.m. EST
Location:  #WashThemGrow
Host: @MomTalkRadio (Maria Bailey, Founder of MomSelect)

Before the party, they’re offering a Disney Online Store $50 gift card for one lucky winner. To be eligible to win, make sure you complete the following:

• Click HERE to RSVP
• Tweet out  the details of the #WashThemGrow party between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. on the day of the party

Be sure to follow @MomTalkRadio, @ResourcefulMom, @MomSelectAmy and @SuaveBeauty throughout the evening for updates, prize information and contest details.

I’ll leave you with some Bath-Time Tips, courtesy of Suave Kids (with some commentary by me!):

Nurture Your Baby’s Firsts:  We don’t bathe our little girl all that often, but her first bath is forever remembered on photographs.

Start Teaching at Bath Time: Show your children how to get clean all by themselves (we do this with our son!). I tell my son, wash your right arm, and your left arm, and your back…

I Can Do It Myself:  My son is in this stage right now.  He wants to dress himself, feed himself, and bathe himself.  Allow your child to participate in bath time.  It will make the time so much more enjoyable for both of you.

I did not receive compensation for this post.  Product samples were received, courtesy of Suave Kids and MomSelect to facilitate this review.

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