Wordless Wednesday (well, not that wordless)

Well, when you're 2 years old it's all about getting dressed by yourself. Abby put her shoes on by herself, note on the wrong feet. But hey, they are on! She didn't realize I was taking the picture for the shoes, she was showing off her very yummie lollipop!

Mom Central and General Hospital giveaway


Mom Central and ABC Daytime are excited to announce the opportunity for one lucky Mom to enter for the chance to win a trip to Los Angeles and a walk-on role on General Hospital. You'll also have time to enjoy taking in the sites and exploring the nation's most celebrity studded city.

Here's how the sweepstakes works:

  1. Click here to enter the General Hospital Moms Sweepstakes
  2. One grand prize winner will be randomly selected to receive an all-expenses paid trip (with a friend!) to Los Angeles to visit the set of General Hospital and have a walk-on role!*
  3. Sweepstakes will be open until February 28, 2010
* NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Sweepstakes ends 2/28/10. Open only to legal residents of the 50 U.S., D.C., 18 and older. Walk-on portion of prize requires travel during Spring 2010. See Official Rules, available athttp://www.momcentral.com/go/gh/sweepstakes, for eligibility restrictions, prize limitations and complete details. Void where prohibited.

Sensa update week 19

Well, this week was quite the adventure. We all had a stomach bug except for my oldest daughter, she skipped it!
I just feel so much happier with the weight off me! I now realize I was feeling depressed in September. Just really unhappy with the weight. Going to the store to buy clothes was a nightmare. The biggest accomplishment this week is that I tried on a pair of pants that I haven't worn in 4 years!!!! This weekend I'm going to go through all my clothes and will donate the bigger sizes to Goodwill. I will NEVER go back to that weight again!
It's time for the new me!

If you want to give Sensa a try, use the code RXL1 for 15% off your order.

Again this week, the scales have gone down for Ian and myself. Ian lost 2.2 this week and I lost 1.7. WE ROCK!

9/23: -2.5
9/30: -3.8
10/7: -1.7
10/14: - 3
10/21: -1
10/28: -0.6
11/4: +0.1
11/11: -2.2
11/18: -0.6
11/25: -2
12/2: -1.3
12/9: -1
12/16: +0.6
12/23: -1.5
12/30: -1
1/6: -1
1/13: -0.8
1/20: -2
1/27: -1.7
total Sensa weight loss: 27
total weight loss: 39

9/23: -4.2
9/30: -1
10/7: -1.2
10/14: -2
10/21: - 1.4
10/18: -1.8
11/4: -0.4
11/11: -0.6
11/18: -1.4
11/25: +0.4
12/2: -0.2
12/9: -0.4
12/16: +0.4
12/23: -1.4
12/30: -0.2
1/6: +0.8
1/13: didn't weigh
1/20: -0.4
1/27: -2.2
total Sensa weight loss: 17
total weight loss: 23

Treasure Chest Pets review

Treasure Chest Pets are a new patented line of organizers with secret compartments that look like fun stuffed animals for girls and boys!
Each TC Pet features an attachable pillow head to snuggle up with, and they have specially designed bodies to keep treasure inside and out!


We received the puppy for our review and all I can say is that Abby LOVES her puppy. It's normally in her room but every day this puppy goes for a walk around the house!
I think these Treasure Chest Pets are a fantastic idea!

The puppy has a removable (very soft) pillow head with pockets in the ears. The body has a hidden drawer where we put all her hairbands and clips in. On the side of the body it has 2 pockets where we clipped on some hair-clips but Abby also loves to put her Littlest Pet shop animals in the ears and the body. It really is a treasure chest!
The dimensions of the puppy are length: 12" , width: 12" and depth: 12" (with the head attached)

The Treasure Chest Pet is for sale for $19.99 + shipping.

There are different styles available with different types of compartments. The Monkey opens up as a treasure chest and the Bear can store CD's and DVD's, speakers, cables,...
Treasure Chest was seen on Shark Tank. (oh man, I would be so nervous and Lisa looks so confident!)

"Disclaimer: I was sent a puppy for this review. These are solely my opinions and these might differ from others."
Thanks Lisa!

Neosporin Lip Health 3-day Challenge Blog Tour

Thanks to Mom Central I was able to participate in the Neosporin Lip Health 3-day challenge. I always have dry lips but especially in winter time my lips will crack and it really hurts. I was very happy when I was selected to participate in this blog tour.
I've tried all kinds of products but they don't really help me with the cracking.
I used the daily hydration therapy during the day and the overnight renewal therapy during the night.
This product doesn't feel greasy at all and after 3 days my crack in my top lip was gone. I'll keep using this product as it worked for me!

DAILY HYDRATION THERAPY
Neosporin® Lip Health daily hydration therapy is clinically proven to restore visibly healthier lips in 3 days.
Product Essentials:
* A patented combination of antioxidants and essential lipids.
* SPF 20 to protect against sunburn
* Peptide and emollients to help strengthen lips
* Glycerin to attract and retain lip moisture
* Lightweight formula absorbs quickly
* No parabens or other preservatives
* No artificial flavors
OVERNIGHT RENEWAL THERAPY
Neosporin® Lip Healthovernight renewal is clinically proven to restore visibly healthier lips in
3 days.
Product essentials:
* A patented combination of antioxidants and essential lipids
* Peptide and emollients to help strengthen lips
* Vitamins and moisturizers to repair and nourish as you sleep
* Occlusive formula designed to hydrate lips overnight
* No parabens or other preservatives
* No artificial flavors

You want to check these products out for yourself?
Check out the Neosporin website and register to receive a coupon.

"I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Neosporin and received a sample of the Lip Health Overnight Renewal Therapy and the Health Daily Hydration Therapy to facilitate my review and a $29 thank-you gift certificate."

Won't be posting today

I won't be posting today. The stomach bug has hit Jamie, myself and since this morning also Lisa's stomach hurts.
Bare with me while we get through this mess.

we have a bug

Well in we, I mean Abby and now also Jamie and the bug is a stomach bug.
I'm going to try and post some reviews later, but that all depends on the kids.
See you later,

wordless Wednesday

My little helper.

Sensa update week 18

Well, this week I kept track of my calories with the free application called Lose it!
It certainly made me more conscious on the calories in some foods. It's really easy to search for Items and enter the amounts and calories. The combination of Sensa and keeping track of my calories has resulted in a 2 pound weight loss! I've been losing 1 pounds per week for some time now so the 2 pounds are really great!

Ian came back from Nw York and hadn't sprinkled so he gained and couldn't measure last week but this morning he lost -0.4 from 2 weeks ago. He worked really hard to get a loss!

For all the people out there who want to give Sensa a try, use the discount code RXL1 to get a 15% off on your order.

9/23: -2.5
9/30: -3.8
10/7: -1.7
10/14: - 3
10/21: -1
10/28: -0.6
11/4: +0.1
11/11: -2.2
11/18: -0.6
11/25: -2
12/2: -1.3
12/9: -1
12/16: +0.6
12/23: -1.5
12/30: -1
1/6: -1
1/13: -0.8
1/20: -2
total Sensa weight loss: 25.3
total weight loss: 37.3

9/23: -4.2
9/30: -1
10/7: -1.2
10/14: -2
10/21: - 1.4
10/18: -1.8
11/4: -0.4
11/11: -0.6
11/18: -1.4
11/25: +0.4
12/2: -0.2
12/9: -0.4
12/16: +0.4
12/23: -1.4
12/30: -0.2
1/6: +0.8
1/13: didn't weigh
1/20: -0.4
total Sensa weight loss: 14.8
total weight loss: 20.8

CPSC recalls

Pier 1 Imports recalls glitter tea lights due to fire hazard.


Sensa discount code

You want to order Sensa and give it a try? Why not use the following code RXL1 at checkout for 15% off?
Sensa

Haiti Relief Fund

Sensa Supports the Haiti Relief Fund

It is times like these that the human race needs to come together and help out one another. It is clear that any country would need help after surviving a 7.0- magnitude quake with about 40 aftershocks. Even in the best of times, a third world country such as Haiti needs extreme medical attention and support. Now it is our turn to help out by donating to the Haiti relief fund.

Downtown Port-au-Prince Ravaged by Quake

UNICEF states that, “The epicenter of the quake was just 17 km from Port-au-Prince. As a result, said UNICEF Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean Bernt Aasen, “the destruction in the city is unbelievable. We don’t have any indication yet of the number of people killed or injured, but we’re talking about thousands. This is a big disaster for Haiti.””

In an effort to support a country in need we would like to donate a $1.00 for the first 100 comments to the UNICEF Haiti relief on behalf of all Sensa customers. Schools, buildings, homes, roads have been destroyed and the injured urgently need help.Haiti Quake Survivor Sheltered at UN Clinic

If you would like to donate personally the State Department has set up a donation-by-text system. Text “Haiti” to 90999 and $10 will be immediately donated to the Red Cross to help with relief efforts. You will see the additional charge on your cell phone bill.

Don’t forget to comment on the Sensa blog to show your support. To go to the blog, go HERE.

Mesi,

JeJe

*Since time is of the essence we will make the donation at the end of the day tomorrow, Friday, January 15, 2010.

PatientStyle.com: review and giveaway CONTEST CLOSED

The winners for this giveaway are:

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

7 12 

Timestamp: 2010-02-03 05:02:44 UTC

And this is Staci and Rachel. I've sent you an email to confirm.
==================================================
I wish I had known about this site 2,5 years ago when I had Abby. I'm talking about PatientStyle.com.

About PatientStyle:

Hospital gowns are designed with someone in mind. Too bad it isn’t the person wearing it. PatientStyle.com was created to change that.

Going to the hospital is no time to start compromising comfort, quality or style. Patientstyle.com is the perfect place to find gifts for a loved one or yourself, whether you’re planning to welcome a new family member or caring for the ones you have.

We’ve searched far and wide – and designed our own exclusive offerings – to bring you the best products out there in one convenient online store. From chic hospital gowns – front and back – to anti-microbial pillows and products, our site features the most useful, comfortable, and stylish items, designed specifically for what you or your loved one needs.

Feeling better means healing faster, and our products make a significant difference when spending time within hospital walls or while healing at home.

Go beyond the hospital gift shop.


When I found out that I was going to have a c-section with Abby I was scared. I just went in with my normal socks and PJ's. PatientStyle has an incredible selection of maternity gowns that actually look really good! I could have so used one of these instead of the ugly hospital blue one.

Oh well. At least I get to share this site with any of my expecting mom readers. For you moms-to-be out there, have a look at the expecting moms section of the site, there's gowns, nursing covers, baby slings and much more...
You're looking for a great gift to give a friend or family who's in the hospital? Check out their Gift Baskets (for young and old)
PatientStyle sent me 2 pairs of slipper socks to review.
These socks are just incredibly soft! Not only are they soft, they have anti-slip under them so I don't slide around all over my wooden floors.
Even after washing them a couple of times, these socks stay soft! I always have cold feet so I'm wearing these socks a lot.
I wish I had these pink chenille socks in the hospital.

You want to find out for yourself how comfy these socks are? Well, PatientStyle has very generously offered to give away 2 pairs of socks to 2 of my readers (1 pair for each, winner can choose between blue or pink)
For a chance to win a pair, follow @patientstyle on Twitter (let me know your username)
This is a required entry, after this one you can do any'or all of the following entries.
Additional entries (separate comments for each and leave URL, username where needed)
  • follow me on twitter
  • tweet this giveaway with link to this giveaway (once per day)
  • subscribe to my blog
  • add my button to your blog
  • blog about this giveaway (5 entries)
The deadline for this giveaway is 1/28/10 midnight PST. Random Integer will then pick 2 winners, I'll email and announce the winners at this post.
This giveaway is US only.
Thanks PatientStyle for the socks, I LOVE them!
" Disclaimer: I was sent 2 pairs of Chenille Lounge socks for review. The opinions shared are my own and might be different from other opinions"

Wordless Wednesday

My brother. He's so going to love this picture on my blog!

Svan Youth Chair: review

I'm so behind on reviews but finally I get to share the following product with you! This is an awesome product every new parent should consider or go and have a look at. I wish I had known about this product when my oldest was born as both Jamie and Abby could have also used it!
Are you curious?
Well, I'm talking about the Svan Youth Chair available at Scandinavian Child.
About the Svan Youth Chair:

With the same stylish comfort and support lavished on infants, the Svan Youth Chair grows and adapts right along with a child, for beautifully practical use well into the teenage years. Simply remove the footrest and safety guard to transform the high chair into a seat that blends with any style of furnishings. Now little ones can sit right up to the table - great for family meals, crafts and play. What else can serve so well for so long in the life of a child?
  • ages 18 months and up
  • Great for older children who can seat themselves
  • Practical for use in any room
  • Converts to adult chair
  • Available in 5 finishes
  • Constructed of sustainable birch wood, phthalate-free and bisphenol A-free pastic and PBDE-free foam
  • Optional high-quality cushion in a wide variety of colors
  • JPMA certified to meet ASTM F404

When the box arrived I thought there were parts missing as I expected the box to be way bigger but all parts were in there and were super easy to assemble. I couldn't wait till my husband was home so I did it myself.
I love the sleek design and the color of this chair!
When Abby woke up from her nap, she looked at the chair and asked if this was Abby's chair. As soon as I said yes, she walked over and gave "her" chair a big hug! I can not tell you enough how cute that moment was.
This chair is lightweight and as I put little anti-scratch pads underneath the leg Abby just pushes her chair to where-ever she wants it to go.
Abby can easily climb up and get down from this chair. The chair is very stable and will not fall over. The way this chair is designed makes it very safe.
I think the best feature on this chair are the straps! Abby doesn't always want to eat when we eat but with these straps she can't just get up and get away from the table. YES, love that feature!
Do you know what else, this chair holds up to 250 pounds, so even us parents can sit on this chair!
Now as many moms out there we want to keep things clean and this chair is super easy to clean. You can just wipe up the mess very easily with a damp cloth.

This chair is available online at Babies"R"us, CSN Baby, SvanStore.com at $199.95.
I know the price might be a bit steap but if I had known about this chair when my oldest was born, I would have definitely invested in it as this chair lasts years and years and is not just for the young ones in the family.

Scandinavian Child and Svan, thank you so much for this opportunity to test this Youth Chair. I'm very, very grateful for this chance!

"Disclaimer: I was sent the Svan Youth Chair for review, I was in no way compensated in any other way. These opinions might differ from others as they are mine"

Mattress World recall

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 13, 2010
Release # 10-109
Firm's Recall Hotline: (877) 819-0725
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Violation of Federal Mattress Flammability Standard Prompts Recall of Mattress Sets by Mattress World

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following products. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Mattress Sets

Units: About 750

Manufacturer: Mattress World, of Dallas, Texas

Hazard: The mattress sets fail to meet the mandatory federal open flame standard and pose a fire hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: This recall involves Mattress World renovated twin, full, queen and king mattress sets sold in blue floral, white floral and taupe floral. Only those with the following information on tags attached to the mattress and foundation (box spring) are included in this recall.

Information on Mattress and Box Spring Tags

ManufacturerMattress World
Date of ManufactureMay 29, 2009 through September 4, 2009
Prototype IDMWQ or MWFOBXQ

Sold at: Various furniture stores in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas from May 2009 through September 2009 for between $35 and $105.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should immediately contact Mattress World to receive a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Mattress World at (877) 819-0725 between 9 a.m and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or email the firm atmattressworld@live.com

Sensa update week 17

Already 17 weeks have gone by, it really is amazing how time flies! I had a bit of a rough week this week (I can sure do without all those hormones!). I'm really thankful for my friends on the Sensa forum to listen to my venting this week, it really helped. Normally I grab all I can to eat when I'm hormonal but not this week.
Ian's in New York and will be coming back later today so he missed the weigh-in. I'm curious if he sprinkled his food this week. I kept forgetting to ask him on the phone.

For all my friends and family in Belgium that have been asking about Sensa. Currently Sensa is not available in Europe but I'm sure with all the success it's having over here, it won't be that long. I'll keep you all updated!

For the first time yesterday one of my friends that I haven't seen since October saw me yesterday and didn't recognize me at first. [I also dyed my hair brown instead of blonde (will be a lot cheaper now that I can dye my hair myself at home)] She couldn't believe how much weight I've lost. Well, that really felt good, I can tell you that!

Here's my number for this week:

9/23: -2.5
9/30: -3.8
10/7: -1.7
10/14: - 3
10/21: -1
10/28: -0.6
11/4: +0.1
11/11: -2.2
11/18: -0.6
11/25: -2
12/2: -1.3
12/9: -1
12/16: +0.6
12/23: -1.5
12/30: -1
1/6: -1
1/13: -0.8
total Sensa weight loss: 23.3
total weight loss: 35.3

Nature's Peak Blog Tour & giveaway CONTEST CLOSED

The 2 winners are:

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

2 17 

Timestamp: 2010-02-03 05:08:55 UTC

And this is CDZIUBA and Tamara B. I've sent you an email to confirm.

================================================

I love mangos but can not always be bothered to peel it, I think it's just a messy thing to peel it in a way not to get it all smooshed (no idea if this is a real word).
I was very happy when I was contacted by Mom Central to try out the Nature's Peak frozen fruit!
About Nature's Peak:
Nature's Peak frozen fruit is individually quick frozen to preserve its vibrant color, shape and juice taste. They are ideal for whipping up delicious, healthy smmothies and desserts at home, any time of the year.
  • No added sugar
  • Available in a 16-ounce resealable pouch (cranberries in a 15-ounce pouch)
  • no worry of leftover fruit spoiling, which can occur with fresh fruit
  • Quickly thaws to add a touch of natural sweetness to yogurt, salad or a fruit salsa
  • Simple prep: no peeling, slicing or dicing required
Suggested Retail price: $3.29-$5.69, depending on variety

One thing I struggle with is eating breakfast, I'm just not hungry, but as part of my diet I'm making an effort to have something for breakfast and what better way to have a yogurt with Nature's peak in it or a smoothie? I tried a mango smoothie yesterday, very easy to make and it was delicious! This morning I will try the Paradise Fruit Medley in a smoothie. I just opened the bag and it smells soooo good! The fruit medley has kiwi, mango, peaches, pineapple and cantaloupe in it. I can't wait but have to as the fruit is still frozen!

Nature's Peak is currently available in these area's:
Florida (All Regions)
New England (All Regions)
New Jersey (All Regions)
Maryland (All Regions)
Virginia (All Regions)
Washington (Seattle Area)
Oregon (Portland Area)
California (Los Angeles, San Jose Areas)
Arizona (Phoenix Area)
North Carolina (South West Area)
South Carolina (North West Area)
Georgia (South East and North East Areas)
Missouri (Northern Area)
Louisiana (New Orleans Area)
Arkansas (Little Rock Area)


You want to try out for yourself? I have 2 coupons for a free package (up to a $4.99 value) for 2 of my readers (1 for each reader)
All you need to do is go to the Nature's Peak website, have a look at the recipes and tell me what you would love to try.

After this required entry, you can do any/or all of the following entries (separate comments and leave URL and username where necessary)
* follow me on twitter
* add my button to your blog
* subscribe to my blog
* tweet about this giveaway (once per day)
* blog about this giveaway (5 entries)
The deadline for this giveaway is 1/27/10 midnight PST. The winner will be selected with Random Integer, emailed and announced at this post on the 28th.
This giveaway is US only.

"I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Nature's Peak and received a sample to facilitate my candid review as well as 2 coupons to giveaway. In addition Mom Central send me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate"

Emily Elizabeth jewelry giveaway

How gorgeous is this necklace? For a chance to win this necklace, head on over to Sandier Pastures and enter. One lucky winner will receive a Cotton Tail Necklace from Emily Elizabeth Jewelry! (valued at $100)

cotton tail necklace