Join Kelly Ripa and Electrolux to Support Ovarian Cancer Research *Giveaway*

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

I support a ton of causes and charities, most of which I don’t write about on this site.  As a nurse, a woman, and a mom, I support efforts made to raise awareness for important women’s health topics.

Kelly Ripa and Electrolux have teamed up to celebrate the launch of the company’s new stand-alone refrigerator and freezer.   The company has also teamed up with the “Emperor of Ice Cream” Stephen Bruce, owner and founder of Serendipity 3.  My friend Elizabeth was actually in New York City earlier this week, helping to kick off this campaign.  Her and her son made banana splits in support of the cause.

Right now, you can visit Kelly Confidential to build your own banana split using virtual ingredients like whipped cream, caramel sauce, and rainbow sprinkles.  For each “split”, Electrolux will donate $1 to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund as part of its $750,000 commitment to help fight ovarian cancer.

Anyone who logs in and builds a split will be entered to win daily prizes including $50 towards sweet treats and the grand prize which is a new stand-alone refrigerator and freezer from Electrolux.

For more information or to create your own virtual banana split, just visit the website.

Win It! One of you will win a $25 American Express Gift Card.  Simply leave me a comment with something you liked or learned.  Or let me know that you made your own split by telling me about it.  Comments will close on July 18th, 2010 at 11:59 PM PST. 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!

No compensation was received for this post.  Gift cards were supplied for review and giveaway by Electrolux via MomSelect.

Modern Baby Product Guide: Rhoost

Babyproofing…those little devices and gadgets have managed to help avert many a disaster…and for that I’m grateful.  But…white and plastic don’t necessarily go with our modern home decor.  For the most part, I recognize these devices for what they are and know that one day we’ll be free from them. But one company is bringing function and style to childproofing.

Rhoost (cute!) offers eco-friendly childproofing products that actually complement your home decor.  Oh…and they work!  These soft, flexible childproofing products are easy to install and won’t damage your furnishings with sticky adhesives or holes (from screws). Right now, the company offers the “edge” (to keep children safe from sharp corners) and the “sling” (to keep children out of cabinets).

I really like the modern look of Rhoost’s products as they blend well with home decor.  I also like the fact that they’re not plastic which means no BPA, lead, or phthalates.  I’d love to see the company expand their line to include additional childproofing products.

For more information, just visit Rhoost.

No compensation was received for this post.  A product sample was provided via MomSelect to facilitate this review.

Champions Summer Science Camps *Giveaway*

This giveaway is now closed. Congrats to Sonya #25!

With summer approaching, you may be planning your school-aged children’s activities.  As a child, I remember attending day and overnight camps.  I looked forward to those field trips and days of discovery.

If you have an explorer, nature enthusiast, or animal lover, check out Champions Summer Science Camps.  These hands-on day camps focus on fun while taking science beyond the classroom.  Through hands-on experiments, activities, exploration, and discovery, Champions Summer Science Camps aim to inspire curiosity about how the world works while instilling a love of learning about science within children.

The camps are designed for children ages 5-12 and will be at participating recreation facilities, parks, and schools nationwide.  The four camps offered this year include Gizmo’s Robot Factory, Space and Rocketry, and two new camps, Mystery of the Pharaoh’s Treasure and Go Wild. Children can decode hieroglyphics, use a magnifying glass to inspect bugs, design a robot, and build a space station.  If you take a look at the four week-long camps, you’ll find that they’re a nice blend of education and fun.

Many parents (myself included) want to give children an educational experience during the summer months when school is out.  Champions Summer Science Camps is a great way to give children a different kind of learning experience.  Here is a quick video about their camps:

Parents, how do you go about selecting a camp?  Here are a few quick tips (courtesy of the company):

Tips to choosing a summer camp:

Ask Your Child: Camp should be about fun so it’s important to ask your kid about their interests and where he/she wants to go for camp. Get thoughts from your child first as that should lead you in the right direction and help shape all your other decisions.

Take a Tour: Take time to visit the camp you’re considering, preferably with your child, to preview the program offering. Look for well organized plans of activities, thoughtful preparation and a safe and inviting environment for your child.Consider Specialty Camps: Now, there are camps that are focused on specific activities like sports or science. For example, children that attend the Champions Science Adventures camps learn how to build a robot, become mini-astronauts, solve an Egyptian mystery and leap into a wild animal adventure over four weeks beginning in June.Balance Learning and Fun: While summer should definitely present fun filled activities that give children an experience different from their typical school day, the program you choose should also incorporate some learning activities into the camp day.

Insist on Health and Safety Basics: Look for programs that are licensed and meet stringent health and safety requirements. Make sure to inquire about the medical training of the staff and if medical equipment like a first aid kit is readily available.

Each camp is one-week long with half-day and full-day options. Parents can enroll online have the option to register their children for all four camps, or just one program. Camp program fees and schedules vary by location.  Right now, you can use the promotional code “summerscience10″ to save $50 on one week of camp.

Win It! One of you will win a week of camp at Champions Summer Science Camps (located across the country).  Simply visit their website, then come back and leave me a comment with the name of the camp your child would like to attend and one activity they’re excited about.  Comments will close on June 5, 2010 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!

The giveaway week of camp was provided by the company, via MomSelect. I received a gift card for my participation in this campaign.

Cars With Pizazz *Giveaway*

This giveaway is now closed. Congrats to the winner, Clarissa #20!

Several months ago, my mom decided my son needed cars.  So she bought him a set.  But it didn’t end there.  Every time she takes care of him, he ends up with a new car (or 5).  So at any given moment, I could trip and injure myself over a car my son has strewn across our living room dining room kitchen house.  But, my son just adores his cars so what’s a mom to do?

He recently got a set of “special” cars…cars that light up!  Light Up Marble Racers “combine the racing excitement of mini-toy sports cars and the classic amusement of marbles.”  You simply shake them and the LED marble lights up.  At present, there are six Marble Racers, which include a set of decals for kid-customized fun. Decorating (is that the right word?) the cars is a project in and of itself.

Marble Racers are currently available online and at select CVS locations and each car retails for $7.99.

Win It! One of you will win a set of 6 Marble Racers.  Simply visit the site.  Then leave me a comment with something you liked or learned. Comments will close on May June 5, 2010 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!

No compensation was received for this post.  The review and giveaway items were provided by the company via MomSelect.

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.

BioGaia: Colic Relief and Digestive Health *Giveaway*

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

If you’ve been following my tweets and blog posts, you may remember that I suspected my son has a food allergy. Last week we received confirmation that he is allergic to both cow’s milk and eggs.  Unfortunately, our daughter has also been reacting to some of the foods in my diet, including cow’s milk.  Between my son’s rashes and upset tummy, and my daughter’s spitting up and slow weight gain, it’s been a rough few months.  While we were waiting for my son’s test results to come back, my pediatrician suggested we start him on a probiotic (which we did).  And when I visited the lactation consultant in our area, she suggested both my daughter and I start on probiotics to help with the spitting up (which was causing her discomfort and subsequent crying episodes).

When MomSelect was looking for reviewers for a campaign with BioGaia, I had already been successfully using the infant drops with my daughter for several weeks.  The lactation consultant in our area had observed positive results on infants who received these drops with regards to colic so we purchased them to help with her colic, reflux, and spitting up.  BioGaia is a Swedish biotechnology company that develops and sells probiotic products to promote health.  Their products include the probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri) ,  “a “good” and friendly bacterium that helps battle the “bad” micro-organisms in the digestive tract to improve health.” What I like about BioGaia is that they use a bacteria that we already have in our bodies.  BioGaia’s probiotics work to promote a healthy balance of good bacteria to promote overall gut health.  According to the company, BioGaia reduced crying time in infantile colic, GI symptom, antibiotic use and absences in children, and reduced diarrhea in hospitalized adults taking antibiotics.

Courtesy of the company and MomSelect, we received BioGaia Probiotic Drops, Probiotic Straws, and Probiotic Chewable Tablets.

I was already familiar with the drops and the straws since we had been using them prior to this review.  Five drops a day provides 100 million live, active cells for our daughter.  We usually try to add them to her bottle, although I should note that hot food and drink can damage the live cultures.  The straws (which are very cool!) also provide 100 million live, active cells, simply by drinking 2-4 ounces of liquid through them (perfect for my son). Lastly, the chewable tablets are suitable for children and provide 100 million live, active cells (perfect for my son).

The biggest difference we’ve noticed is in our daughter, particularly because we’ve been giving her the drops since she was about 8 weeks old.  I made dietary changes (I cut out dairy, caffeine, etc.), took probiotics, and gave her probiotics.  We started noticing a difference in about a week.  She cried less…she spit up less…and she started gaining weight.  We still have a long road ahead.  I have to be diligent about avoiding trigger foods and giving her probiotics.  But I’ve definitely noticed a difference.

BioGaia offers a natural, safe way to give both of my children probiotics.  I like the fact that my son can drink from a straw (something he already does) and receive probiotics.  A healthy digestive system is tied to the immune system so it’s important to balance the good and bad bacteria in the gut.  If you’d like more information about the health benefits of probiotics, I recommend checking out their website.

Win It! One of you will win your choice of one of the following:   A 5mL bottle of drops, a 30-count chewable tablet packet or a 30-count pack of straws. Simply leave me a comment with something you learned on the site.  Comments will close on April 7, 2010 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.  Product samples were received via MomSelect to facilitate this review.

Zippity Doo’s *Giveaway*

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

In the spring, we’ll put our little boy back in preschool.  While I appreciate the fact that he gets education and social interaction at preschool, I’m not crazy about the germs and bugs he often brings home.  When I interned as a school nurse, I learned that lice is actually more prevalent that I thought.  When you get a group of kids in close proximity to each other (they don’t typically observe personal space), lice is not uncommon.

Zippity Doo’s is a line of hair care products designed to prevent head lice.  I’d much rather prevent those icky bugs than have to use medicated products to treat it.  The products are made with natural ingredients like Vitamin D, Rosemary, Cinnamon, Tea Tree, & Lavender.  I expected the products to have a “medicinal” smell, but surprisingly they smell good (sort of minty).  According to the company, they’re mild enough to use daily and help prevent lice infestation.  They also work to leave hair shiny and free from tangles.  In a sense, they serve two functions.  The product line includes the following:

• Zippity Doo’s Shampoo for Children
• Zippity Doo’s Conditioner for Children
• Zippity Doo’s Leave-in Detangler Spray for Children
• Zippity Doo’s Styling Gel for Children
• Zippity Doo’s Shield Spray for children

Rainbow Brite Is Back! *Giveaway*

This giveaway is now closed. Congrats to our winners Nicola (#8), Brianna (#28), Candice (#31), deb (#20), Susan V (#13)!

I grew up in the 80′s, the decade of leg warmers, Nintendo, Ray-Ban’s and Rainbow Brite.  My mom says she still has my childhood Rainbow Brite doll. And did you see my vintage Rainbow Brite T-shirt?  Rainbow Brite is back! She’s undergone a bit of a makeover but still delights children with her “empowering and imaginative adventures as she spreads her messages of courage, kindness, and hope.”  Did you know, that Rainbow Brite was actually a series introduced by Hallmark? (I didn’t!).  So who is Rainbow Brite?

Not so very long ago, a little girl name Wisp appeared in a colorless and unhappy world. Through courage, kindness and friendship, Wisp became Rainbow Brite and transformed the unhappy world to Rainbow Land, a magical place where all the colors in the universe are created.  Now, Rainbow Brite is one of Rainbow Land’s four Sky Powers, characters whose magical powers determine the cycles of Rainbow Land’s days and seasons. With the help of her friends, her magnificent horse Starlite, and her magical Color Belt and Star Scepter, Rainbow Brite travels to the far corners of the universe, bringing hope and happiness to everyone she meets.

This month, Rainbow Brite and her friends debuted in Target and Toys R Us stores nationwide.  To celebrate, I have 5 Rainbow Brite CD packs to giveaway, which include Rainbow Brite games and activities.

Win It! Simply leave me a comment with something new and interesting you learned on the Rainbow Brite site.  Comments will close on March 12, 2010 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.

Vote for Rockin’ Mama for the Hot Blogger Calendar

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 giveaway CDs were supplied by MomSelect.

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.

Holiday Meal Planning *Giveaway*

This giveaway is now closed. Congrats to Sand!

How did it become December already?  I have Christmas shopping to do, baby preparations to complete, and meals to plan.  I don’t pretend to enjoy being in the kitchen.  In fact, it’s rather nice when my husband does the cooking.  But, with the holidays approaching and family to host, we will both be busily prepping meals.  My husband and I  value the importance of a home-cooked meal.  Eating out for us is a luxury.  It’s not a habit we practice often.  We don’t routinely order take-out or stop by fast food restaurants.  Apart from the fact that a home-cooked meal is often healthier, it also promotes family togetherness and healthy eating habits.

Our family is about to expand and I can’t even imagine how I’m going to juggle it all. But, I will definitely be going to the web for tips on how to prepare quick, healthy, affordable meals.  One site in particular, is helping families prepare meals this season.  I always find it difficult to come up with meals that my son is going to eat (he’s a toddler, after all).  Real Holiday Helpings offers holiday recipes your children are certain to enjoy.  Here are a few of my favorites from the site:

Turkey Fajitas with Creamy Avocado Sauce

Deluxe Artichoke Dip

Super-Moist Pumpkin Spice Cake

The site was created by Hellmann’s and Best Foods to help families prepare meals this holiday season.  I personally like the fact that they teamed up with one of my husband’s favorite Food Network chefs, Bobby Flay, to create the site.  Along with a variety of holiday recipes, you’ll find video demonstrations of those holiday dishes that really stand out!  While you’re on the site, don’t forget to enter to win a year’s supply of groceries.    

Win It! To help you out, I have a $25 Amex gift card to give away to one winner.  Simply leave me a comment with a recipe you liked from the site (other than the ones I posted above).  Comments will close on December 18, 2009 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!

Disclosure:  I received a gift card, courtesy of MomSelect and Hellmann’s “Real Holiday Helpings” program.

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