Spring Trends from Kohl’s Spring Fashion Google Hangout #SpringAtKohls #Sponsored

Disclosure: I participated in a campaign for Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Kohl’s. I received a gift card as a thank you for participating.

As the trees are sprouting and the flowers budding, spring is the perfect time to put on a new look with bright colors and trendy fashion items! Four awesome bloggers and Kohl's the Vice President of Trend shared their favorite fashion tips during Kohl’s Spring Fashion Hangout. Are you excited that pink is the color of the season this spring? What is your favorite way to incorporate pink into your wardrobe? Check out the distinctive styles from the bloggers and see which lady you identify most strongly with. I love feminine tops and am happy to learn from the hangout about various ways to make a fashion statement with them, be it bold or subtle. I already have my eyes set for several pieces from Kohl's Lauren Conrad line. Be sure to watch the Kohl’s Spring Fashion Hangout and discover the spring trends that speak to you!

Make The Best Out of Open Enrollment #Aflac #MC #Sponsored

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting (#MC) for Aflac. I received a promotional item as a thank you for participating.

October 1st, 2013 marked the official start of the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, and the beginning of the very first open enrollment season since the new health care law took effect. It was also the deadline by which employers should notify their employees of changes to their benefits coverage. If you are using a health care plan sponsored through your or your spouse's employer, are you fully aware of how the health care reform may affect your insurance policy? Did you review and reevaluate your coverage options during the open enrollment period?

Every year when the open enrollment begins, my husband and I will go over all the plan options offered by his employer together, comparing across plans for pros and cons, and then select the one that best fits our family's need. As everyone in our family is generally in good health, we tend to choose a PPO plan with the lowest out of pocket maximum so that we can be prepared for major illnesses in need of intensive medical care. Other factors we consider include annual deductible per family, copay per visit, emergency room coverage and prescription drug benefits. Earlier this year, my husband's company held a special informational session detailing all the insurance coverage changes that would result from the reform. I was definitely surprised to know that 69 percent of the respondents had yet to receive any communication from their employers regarding such changes two months prior to the new law going into effect, according to the 2013 Open Enrollment Survey conducted by Aflac, U.S. leading provider of supplemental insurance.

The most surprising, or rather disturbing, finding from the survey is 7 out of 10 American workers admit that they only sometimes or rarely understand changes to their insurance policy each year while 90 percent don't switch plans at all. This means that many families may not be using a health plan that benefits them most. The survey found that 54 percent of workers waste up to $750 per year due to mistakes made during open enrollment. If any of these situations applies to you, it's time to take open enrollment more seriously and get the best out of it.

Aflac provides some excellent open enrollment resources through their website. They are especially useful for businesses who try to close the communication gap and help their employees reduce health care expenses in the new health care era. Aflac also has some great tips for workers to help them stay informed about their coverage. One tip I identify strong with is that don't choose plans solely based on the premium costs. The plan with the least premium could cost you a lot more where you need coverage most.

We don't currently have any supplemental insurance, which may cover health care expenses currently not included in our primary insurance. If you're looking for added financial security offered by supplemental insurance, you should definitely consider Aflac. Their plans are affordable, have multiple options tailored to different needs, and they even cover preventative care!

Join the Future Fortified Campaign to Help Women & Children in Need of Essential Nutrients

Making sure that my children get the essential nutrients they need for growth is one of the basic things I do as a mom. In addition to providing nutrient-rich foods to the entire family, I also see to it that my older son take his multivitamin daily and that I always remember to take my prenatal vitamins. While I believe all moms would like to give their children what's best for their health, not all moms around the world have the means to do so, not even when it's as simple as preparing a nutritious meal. Future Fortified has thus been created to address this issue.

As a campaign of the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), Future Fortified strives to help millions of pregnant women, new mothers and their young children gain access to the critical nutrients they need for health, growth and development. Following an innovative and sustainable approach, the campaign uses funds raised from individuals, foundations, and business partners to invest in local suppliers, who in turn develop, manufacture, and distribute Home Nutrition Packets--small single-serving packets filled with a combination of vitamins and minerals to sprinkle into a child's or mom's meal.

At less than three cents a packet in countries like Kenya and Bangladesh, this is an affordable and effective way for low-income moms around the world to get essential nutrients into their children's and their own diets. Besides making Home Nutrition Packets available and affordable, Future Fortified also helps educate people about their use and the importance of good nutrition. The increased demand for these packets will likely stimulate local economy with more job openings. To learn more about this market-based model, you may visit the official Future Fortified website, and join the community on Twitter and Facebook.

There are many ways for you to support the Future Fortified campaign, such as making a charitable donation, sharing the campaign through social media, or purchasing an item from their online store. You may also register for their Engage & Earn program to accrue points for your participation in various actions. The points could win you prizes or be redeemed for special rewards.

Join the campaign today and start fortifying the future for women and children in need!

Disclosure: I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf Future Fortified. To thank me for my contribution, Mom Central donated $20 to the Future Fortified campaign.

Help Children in Need by "Liking" Bright Future International on Facebook

Bright Future International (BFI) is a charitable organization dedicated to helping underprivileged children around the world achieve a better future by infusing them with compassion, strong self esteem and hope. Through their recent worldwide initiative "Bright Future for Children", BFI has partnered with Heshima Kenya, CHABHA (Children Affected by HIV/AIDS) in Burundi and Bright Future Studio in Russia to raise money and awareness for less fortunate children in these country.

For a small donation as low as $5, you could help provide counseling for two refugee girls in Kenya, provide a health insurance card for one child affected by AIDS in Burundi for one year, or provide a ticket to a theater performance for one underprivileged child in Russia. You can read touching stories about these needy children and the profound changes the initiative has been making in their lives on BFI's Facebook page. Any person who makes a donation of $15 or more will receive a free DVD of the hit music video “A Merry Christmas,” featuring world-renowned artists like Dionne Warwick, Stevie Wonder, Larry King, Jordin Sparks and Jermaine Jackson!

Even if you can't afford to make a monetary contribution to the initiative, you could help out by simply "liking" Bright Future International on Facebook. For every new Facebook "Like", $1 will be donated to helping children in Kenya, Burundi and Russia! Your support for the program, in one form or another, will help BFI make a difference. Please consider making a donation today or just click on the "like" button to have $1 donated on your behalf. Any help from you will be highly appreciated!

Disclosure: I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central for Bright Future International. A small donation to Bright Future International was made in my name from Mom Central as a thank-you for participating.

Join the "Protect Infants Now" Campaign and Help Prevent the Deadly Meningococcal Disease!

While we as parents, try everything we can to provide a safe and comfortable living environment for our new bundles of joy, we also want to protect our infants from deadly diseases that they are most vulnerable to, some of which we may not even be aware of.

Meningococcal disease, also called meningitis, is a less known but most dangerous disease that poses a serious threat to children's lives. It may kill a previously healthy child within 24-48 hours of the first symptoms, which usually appear to be non-specific flu-like symptoms. Recent CDC estimates suggest that infants under one year old are at a disproportionately higher risk (3-7 times higher) for contracting meningococcal meningitis due to their less sophisticated immune systems.

Along with injuries and neonatal complications, meningococcal disease is among the leading causes of preventable infant death in the U.S. Yes, preventable! Vaccines are available to prevent this aggressive and devastating disease, but they are not currently universally recommended for infants.




In response to this problem, Meningitis Angels, an organization dedicated to raising awareness about meningitis and other vaccine-preventable diseases, has initiated the "Protect Infants Now" (PIN) campaign, which aims to encourage the CDC to include meningitis vaccines in the recommended vaccination schedule for infants. You could really help support their efforts by signing the online PIN petition. It takes just a few seconds and only your name and location are required as a valid signature.

Join in the action now! Together we can make a difference and protect our children from this horrible disease!

Disclosure: I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central and Meningitis Angels. This campaign was made possible in part through support provided by Novartis Vaccines. A small donation to a charity of my choice was made in my name from Mom Central as a thank-you for participating. All opinions in this posting are 100% my own.

Who Is Simon Miller Premieres Saturday August 6th

Could you possibly imagine your reactions when you are suddenly forced to face the fact that the person you have loved and trusted for years is living a life you know nothing about under a secret identity? Find out how the Millers choose to cope with this extremely unusual situation in Who Is Simon Miller, the latest release from Family Movie Night made possible by P&G and Walmart. Tune in this Saturday, August 6 to watch the movie's premiere on NBC at 8pm ET/7pm CT!

Simon Miller (Loren Dean), an unassuming geologist who takes frequent business trips,  mysteriously disappears on the night he's expected to attend a mandatory school hearing for his daughter Sarah (Skyler Day), an 18-year-old honor student who has been accused of cheating in her exam. During the family's desperate search for Simon, his 15-year-old son Kevin (Drew Koles), a video game addict, discovers the key to Simon's secret world. Faced with a stash of passports, all with Simon's picture but each with a different alias, Simon's wife Meredith (Robyn Lively) and the two kids become perplexed by the question--Who is Simon Miller? And what has he gotten himself - and now his family - into? Not sure they can even trust the Dad they thought they knew, the Millers embark on an international mission to get him back. It's a heart-pounding adventure that tests the limits to which families will fight for each other. Watch the trailer below for a quick sneak peak.


I had the opportunity to watch the movie before it airs. It's action-packed, fast-paced, and full of surprises. It has a nice blend of suspense, thrills, humor, and romance. I love that it takes a unique viewpoint to portray a spy's life. Unlike any other espionage themed movie I've seen before, Who Is Simon Miller focuses on the impact of a secret agent's job on his family life and how the family sticks together at times of crisis. Simon's devoted wife and their talented kids, rather than Simon himself, are at the center of the story. The title character is more like a clue to keep the adventure going. Although I highly doubt if untrained civilians (let alone teenagers) can, in reality, outperform armed secret agents and terrorists, I'm touched by the love and courage displayed by the Miller family. The movie is an excellent choice for a family movie night.

Remember to watch Who Is Simon Miller Saturday night with your family. Please "like" Family Movie Night on Facebook if you haven't already. Jump in discussions with fellow movie fans, and be among the first to learn about new releases.

Disclosure: I wrote this review while participating in a campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of P&G and received a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Moby: A Cool New Way to Stay Connected w/ Family & Friends!

I'm very excited to be introduced to a new iPhone app called Moby, which allows me to keep track of the exact locations of my family members and friends without having to call or text them.

The Moby app is completely FREE and very easy to use. Family members can securely and privately share their current location with one another by sending a check-in or requesting a check-in. You have full control over whom you want to share your location with and for how long.

After downing the free app onto your iPhone or iPad, you need to register for an account with name, email and phone number, and then add friends from your iPhone contact list. Once you see yourself along with your current location on the Moby map, you can start a sharing session with your chosen friend for a specified time, send a check-in without starting a sharing session, or send an alert. I love that you have the option to send a message along with your check-in. So you can let your friend know not only where you are but also what you are doing. You can see how each feature works via the video demo below. More instructional videos are available here.



Moby works best if all your contacts have the app installed on their iPhone, but anyone can benefit from it as long as you have the app on your device and the others have access to email. You can share your location instantly with anyone who can receive messages from you via email. You can always invite your family members and friends to join Moby so that they can share their locations with you when needed.

The Moby app is so much fun to use and makes locating my family and friends a lot easier. I've recommended it to every friend of mine who uses an iPhone and I would like you to give it a try as well. The Android version of the app is set to launch in late August or early September, including the ability to share locations between iPhone and Android devices. Be sure to get on the pre-registration list here.

Disclosure: I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Moby and received a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Field of Vision Premieres Saturday June 11th

Following in the success of Truth Be Told, P&G and Wal-Mart have partnered to create another new made for TV family movie--Field of Vision, which premieres this Saturday, June 11th on NBC at 8pm ET/7pm CT.

It's not always easy to do the right thing. In Filed of Vision, Sinclair High School's star quarterback, Tyler McFarland (Tony Oller) finds out through a mysterious old malfunctioning video camera that some of his teammates have been bullying Cory Walker, a troubled new transfer student. Sharing this information with the coach however, might get his friends kicked off the team and ultimately cost the school the state championship. Will Tyler make the right choice between winning and standing up to bullying? The same camera also reveals Cory's secret past to Tyler's kid sister Lucy (Alyssa Shafer). Will she be able to convince her mom (Faith Ford) that what she sees through the camera is not a product of her imagination? Will she help Cory find the answers he desperately needs?

You may take a sneak peak of the movie by watching the trailer below.

I had the opportunity to preview the new movie in its entirety. It's an uplifting and inspiring movie perfect for a Family Movie Night. The story is likely to resonate more with families with children in team sports. I love the caring and responsible mom Faith Ford portrays. Tony Oller does a nice job revealing the struggle the teenage has to go through in reaching the right decision. Alyssa Shafer is cute in her role as an inquisitive and warmhearted tween girl. The movie features great music too. The best part of the movie is the lesson it teaches. It shows both the challenges and rewards of doing the right thing even when it's tough to do.

Mom Central is hosting a P&G Field of Vision Twitter Party today from 3:00-4:00PM EST. You may join the party by tweeting with hashtag #FamilyMovie. There will be 4 pre-party prizes ($25 gift code) and 6 $50 gift codes for giveaway during the party. Read all the details here.

Remember to tune in the Filed of Vision premiere this Saturday night. Feel free to follow Family Movie Night on Facebook, join fans in discussions about the movie, and stay informed about upcoming releases.

Disclosure: I wrote this review while participating in a campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of P&G and received a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Cottonelle Flushable Moist Wipes Review & the Get Fresh with a Friend Promotion

We use dry toilet paper every day. Have you ever wished there were baby wipes designed for adults? Cottonelle has made it possible with their revolutionary Flushable Moist Wipes, which help make you feel cleaner and fresher than with toilet paper alone. Cottonelle Fresh® Flushable Moist Wipes are even better than baby wipes in that they are sewer and septic safe, and break up like toilet paper after flushing.

Cottonelle brand has also improved the dispenser with its proprietary OneTouch® technology, which makes it easier for everyone to use. For a limited time only, each new OneTouch dispensing tub comes with a FREE Cottonelle EasyReach™ hanger featuring 3M Command™ brand strips for easy installation and removal.

Last week, I received a tub of Cottonelle Flushable Moist Wipes including an EasyReach hanger for review, along with a 12-pack of Cottonelle Ultra. The wipes are soft and lightly scented. With no alcohol, no poke-through accidents or unpleasant residue, they leave skin fresh and clean. Better yet, they can be used outside the bathroom with decency. They are great for a quick cleanup after workout. They come in handy when your cleansing towelettes or baby wipes run out. I'd definitely recommend you to add Cottonelle Flushable Moist Wipes to your daily routine.

The new packaging has a nice design. The tub is easy to pop open and closes tightly to seal in moisture. It's convenient to use both at home and on the go. The EasyReach™ hanger is very easy to mount and can be safely removed without doing any damage to the wall.

Last year the Cottonelle brand launched the "Get Fresh with a Friend" campaign to get America hooked on fresh Flushable Moist Wipes. It was so successful that they're reintroducing the campaign for a second year. Until September 1st you can receive a $1.00 off coupon for a tub of Fresh Moist Wipes by sharing "fresh rewards"at GetFreshWithaFriend.com. Take this opportunity to try out Flushable Moist Wipes yourself and to let your friend know about this great money saving offer.

Disclosure: I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Cottonelle and received product and a promotional item as a thank you for my participation.

New & Improved Infants' and Children's TYLENOL Coming Soon!

As parents, we all want our children to stay safe and healthy. It's therefore important to keep the best medicine on hand to help them feel better when they get sick. You may have noticed that many Infants' and Children's TYLENOL® products are still unavailable since last year's massive recall. The folks at McNeil Consumer Healthcare, i.e. the makers of TYLENOL, would like those who love and trust the brand to know that they will be making safety and convenience enhancements to both Infants’and Children’s TYLENOL products, including a change to the concentration of their Infants’TYLENOL products. The new & improved products are expected to hit store shelves as early as this upcoming cold and flu season.

Enhanced Bottle

Infants’ TYLENOL will include a new, enhanced bottle with a protective opening and push-in syringe which will:

• Provide even better dosing accuracy and ease of administration to infants
• Allow for better control when dispensing the medication and reduce spillage
• Further reduce the risk of children being able to get to the medicine in the bottle

Children’s TYLENOL will also feature enhanced bottles with a protective opening that will help make it more difficult for a child to get to the medicine in the bottle.

Change in Concentration & Dosage
Infants’ TYLENOL will have the same concentration of the active ingredient, acetaminophen, as Children’s TYLENOL, which will standardize dosing across products and age groups. As always, Infants’ and Children’s TYLENOL® products will continue to include specially designed dosing devices appropriate to the age of the child.

The makers of TYLENOL have been working closely with other manufacturers of pediatric acetaminophen products to encourage an industry wide transition to one concentration across infants’ and children’s acetaminophen products. The transition may begin as early as this summer and is anticipated to continue into 2012.

Please note that there will be a time period when more than one concentration of infants’ acetaminophen products will be available in stores and parents and caregivers might have both in their medicine cabinets. Caregivers should be mindful to always read and follow the dosing directions on the package that is
being used.

For more information about about product enhancements and availability, please visit the official Tylenol products update page.

Here are some helpful tips for giving medicines to infants and children provided by the makers of TYLENOL:

Simply remember to NURSE

• Never give adult medicines to children.

• Use the measuring device (syringe, dropper, dosage cup) that comes with the medicine every time you use it. Don’t use kitchen spoons (teaspoons or tablespoons).

• Read and follow instructions on the label. Never give more than the recommended dose and do not give the medication more frequently than recommended.

• Store all medicines out of the reach of children. Immediately following use, always restore the child resistant cap and put the medicine back into a high and out of sight location.

• Every child grows. Know the infant’s or child’s weight and/or age to help determine the appropriate dosage.

Disclosure: I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Tylenol and received a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Got Milk? Role Modeling Blog Tour

Parents are their children's first teachers. Whatever we do or think is bound to have a strong influence on our children, especially during their early years. I'm frequently amazed by what an observant and fast learner my son is. I've shared with you before that the best parenting advice I've got from my mom is to set a good example for my child. My mom did and still does a terrific job in being an inspiring role model for me. There's so much I've learned from her, from frugal living to self-reliance, from cleaning tips to conservation of energy, from love for fruits and veggies to passion for music and literature... Her influence is reflected in every aspect of my life!

As a mom, I'm constantly working to improve myself so that I could be a better role model for my child. I encourage him to follow my lead to eat healthy food, take good care of his teeth, be polite, share good things with friends, and not to waste food, water, energy or other resources. I'm often amused to see my son being a diligent little "copycat".

In an effort to help arm moms with tools and resources for teaching kids important life lessons, the National Milk Mustache got milk? Campaign recently launched a new interactive section on their Facebook page designed to share information on the importance of role models in a child's life. Fans of the campaign may create their own milk mustache picture, watch a touching video about Moms and send a personalized e-card to someone they love. The page also features recipes that include milk, and easy ways to add more dairy to your family's daily diet.

Our family is filled with milk lovers. Every one of us drink milk on a daily basis, with breakfast or snack, or as a cooking ingredient in appetizer, soup, and dessert. Yogurt is my son's favorite snack. He takes at least one cup a day. He's happy to know that milk is not only delicious, but also helps him grow taller and stronger.

Be sure to visit and "like" Milk Mustache Campaign on Facebook if you're on the lookout for simple ideas to incorporate milk into your family's diet or role modeling advice.


Disclosure: I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of the National Milk Mustache got milk? Campaign and received a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Win an All-Expenses Paid Trip to Hawaii from Old London Foods!

As we are waving goodbye to April, Old London, the makers of delicious Melba products, wants to help us get ready for summer splash with healthy snacks and the chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime vacation for two to Hawaii!

Winner of the Aloha Old London Sweepstakes will receive a four-day, three-night, all-expenses paid trip to Oahu, Hawaii, which includes airfare, accommodations, romantic dinner for two, one Hawaiian Lomilomi Massage at Mandara Spa at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa, a private cooking lesson at the award-winning Chef Mavro restaurant, two Alii Luau packages at the Polynesian Cultural Center, and surfing lessons at world famous Waikiki Beach! WOW! I wish I could win this!

For your chance to win, please head over to Old London Facebook page and follow the instructions to enter. Deadline is June 30, 2011. Good luck!

Founded in 1932, Old London Foods has been known for their premium quality products made with all-natural ingredients and whole grains. The company has introduced 20 unique flavors in Melba Toasts, Melba Rounds and other snacks, which offer a great way to satisfy mid-day hunger when paired with light treats like salsa or cheese.

I received 3 different Old London products for review: Whole Grain Melba Toast, Roasted Garlic Melba Snacks, Spicy Cheddar Bagel Chips. I love that they are crunchy, tasty, and less salty than similar products that I tried before. My son's favorite is the Melba Toast while hubby is in love with the roasted garlic flavor. Old London snacks are versatile too. We tried eating them directly, with spread, and as an ingredient in salad. They are a yummy and filling treat regardless. You may find some creative recipe ideas here.

Old London snacks inspire us to incorporate healthy, simple foods into our daily routine. We've taken small steps to keep our family healthy, such as choosing wholesome, nutritious snacks, increasing all-natural and organic foods in our diet, taking more servings of fruits and vegetables, and limiting our daily intake of sugar and sodium. Looking to improve the overall health of your family? Get started with these healthy living tips from Old London!

Disclosure: I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Old London and received product samples and a gift certificate to thank me for taking the time to participate.

"Truth Be Told" Premieres Saturday April 16th

P&G and Walmart continue their collaboration on Family Movie Night with their latest production Truth Be Told, which is set to premiere on Saturday, April 16th at 8/7c on FOX. The movie is part of an ongoing effort by P&G & Walmart to bring back uplifting, wholesome, content-appropriate films for families and to offer them completely free on network TV. Watching free movies on TV not only saves money but also provides an excellent way for family members to bond and spend quality time together.

Starring Candace Cameron Bure (Full House), Ronny Cox (Stargate SG-1) and David James Elliott (JAG and Scoundrels), Truth Be Told tells the comical story of Annie Morgan (Bure), Colorado's leading marriage counselor, who impresses media mogul Terrance Bishop (Cox) with her smart tip for creating romance and is thus offered a job to host a radio show on relationships. Fearing that being single would ruin her chance of getting her dream job, Annie conspires with Mark Crane (Elliott), an old college friend, recent widower, and father of two teenagers, to pose as a married couple when she joins her expectant boss for a weekend at his ranch in New Mexico. What happens during her weekend stay leaves Annie emotionally involved with Mark's family while battling with her own conscience. What will happen though if she tells the truth? Watch the trailer here.

Thanks to Mom Central, I had the opportunity to watch Truth Be Told with my family before it airs. It's an excellent family movie that is both humorous and heartwarming. Bure's acting is really impressive. She shows us how Annie struggles between her desire for the new job and her guilty conscience caused by going against her own advice for her clients "Honesty is the best policy". I love the way the romance between Annie and Mark develops as well as the feelings of Mark's kids toward Annie. I'm also touched by the simple but deep love between the Bishop couple as portrayed in the movie. My husband, on the other hand, is more attracted by the beautiful scenery of the ranch. He wishes that we could own a ranch like that some day.

The story makes us to think when it is OK to lie and how to draw the line between a white lie and a regular lie. It is our wish to be truthful at all times, but sometimes we may want to avoid telling truth that may hurt someone else's feelings. I deem a lie unacceptable if it's meant to take advantage of others and benefit the liar only, similar to what happens in the movie. But it's fine to tell someone she looks beautiful to make her happy even when you think otherwise. We definitely don't want to teach our children to lie, but from time to time we may have to conceal the truth in order to protect them.

While we ponder upon what constitutes an appropriate lie, don't forget to tune in the Truth Be Told premiere tomorrow night. Feel free to share you thoughts on the movie after you have a chance to watch it. You may also want to follow Family Movie Night on Facebook to keep up with the conversation and what's coming up next.

Disclosure: I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of P&G and received a movie kit to facilitate my review and a gift code to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Filtrete Elite Allergen Reduction Filter & Tips for a Healthier Home

I once participated in an online focus group composed of moms of young children. We were asked to list the top 10 concerns we have with regard to taking care of our kids. Not very surprisingly, keeping children safe and healthy was among the top 3 concerns of all participants.

As their organs and respiratory, immune and neurological systems are still developing, young children tend to be more sensitive to harmful substances such as certain chemicals, particles and allergens. Most people with allergies develop them during childhood. It is highly important for parents to take proactive measures to create a safe and healthy home environment for their children.

Mom Central recently introduced me to the ABC's to help maintain a healthier home environment for children suggested by Dr. Alanna Levine, Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics (FAAP). I'd like to share them with you:

A is for Avoid: Whenever possible, avoid irritants that often trigger allergies, such as products made of feathers or down. Use hypoallergenic pillows on your child's bed, and limit exposure to perfume, talcum powder, hair spray, air fresheners, fabric softeners or other strong odors or sprays. Strong fragrances and odors may aggravate allergy symptoms.

B is for Balance: Maintain a consistent balance in the home to help minimize allergens. Keep the windows shut and use central air conditioning during high pollen seasons to help protect children from pollen particles that trees, grasses and weeds release into the air. These particles can harbor in the eyes, nose, and airways, causing allergy symptoms to flair for those allergic to pollen. Also, give children washable, non-allergenic stuffed toys when possible, and be sure to wash the ones played with the most on a weekly basis, in hot water at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit.

C is for Change: Change items that are easy to neglect but are important for maintaining a healthier home, such as leaky faucets, pipes and other high moisture areas that are common places for mold growth. Don't neglect their air in the home either. Change your filter every three months, and use a high performance filter, such as a Filtrete Elite Allergen Reduction Filter from 3M.

Indoor air commonly contains visible particles like household dust and microscopic particles that can carry viruses, bacteria and odors. The Filtrete Elite Allergen Reduction Filter captures 94 percent of large airborne particles, such as household dust, pollen and mold spores, from the air passing through the filter. It also captures up to 40 times more microscopic particles, such as smoke, smog and particles that can carry bacteria and viruses, than ordinary fiberglass filters.

Filtrete's Clear Advantages program offers healthy home living tips, money saving offers, filter change reminders, FREE air quality guide and more via a seasonal e-newsletter. Be sure to join the program and follow Filtrete on Twitter and Facebook for more useful information.

Besides using an allergen reduction air filter, there are a few more things you can do to ensure that the air you and your child breathe is healthier.

• Make sure your indoor paints are lead free and have been independently certified for low chemical emissions, known as VOC (volatile organic compounds) emissions;
• Choose solid wood furniture over pressed wood furniture, which can release potentially harmful chemicals like formaldehyde into the air;
• Clean regularly with eco-friendly, fragrance-free products as much as possible. Try chemical alternatives like vinegar and baking soda and you will be surprised by what they can accomplish.
• Use a humidifier to provide natural relief for allergy. Keep humidification levels within the 30%-50% range for best results.
• Use an HEPA vacuum cleaner to minimize the amount of harmful particles and allergens being released back into the air.

Hope you'll find these tip helpful and start taking action to improve air quality in your home.

Disclosure: I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Filtrete and received a gift certificate to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Inglesina Avio Stroller Review

Strollers are a must-have baby gear, especially for parents who love to take their children to outdoor activities. With so many different brands and types of strollers on the market however, it is not easy to pick the right stroller that best fits your needs. You could spend hours making comparisons over price, features, designs, colors and other key factors that may influence your purchasing decision.

Inglesina, the leading European manufacturer of high quality baby gear, recently introduced their Italian-made Avio Strollers, which are designed to be compact, comfortable, convenient and stylish!

Besides its sleek design and vibrant colors, the Inglesina Avio Stroller includes a good number of parent-friendly features:

• one-handed fold, which makes it easy to open and close the stroller with just one hand; 
• ball-bearing wheels and joined handle, which provide smooth strolling and an effortless push; 
• slim frame (only 19.50" wide), which makes it a cinch to go through narrow passages and saves space when folded for storage (only 36.60" high);
• padded seating, 5-point harness, and 4-position recline, which neatly combine safety with comfort; and
• useful accessories: a roomy storage basket, a cup holder and a rain cover.
  

We were recently offered the opportunity to test drive an Avio stroller in lime (my son's favorite color). This is the first high-end stroller we have ever owned, so everyone in the family were super excited about this fancy new addition to our home. My son asked for a ride in his new stroller immediately after it had been assembled by daddy. Switching from his worn-out umbrella stroller to Avio is like having an upgrade from a compact car to a limo. My son looks very comfortable and elated in his new vehicle.

We are a bit surprised (in a good way) about how many parts of the Avio stroller are adjustable. For instance, the footrest can be adjusted to 2 different positions, the backrest has 4 positions reclining up to 170 degrees, the hood flap can be extended to provide extra sun protection, and the lining is totally removable and hand washable.

I'm also impressed with how easy it is to push the stroller around with only one hand. My son loves giving his favorite teddy bear a ride in the stroller and he never experienced any problem pushing it forward or making sharp turns. The stainless steel frames and wide wheels make the stroller highly sturdy and durable. Although it costs more than the average stroller, it's sure to last a lot longer and well worth the investment.

My favorite feature has to be the one-handed fold. It clearly shows that the Avio stroller was designed with a mom's need in mind. It did take a little practice to get used to the system. But once you get the hang of it, it will significantly save you time and trouble when you have to handle baby and stroller at the same time. When folded, the stroller can easily fit into a car trunk or the corner of a coat closet.

The Inglesina Avio Stroller is the best stroller we've ever tried. You may get your own at Diapers.com for $499.00 plus free shipping. There are six colors to choose from. I'm sure you'll find one that suits your personal taste.

Disclosure: I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Inglesina and received an Avio stroller to facilitate this review.

FiberChoice® Chewable Fiber Supplement Review

As we strive for a healthier lifestyle in the new year, we need fiber to help support our digestive tract, immune system and overall health. Dietary fiber usually comes from whole grains, vegetables and fruits, but it has been quite a challenge to secure enough daily fiber solely from the food we eat. In fact, according to the American Dietetic Association, most of us only get about half the recommended daily allowance of fiber (25-30 grams).

FiberChoice® Chewable Fiber Supplement help us close that daily fiber gap with a simple, convenient, tablet that provides the natural benefits of fiber. The main ingredient in FiberChoice tablets is inulin, the same kind found naturally in many fruits and vegetables. Inulin is a unique “prebiotic” fiber, which nourishes the friendly, "good" bacteria in our digestive system. One daily serving of two FiberChoice® chewable tablets provides 4 grams of inulin.

The prebiotics in FiberChoice help probiotics (i.e. "good" bacteria that help us digest our food and absorb nutrients, support immunity, and decrease the ration of harmful bacteria in the gut) grow and thrive to maintain a healthy, balanced digestive system and promote full-body health. It has been suggested that we use FiberChoice along with foods or supplements containing probiotics as part of our daily health routine.

FiberChoice Chewable Fiber Supplement is available in four formulas: Original, Weight Management, Plus Calcium, and Plus Antioxidants. The tablets also come in a variety of flavors including orange, pomegranate, assorted berries, strawberry, sugar-free orange medley, and sugar-free assorted fruit. FiberChoice® is available in 10, 90 and 220-count bottles and can be found at grocery, discount and drug stores nationwide.

I was given the opportunity to sample a 90-count FiberChoice product of my choice. I picked the sugar-free assorted fruit, which is on sale for only $9.99 at our local Kroger. Oh boy, it costs only 10 cents per tablet!  A tiny investment could save us thousands on medical bills! There are three color coded flavors in one bottle: green apple, grape and strawberry. My favorite flavor is green apple. I love that no water is needed for taking the supplement and that it's quite fun to chew on. I can take FiberChoice anywhere and anytime I like!

I'm also very interested in trying FiberChoice® Weight Management and FiberChoice® Plus Antioxidants, both include extra benefits for women and are flavored with green tea. I strongly encourage you to start taking FiberChoice every day as part of an ongoing effort to live a more healthy life. Don't forget to grab you $2 off coupon at FiberChoice.com and follow FiberChoice on Twitter for useful healthy tips!

Bonne année et bonne santé!

Disclosure: I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of FiberChoice and received a coupon to facilitate my review and a gift code to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Holiday Gift Giveaway: $50 Bank of America Visa Gift Card!

~~The giveaway is now CLOSED. Congrats to winner Jen!~~

While you're busy with last-minute gift shopping, party planning or trip arrangements, I'd like to share with you some great holiday time-saving tips offered by Bank of America.

As a Bank of America customer for almost 10 years, I really appreciate the tools and features available that have helped me save time and money. Here are a few examples:

• Online Banking: This is my favorite. You can check balances, transfer money, schedule bill payments in the comfort of your home. It saves you a trip to the bank and You no longer have to worry about missing its business hours.
• Bank on the go: Mobile banking allows you to access your money wherever you go. Download the mobile banking app and you can check balances, transfer money, pay bills, and locate ATMs. Sign up for text banking and you’ll be able to send a text message to get your balance instantly in a reply.
• Deposit Image ATMs: You can make quick and easy deposits with Bank of America’s Deposit Image ATMs, which let you feed checks or cash into the ATM with no envelopes or deposit slips required. You get images of your checks and a list of cash deposited on your receipt as proof.
  

Besides these banking-related tips, you may also like these general time-saving tips:

• No more backtracking! Try the “route planner” feature on MapQuest, which helps you save time and money by mapping out an entire journey – with multiple stops – all in one convenient step. You can add up to 25 destinations along any route, and be advised with the fastest route. Since launching in July, it has saved North Americans more than 2.7 million miles!
• When gifting, go green: Go green with your gift-wrapping by reusing paper products around the house, like newspaper, leftover wallpaper, or reusable gift wraps. When sending gift cards, choose electronic cards over plastic ones.
• Road trip rules: Seasoned holiday road-travelers live by three simple rules: 1) invest in a quick pass to whiz past hour-long lines at the tolls, 2) plot out where to get the cheapest gas along the way by using the “gas prices” feature on MapQuest, and 3) pre-pack energy-boosting snacks and beverages to avoid crowded rest stops and fast-food joints.
  

For more useful tips, please follow @BofA_Tips on Twitter or visit Bank of America website.

The Giveaway

To help you save even more this holiday season,  I have the pleasure of giving one of my lucky readers a $50 Visa Gift Card issued by Bank of America!


Required Entry: Leave a comment telling me one of your favorite holiday time-saving tips. I can't wait to learn more tips from each of you! (Please leave a valid email address in your comment or make sure one is visible in your blogger profile).

Extra Entries (optional): please make sure you do the required entry first! Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry, i.e. 1 comment=1 entry.

• Follow my blog publicly via Google Friends Connect (1 extra entry)
• Subscribe to my feed via email and leave your email address (1 extra entry)
• Follow Me on Twitter AND tweet the following message (1 extra entry per day) Yes! You may tweet once daily to increase your chances:

RT @luckytoddler #Win a $50 Visa Gift Card for #holiday #shopping! http://bit.ly/boav50 #xmas #sweepstakes #contest #giveaway
Please leave the link to your tweet in your comment.

• Join JoeShopping via this link and leave your user name(1 extra entry)
• Join the Parents Insight Network and put icefairy as the recruiter (1 extra entry) December signups only.
• Join Beyond The Rack via this link and leave the email you used (1 extra entry) New signups only.
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• Add me as your friend on Facebook and leave your name (1 extra entry)
• Grab my button and tell me where to find it (1 extra entry)
• Blog about this giveaway and link back to this post. Then leave the link in your comment (1 extra entry for mentioning this giveaway on your blog; 3 extra entries for a separate blog post).

Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm Central Time on 12/28/10

Open to US Residents Only

Winner will be chosen using random.org and will have 24 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen.

Thanks for entering and good luck!

Disclosure: I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Bank of America and received a Bank of America preloaded gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate. This contest is hosted and fulfilled solely by icefairy's Treasure Chest.

Crest Pro-Health Complete Rinse Test Drive: Part Two

In my earlier post about the Crest Pro-Health Complete Rinse Test Drive, I introduced to you Crest Pro-Health Complete Rinse, which provides six oral health benefits in one:

• Rebuilds Teeth Enamel
• Helps Prevent Cavities
• Cleans Teeth & Gums
• Kills Bad Breath Germs
• Freshens Breath
• Without the Burn of Alcohol

After using the Complete Rinse every day for a full month, I'm completely in love with this new product. Besides its appealing look, I'm impressed with how well it has helped me protect my teeth and get ready for my next dental checkup. My teeth feel very clean and refreshing after each use. The Complete Rinse has also effectively helped me fight bad breath, leaving my mouth with a pleasant smell and taste that lasts for hours. Plus, I can keep my mouth healthy without having to experience the uncomfortable burn of alcohol. Crest Pro-Health Complete Rinse is the best mouth rinse I've tried so far. I will definitely buy it after my free bottle runs out.

The new product is now widely available in pharmacies, grocery stores and retailers that carry health and beauty products. Please give it a try if you haven't already. I'm sure you'll find it very good value for your money!

Disclosure: This post is written as part of the Mom Central Crest Pro-Health Complete Rinse Test Drive campaign. I received free product and a gift card to facilitate my honest review. Thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Crest Pro-Health Complete Rinse Test Drive

The Crest Pro-Health line has recently welcomed a new addition to its family: Crest Pro-Health Complete Rinse. As one of the lucky participants in the Crest Pro-Health Complete Rinse Test Drive organized by Mom Central, I was among the first to try out this amazing new product! I was provided with one month supply of Complete Rinse, which I can use to take better care of the teeth of my entire family.

Crest Pro-Health Complete Rinse is designed to provide a more complete way to get a better dental checkup versus brushing alone through its six benefits:

• Rebuilds Teeth Enamel
• Helps Prevent Cavities
• Cleans Teeth & Gums
• Kills Bad Breath Germs
• Freshens Breath
• Without the Burn of Alcohol

Coupled with brushing, the Complete Rinse provides comprehensive dental care through the use of fluoride, which helps prevent cavities and strengthens enamel. It's completely alcohol-free, so you don't have to worry about the burn of alcohol while cleaning your mouth and fighting bad breath.

Mouth rinse has already been part of our oral care routine for a long time. It has been recommended that you use mouth rinse twice a day after brushing your teeth with a toothpaste. I like to use it also for a quick cleanup after meals or before meetings and appointments. Besides strengthening my teeth, I deem it highly important to keep a neat smile and fresh breath when conversing with other people.

Upon receipt of my bottle of Crest Pro-Health Complete Rinse, I was first impressed with its nice packaging the purple color of the liquid. Having a mouth rinse in my favorite color is a great incentive for me to use it on a regular basis. I love the Clean Mint flavor it comes in and the refreshing effects it has on my mouth. I will provide a more detailed review of the Complete Rinse at the conclusion of my test drive.

For now, you may start trying out the new product yourself. It has a suggested retail price of $4.59 for a 500mL bottle or $5.89 for a 1L bottle.

Disclosure: This post is written as part of the Mom Central Crest Pro-Health Complete Rinse Test Drive campaign. I received free product and a gift card to facilitate my honest review. Thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.