Sage and Savvy-Product Reviews, Giveaways, and More!: March 2009

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

EXERGEN TemporalScanner

Whenever DS1 has a fever or is suspected to have one, we use an ear thermometer. However, it's been very unreliable lately since it's been producing inconsitent readings. For example, we'll take his temperature and it may be 100.1, and if we check it again the very next minute it may say 103.1, and if we check it yet again it may say 97. Talk about frustrating!

Thanks to the Family Review Network, I now have an awesome new thermometer, the EXERGEN TemporalScanner, that produces accurate readings so I won't get frustrated the next time I have to take DS1's temperature.

According to the website, "The TemporalScanner Thermometer is a totally non-invasive system with advanced infrared technology providing maximum ease of use with quick, consistently accurate measurements. Advanced, patented technology measures temperatures with a gentle stroke across the forehead."

When DH saw the EXERGEN TemporalScanner (ARV $29.99-$49.99) he was excited to open it up and try it out.

He read the instructions on the back of the TemporalScanner, tried it on himself by placing it in the center of his forehead and sliding it across until he reached his hairline, and he ended up with a temperature of 94.7. He tried it again. Same reading. Then I tried it on myself and my boys, and we all had a temperature within the 94-95 degree range.

Then I decided to take a look at the instructions to make sure we were using it correctly.

Well, we weren’t. The quick reference card that came with the TemporalScanner said to remove the protective cap, which DH didn’t do.

We had a good laugh. I can’t fault DH though, because on the TemporalScanner itself, it didn’t say to take off the cap, and even when I initially tried the TemporalScanner on myself I thought maybe it was a probe cover (similar to the disposable covers on ear thermometers), so it was an honest mistake.

After we tried the TemporalScanner WITHOUT the cover, all of our readings ranged from 98.6-98.8. Whew!

I was really surprised that the EXERGEN TemporalScanner produced such precise readings. Someone actually gave us a forehead thermometer once, but we never used it because I just wasn’t confident that taking someone's temperature on his or her forehead would produce accurate results. However, the EXERGEN website states explains why the forehead is an ideal place to take one's tempertature: “The TemporalScanner Thermometer is designed to measure the temperature of the skin surface over the temporal artery, a major artery of the head. The temporal artery is connected to the heart via the carotid artery, directly leading from the aorta, the main trunk of the arterial system. It offers constant blood flow. It is the only such artery positioned close enough to the skin surface to provide access needed to take an accurate measurement. It is easy to use because it is ideally located at the front portion of the forehead.”

The EXERGEN Temporal Artery Thermometer is not invasive, it's easy to use, it's less costly (since I don’t need to spend money buying ear thermometer probe covers), and best of all, it’s accurate.

Shop: To purchase the EXERGEN TemporalScanner, click here for a list of retailers.

Savvy Savings: You can get a $5.00 mail-in rebate after purchasing the TemporalScanner. Just visit the EXERGEN website to download the rebate coupon.

Win: EXERGEN is generously sponsoring a giveaway so one lucky winner will get a TemporalScanner!

***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED***

Congratulations to Stephanie!

To enter, visit the EXERGEN TemporalScanner website and comment on a feature of the TemporalScanner that you like the most.
You’ll get one extra entry each if you do any of the following (be sure to leave a comment for each “entry”):
1)Blog about this giveaway and link back to Sage and Savvy and EXERGEN TemporalScanner
2)Subscribe to my feed
3)Add my button to your sidebar
4)Follow me on twitter (leave your twitter name in your comment)
The deadline for entries is April 7, 2009 11:59pm HST.
If you submitted an eligible entry and it is chosen by random.org as the winner, you will be notified via email on April 8, 2009 (make sure your email address is in your profile or comment) and will have 3 days to accept.
Valid for US addresses only.

Good luck!

Thank you to EXERGEN Corporation for providing the product(s) for review and/or giveaway.

Monday, March 30, 2009

The Perfect Baby Handbook

When I was pregnant with my first child, many of my friends were also pregnant—some with their first, others with their second, and yet even another with her fourth! You can imagine how apprehensive I was feeling once DS1 was born, wondering (and worrying) about many things, such as if he would reach the same milestones at the same time their babies did, or if we had the proper baby gear or was it inferior to what our friends had. It’s too bad The Perfect Baby Handbook A Guide for Excessively Motivated Parents by Dale Hrabi (Harper Paperbacks, ARV $16.99) was not around back then. It would have saved me from a lot of new-mom anxiety and provided me with much needed comic relief during my many times of worry.

"If you and your partner have higher goals for your offspring, you need The Perfect Baby Handbook. Not only will this hilarious manual raise the odds that your infant will reach his fullest potential (and then let you know it in crisply enunciated sentences), but it will also gently steer parents through all the other pivotal challenges:

How to recognize the perfect shade of poop
Helping your infant develop a signature walk
Elevating his mind with unattractive Dutch toys
What do do if Baby starts hanging out with a bad crowd
Boring your child to sleep using dull art
And much, much more."

This book is truly hilarious and I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so much reading a book before! There are just so many witty and amusing comments and observations, and some of my favorites include:

What the best teething toys are—cell phones are top rated in my home too, along with remote controls!
What are the best educational DVDs—I have many of these, but "Getting Through a Playdate" would be one even I would love to watch.
How to choose clothing to serve as powerful nurturing attire—I’d love to see someone actually wear an “Attentive-Harlequin Suit.” Although, I must admit that I usually have The Selfless, Unraveled Look.
How to throw the perfect 1st birthday party—In Hawaii 1st birthdays are a big deal, and I can’t tell you how many parties I’ve been to that actually had petting zoos and other live animals. The book even gave me an idea for DS2’s 1st birthday party theme—an Eco-Awareness Party! (Just kidding)

I could go on and on.

If you’re a mom-to-be or already have one or more kids, you will definitely find a lot of humor in The Perfect Baby Handbook that will ultimately help reassure you that as long as we try our hardest to raise our children the best that we can with as much love and nurturing as we can possibly give, then that’s all that matters.

Shop: You can purchase The Perfect Baby Handbook on Amazon.com and other retailers online and nationwide.

Win: Harper Paperbacks has generously donated 5 copies of The Perfect Baby Handbook for 5 lucky winners!

***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED***

Congratulations to Farrah, yyeres, Sarah N, Jennifer, Dana!

To enter, visit The Perfect Baby Handbook and comment on which is your favorite excerpt of the book.
You’ll get one extra entry each if you do any of the following (be sure to leave a comment for each “entry”):
1)Blog about this giveaway and link back to Sage and Savvy and The Perfect Baby Handbook
2)Subscribe to my feed
3)Add my button to your sidebar
4)Follow me on twitter (leave your twitter name in your comment)
The deadline for entries is April 7, 2009 11:59pm HST.
If you submitted an eligible entry and it is chosen by random.org as a winner, you will be notified via email on April 8, 2009 (make sure your email address is in your profile or comment) and will have 3 days to accept.
Valid for US addresses only.

Good luck!

Thank you to HarperCollins for providing the product(s) for review and/or giveaway.

Veggie Adventures

I’m pretty fortunate that DS1 loves to eat veggies, but several of my friends’ kids don’t like them. To help get their kids to start loving veggies, I'll be telling them about Hidden Valley’s Love Your Veggies Campaign, which I learned about through Mom Central, and which was created to “help children develop a life-long love of vegetables through activities at home, at school and in the community.”

On Love Your Veggies you'll find a lot of great recipes that incorporate vegetables that you and your kids can make, and they recently launched a new online game, Veggie Adventures, where your kids can have fun growing plants into vegetables, delivering them, and serving them. According to Mom Central, a recent study "indicated that 60 percent of parents play computer games with their kids," so Veggie Adventures is definitely a fun way for you to help your kids to learn about and love veggies!

There are three levels in the game: At the Farm, On the Road, and In the Kitchen. Your child basically has to get as many veggies from the farm to the kitchen to feed hungry little tummies.

It’s such a cute game! Each time you play, you’ll also find out some fun Veggie Facts, such as the different types of nutrients and vitamins in various vegetables, and you can print out a certificate after each completed level!

Even if your kid already loves vegetables, Veggie Adventures is a fun way to spend time with your kiddo and learn fun facts about veggies too!

Sunday, March 29, 2009

printpatternpaper

I love to look for cute, novel pieces to decorate a room, and the handmade artwork and textiles found on print*pattern*paper are some of the most delightful I’ve ever seen, and I especially love her prints.

Rebecca Peragine is the artist behind print*pattern*paper. She currently lives in Wisconsin with her husband and two sons, Giovanni and Matteo, who serve as her “creative consultants, editors and muses.” According to the website, she states that “when we moved to our new home, Giovanni was afraid to sleep alone in his new room. I pulled out any art supplies I had available (everything was still in boxes) and made him a ‘protector dinosaur.’ From there, print*pattern*paper was born and is a happy, growing company.”

I can picture her prints in a chic celebrity nursery or a popular home decorating magazine, and the best part is that you don’t need a celebrity’s bank account to own her prints. The prints featured on print*pattern*paper are affordable, and they would add a tremendous amount of character to any room.

My favorites are Organic Garden and wild flowers II.

print*pattern*paper also offers eco-friendly products such as tote bags and organic cotton and hemp pillows and aprons.

Rebecca’s work is simply charming.

Shop: You can purchase art, bags, stationery, and home textiles featuring Rebecca Peragine’s work on the print*pattern*paper website.

Win: print*pattern*paper is generously sponsoring a giveaway so one lucky winner will get a 5x7 print (matted to 8x10) of choice (ARV $15.00).

***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED***

Congratulations to News Around the Blogs!

To enter, visit print*pattern*paper and comment on which print you’d choose if you won AND why.
You’ll get one extra entry each if you do any of the following (be sure to leave a comment for each “entry”):
1)Blog about this giveaway and link back to Sage and Savvy and print*pattern*paper
2)Subscribe to my feed
3)Add my button to your sidebar
4)Follow me on twitter (leave your twitter name in your comment)
The deadline for entries is April 5, 2009, 11:59pm HST.
If you submitted an eligible entry and it is chosen by random.org as the winner, you will be notified via email on April 6, 2009 (make sure your email address is in your profile or comment) and will have 3 days to accept.
Valid for US addresses only.

Good luck!

Thank you to print*pattern*paper for providing the product(s) for review and/or giveaway.

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Milk Diapers

I’ve been finding a lot of great alternatives to disposable nursing pads, and one of my newest finds is Milk Diapers (isn’t that a cute name?).

According to the website, “Milk Diapers® nursing pads are softly contoured to naturally adjust to your shape. 100% cotton is untreated and subsists of organic cotton yarns. They soak in leaks, to prevent leaking through clothing, without the use of unhealthy plastics. Breathable and absorbent, Milk Diapers® promote a healthy environment for good nipple care. The unique and patented contour shaping allows a slim design which doesn't show under knits, sweaters and even silks. The natural fibers cling to the surface of your bra and the shape keeps them centered.”

I was able to try a sampling of 3 different types of Milk Diapers nursing pads-White 4 Layer, Natural 4 Layer, and Moisture Guard (the pads come in packs of 4, 6 or 10, in various colors, layers, and styles, ARV$6.50-$16.50).

All of the Milk Diapers nursing pads were very comfortable and I had no leaks while I used them. They're easy to use, easy to clean, and easy to care for. They didn’t shrink no matter how many times I washed and dried them, and I also liked how it wasn't too obvious that I was wearing any nursing pads.

I preferred the 4 Layer nursing pads over the Moisture Guard nursing pads, which “consist of a 5-layer pad to absorb. A layer of terry backed polyurethane laminate which allows moisture and air to evaporate through its porous nature.” They have a pretty lace front, but I thought the Moisture Guard nursing pads were just a little bit too thick for me.

I’m so glad I discovered Milk Diapers—the nursing pads work well, they’re better for the environment, and better for your wallet too!

Shop: You can purchase Milk Diapers on the Milk Diapers website, or click here to find a retailer near you.

Savvy Savings: You can get 10% off of your purchase using code baby during checkout; no expiration date (cannot be combined with other discounts).

Win: Milk Diapers is generously sponsoring a giveaway of a 6 pack of Natural 4 Layer nursing pads (ARV $9.25) to one lucky winner!

***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED***

Congratulations to anny32!

To enter, visit Milk Diapers and comment on which is your favorite product.
You’ll get one extra entry each if you do any of the following (be sure to leave a comment for each “entry”):
1)Blog about this giveaway and link back to Sage and Savvy and Milk Diapers
2)Subscribe to my feed
3)Add my button to your sidebar
4)Follow me on twitter (leave your twitter name in your comment)
The deadline for entries is April 4, 2009, 11:59pm HST.
If you submitted an eligible entry and it is chosen by random.org as the winner, you will be notified via email on April 5, 2009 (make sure your email address is in your profile or comment) and will have 3 days to accept.
Valid for US addresses only.

Good luck!

Thank you to Milk Diapers for providing the product(s) for review and/or giveaway.

Friday, March 27, 2009

Bright Star Kids

DH recently saw on a TV show people painting part of a wall in a room with chalkboard paint and suggested that we do that to DS1’s room. However, considering the time and mess involved, we just never got around to doing that. Thanks to the Family Review Network, I received some cool Chalk Dots Removable Wall Graphics from Bright Star Kids that I think are an even better alternative to using chalkboard paint.

According to the website, “Bright Star Kids is a rapidly growing Australian business that loves to create premium removable Wall Graphics (perfect for decorating kids rooms) and fun Personalised Kids Labels (great for keeping track of your kids belongings).”

The Chalk Dots kit (ARV $33.88) come with 8 wall graphics—4 Jumbo Removable Dots in two-color combinations, and 4 Large Black Chalkboard Dots. We received

the Cherry Red & Sunflower Orange combination, and couldn’t wait to get them up in DS1’s room! All we needed to do was get some chalk, and you don't need an eraser since the instructions say you can use a cloth to wipe off the chalk.

The kit says the graphics work best on smooth surfaces, so we decided to put them on the door to DS1's room because it’s smoother than the walls, which have a slightly rough finish.

Although I had a little bit of trouble with air bubbles, application was easy, and as soon as the dots were on the door, we all kept drawing and writing and had so much fun! The dots are nicely sized—the color dots are 30cm x 30cm (12" x 12") and the chalk dots are 23cm x 23cm (9" x 9"), and I like the bright “pop” of color.

The Chalk Dots are an innovative idea, and I love that it’s removable, so you can be sure if DS1 ever switches rooms the Chalk Dots will follow him wherever he goes!

Shop: You can purchase Chalk Dots and other cool and colorful wall graphics on the Bright Star Kids website. Note: Bright Star Kids sends all orders from Australia within 2 working days of receiving your order. Most US customers find that their parcels arrive in around 2 - 3 weeks, but if you live in a more remote area this could take a bit longer. The Wall Graphics come in a protective large cardboard envelope, so if you're not home when your mail person tries to deliver it, they will leave a note and you will have to collect it from your local mailing office.

Savvy Savings: You can get 20% off your entire order using the code FAMILYREVIEW in the Promotional Code section of the Shopping Cart through April 25, 2009. Note: The discount doesn't work with any automatic store discounts. For example if a person buys 2 or more Wall Graphic or Wall Letter kits, they will automatically get between 15 - 25% off. These products won't get the extra 20% off, but any other product that's in the order will.

Chalk Dots are an easy way to add lots of fun and creativity to your kid’s room, or anywhere in your home!

Thank you to Bright Star Kids for providing the product(s) for review and/or giveaway.

Making Life Better

I have so many things I need and want to do in life that at times I feel overwhelmed, and I know I'm not alone.

Thanks to Mom Central, I found out about a great site, Making Life Better, that offers a tremendous amount of tips, recipes, advice, coupons, and more that will help me accomplish my goals while maintaining a healthy balance in life.

According to the website, Making Life Better is “designed to help you feel good, look good and get more out of life. To fulfill that goal, we’ve packed this site with tips, tools and advice, including:
· Thousands of family-friendly recipes: Get dinner on the table fast!
· Beauty tips that will help you look good and feel great
· Fitness and nutritional news
· Expert advice to help your children get a good start on life
· Hundreds of tips to help you breeze through your household chores, from shopping to laundry”

There are so many helpful sections and articles on a variety of subjects, such as how to sleep better and how to be a savvy traveler.

One of my favorite sections is Budget Recipes. I’ve already found so many recipes that I’ll be trying, such as Chicken Florentine Rolls, Upside Down Chicken Pot Pie, and Ragu No Frying Chicken Parmesan.

You can sign up for the Making Life Better newsletter to get information on promotions, recipes, new coupons, and more!

I have a learned a lot of great tips, found new recipes, and accessed lots of helpful articles that have already made a positive impact on my life, and you can find them too on Making Life Better.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

L'ovedbaby

I usually use a nursing cover if I have to nurse in public, but now I know there’s another pretty alternative to nursing covers for moms like me who want to nurse discreetly--Nursing Shawls by L’ovedbaby.

This versatile 4-in-1 Nursing Shawl by L'ovedbaby is perfect for modest moms who want to "privately" nurse in public and in style. The roomy neckline allows mom to maintain eye contact with baby, while the breathable and supersoft faux-suede fabric keeps baby cool and comfy any time of year. It's intentionally made of ultra-thin microfiber, which, unlike cotton, is less likely to harbor bacteria in the event of accidental milk spills and spit ups. And, with its covered back, solid colors, and no loops or clasps to deal with, this lightweight nursing shawl slips on easily over any outfit and blends right in. Also great over a breastpump for working moms. Best of all, it's machine washable, dryer safe and comes in a matching drawstring pouch, perfect for carrying an extra diaper and wipes when you don't want to lug your whole diaper bag. As functional as it fabulous, the 4-in-1 Nursing Shawl can also be used as a pregnancy poncho, canopy for the stroller or carseat, and lightweight blankie. It's the ultimate gift for any new or expectant mom. Halle Berry bought 6 to use with little Nahla, and Brooke Shields used a Think Pink shawl to nurse Grier...Make your baby a L'ovedbaby.

The L’ovedbaby 4-in-1 Nursing Shawl comes in seven colors (my favorite is Ke

en Green), and it’s pretty and practical—the kind of product I love!

Shop: You can purchase the 4-in-1 Nursing Shawl on the L’ovedbaby website, or click here to find a retailer near you.

Savvy Savings: Enter the code BLOG in the discount coupon field at checkout to receive a 10% discount off of your purchase through April 1, 2009; cannot be combined with other offers.

Win: L’ovedbaby has generously donated a 4-in-1 Nursing Shawl (ARV $29.95, choice of color) to one lucky winner.

***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED***

Congratulations to fly18grl21!

To enter, visit L’ovedbaby and comment on which color you'd pick if you won AND answer the following question in your comment: How many different styles are offered in L'ovedbaby's Cotton Basics Collection?
You’ll get one extra entry each if you do any of the following (be sure to leave a comment for each “entry”):
1)Blog about this giveaway and link back to Sage and Savvy and L’ovedbaby
2)Subscribe to my feed
3)Add my button to your sidebar
4)Follow me on twitter (leave your twitter name in your comment)
The deadline for entries is April 2, 2009, 11:59pm HST.
If you submitted an eligible entry and the correct answer, and it is chosen by random.org as the winner, you will be notified via email on April 3, 2009 (make sure your email address is in your profile or comment) and will have 3 days to accept.
Valid for US addresses only.
Good luck!

Thank you to L'ovedbaby for providing the product(s) for review and/or giveaway.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Ballas Hough Band: BHB

I love to watch Dancing with the Stars, and I had no idea that two professional dancers on the show, Mark Ballas and Derek Hough, have been in the music business together for years and years until I received a copy of the CD Ballas Hough Band: BHB thanks to the One2One Network.

The Ballas Hough Band: BHB (ARV $18.98; Hollywood Records) track list includes:

Do You Love Me
Devastated
Closer
She Was The One
Longing For
Birthday
Fall
Do It For You
Break Through
Together Faraway
Underwater

I admit that I was pleasantly surprised with the Ballas Hough Band. Who knew that these awesome dancers could also sing? And they wrote many of the songs themselves!

Many of their songs are about their own experiences with love and heartbreak (Fall, Devastated), but despite such emotional subjects, some of these songs just make you want to dance (Do You Love Me, Birthday).

Their first single from the album, Do It For You, is one of my favorite tracks. It was co-written by new American Idol judge Kara Dioguardi, and it’s just another one of those songs that I can’t get out of my head. I also enjoy Together Faraway—a mellow song with a very catchy chorus, and Longing For—a sweet ballad.

The CD is also an interactive CD—just pop it into your computer to go directly to various Ballas Hough Band sites, such as their Facebook and MySpace pages.

Shop: You can purchase Ballas Hough Band: BHB at various retailers online and nationwide.

I really enjoyed Ballas Hough Band’s debut album, BHB, and I already can’t wait for their sophomore album!

Thank you to Hollywood Records for providing the product(s) for review and/or giveaway.

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

DaBib

I use all kinds of bibs on my boys—big bibs, little bibs, Velcro bibs, tie on bibs, cloth bibs, and even disposable bibs, but no matter what kind of bib I use on them, I always find food or drink spilled on their clothes. Thanks to the Family Review Network, I have my very first DaBib from Chez Shea Baby, Inc., and I just wish I had one when DS1 started to eat solids—it would have saved me from cleaning up a lot of spills and stains both on his clothes and on the floor.

According to the website, “DaBib is the newest and best innovation in baby bibs. With its patented Scrunch Neck and flexible, functional design, this 'baby' is a must-have for your baby...DaBib's scrunch neck minimizes leakage of liquids and solid foods onto the baby's clothing, reducing stains and the hassle of frequent changing. With both the super absorbent micro fiber terry face and the waterproof backing, DaBib's innovative design doesn't just raise the neckline, it raises the bar, providing the ultimate in coverage, comfort, durability and versatility, for infants through toddlers.”

I received a DaHug DaBib in Yellow (ARV $12.99) that I tried on both DS1 and DS2.

On DS1, the unique Scrunch Collar did a great job of preventing spills and leaks onto his clothing. Another aspect of DaBib that differed from other bibs was how the crumb catcher is actually on the back of the bib. At first I thought that was strange, but it was designed that way to act as a “true” crumb catcher. You need to fold the crumb catcher forward, and by doing this, it stays open nice and wide. I have other bibs with crumb catchers and often times they don’t do a very good job at catching crumbs because the crumb catcher simply does not stay open wide enough. Also, because the crumb catcher folds forward on DaBib, you simply dump any spilled food out, fold the crumb catcher back, and no food gets stuck on the inside seam.

On DS2, DaBib was almost like a full-body bib (since he’s still an infant). I actually loved how DaBib covered him up real well, and although he's not eating solids yet, he's been drooling a lot lately, and the micro-fiber terry front has been a big help in absorbing all of that drool!

DaBib is a smart, innovative, and practical bib, and to see DaBib put to use, check out these cute YouTube videos: Vito Gottabone - Alias Pasta Face and DaBaby, DaDoll and DaBib.

Shop: You can purchase DaBibs in various colors and styles on the DaBib website.

Win: Chez Shea Baby, Inc. is generously sponsoring a giveaway of a DaBib of choice!

***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED***

Congratulations to adinatm!

To enter, visit the DaBib website and comment on which bib you’d like if you won.
You’ll get one extra entry each if you do any of the following (be sure to leave a comment for each “entry”):
1)Blog about this giveaway and link back to Sage and Savvy and DaBib
2)Subscribe to my feed
3)Add my button to your sidebar
4)Follow me on twitter (leave your twitter name in your comment)
5)Tweet this giveaway (leave me the link in your comment)
The deadline for entries is March 31, 2009, 11:59pm HST.
An eligible entry will be chosen by random.org as the winner; the winner will be notified via email on April 1, 2009 (make sure your email address is in your profile or comment) and will have 3 days to accept.
Valid for US addresses only.

Good luck!

Thank you to Chez Shea Baby Inc. for providing the product(s) for review and/or giveaway.

Monday, March 23, 2009

Mrs. Meyer's Clean Home

Whenever we have company over, our guests often comment on how clean our home is, and I always tell them it’s been clean only for the past few hours. We try to keep a fairly neat home, but the only time we really clean is right before company comes. Thanks to the Hatchette Book Group, I had the opportunity to read Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Home, No-Nonsense Advice that will Inspire you to CLEAN like the DICKENS by Thelma Meyer (ARV $19.99), which provided me with lots of great suggestions for getting and keeping my home clean all the time, not just when we are expecting company!

“Now for the first time, Thelma's sage advice is being made available in this revolutionary cleaning guide chock full of practical tips and secrets based on the premise that life is hectic and messy -- and so keeping your house clean and nice is the only sensible thing to do.”

Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Home is a handy reference full of great tips and tricks, as well as tidbits about Mrs. Meyer’s own life. There’s cleaning advice on everything from the kitchens to the garage, as well as information on a variety of related subjects, such as what types of important documents to keep and for how long, items you should have in a first-aid kit, and a list of items you should keep in your utility closets.

Mrs. Meyer’s also offers suggestions on what to clean and when, and the first thing I did after reading the book was start my own weekly chore chart, although the days I do certain chores differ slightly from what Mrs. Meyer’s notes in her book.

I also really love how she recommends using good-for-you cleaning products, such as baking soda, lemon juice, and vinegar. I often use a vinegar solution to clean around my house, and Mrs. Meyer’s offers so many other uses for these great natural cleaners. I’ve already tried some of her suggestions for cleaning sinks with these products and I’m very pleased with the results.

There is a wealth of cleaning information in Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Home, and it is a handy guide that I know I’ll be referring to time and time again for great tips and advice to get and keep my own home clean.

Shop: You can purchase Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Home at retailers online and nationwide, or visit The Hachette Book Group website for a list of retailers near you.

Win: The Hachette Book Group has generously donated five copies of Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Home for five lucky winners!

***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED***

Congratulations to targetmom, Amy, Nickolay, coriwestphal, Danetta!

To enter, view Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Home in the OpenBook reader below, check out the table of contents, and comment on which chapter you think you’ll be referring to the most (please specify chapter title, not just chapter 1, 2, etc.).
You’ll get one extra entry each if you do any of the following (be sure to leave a comment for each “entry”):
1)Blog about this giveaway and link back to Sage and Savvy and Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Home.
2)Subscribe to my feed
3)Add my button to your sidebar
4)Follow me on twitter (leave your twitter name in your comment)
The deadline for entries is March 30, 2009, 11:59pm HST.
5 eligible entries will be chosen by random.org as the winners; the winners will be notified via email on March 31, 2009 (make sure your email address is in your profile or comment) and will have 3 days to accept.
Valid for US & Canada addresses only.

Good luck!

Thank you to Hachette Book Group for providing the product(s) for review and/or giveaway.

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Corneille: The Birth of Cornelius

Motown Records has been involved in some of the most amazing careers in music, such as Stevie Wonder’s and Marvin Gaye’s, and these very artists have helped to inspire and influence Corneille, who is making his US debut and is set to have an amazing future in music himself.

Thanks to Music Moms, I was able to listen to his brand new album, The Birth of Cornelius (Motown Records, ARV $10.98), which is a soulful mix of songs about love and life, triumph and tragedy.

The track list includes:
1. Back To Life
2. All of My Love
3. Liberation
4. Man of This World, A
5. Murder
6. Foolish Heart
7. Too Much Of Everything
8. Home Is By You
9. I'll Never Call You Home Again
10. Sweet Dependency
11. Heaven

Corneille’s songs are reflective of where he’s been and what he’s been through. He lived through the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, in which his parents and family were killed, and such a tragedy has influenced many of his songs, such as A Man of This World and I’ll Never Call You Home Again.

My favorite track on the CD is Too Much of Everything—it’s a sweet, mellow love song—the kind of song that just gets stuck in your head and you keep singing over and over. I also enjoy the song Murder. Yes, the track has a not-so-nice title, but it’s a song about love with a really nice beat. Heaven is also one of my favorites. It’s about life and moving forward, a song that many people can relate to, and it’s the last track—a fitting way to end the CD.

Corneille has already seen major success in France and Canada, and The Birth of Cornelius offers a nice variety of soulful songs that I’m sure will bring him success in America as well.

Shop: You can purchase The Birth of Cornelius on Amazon.com or at other retailers online and nationwide.

Win: One lucky winner will get an autographed copy of The Birth of Cornelius!

***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED***

Congratulations to Buki Family!

To enter, visit Corneille’s MySpace page and comment on which of the tracks you enjoyed the best.
You’ll get one extra entry each if you do any of the following (be sure to leave a comment for each “entry”):
1)Blog about this giveaway and link back to Sage and Savvy and The Birth of Cornelius
2)Subscribe to my feed
3)Add my button to your sidebar
4)Follow me on twitter (leave your twitter name in your comment)
The deadline for entries is March 29, 2009, 11:59pm HST.
An eligible entry will be chosen by random.org as the winner; the winner will be notified via email on March 30, 2009(make sure your email address is in your profile or comment) and will have 3 days to accept.
Valid for US addresses only.

Good luck!

Thank you to Motown Records for providing the product(s) for review and/or giveaway.

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Nature's Baby Organics

As a light green mom, I admit that sometimes I still use common, popular brands of baby products that are not organic or all natural, but that’s slowly changing, as I find more and more products that are safe for my two precious boys, such as those made by Nature’s Baby Organics.

According to the website, "Your whole family can enjoy using Nature's Baby Organics – natural & organic, luxurious, personal care products with rich performance…All of our natural products are made with the highest quality ingredients - 70-95% certified organic."

Nature’s Baby Organics offers a variety of products, such as bubble bath, diaper cream, shampoo & body wash and more. I got my hands on some Vanilla-Tangerine Shampoo & Body Wash for the boys, and some Lavender-Chamomile Conditioner & Detangler for myself. The products really are great for the entire family!

Shop: You can purchase natural and organic baby products on the Nature’s Baby Organics website, or click here to find a retailer near you.

Win: Nature’s Baby Organics is generously sponsoring a giveaway so one lucky winner will get any two items (excluding the gift bag) of his or her choice (Total ARV $18-$32).

***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED***

Congratulations to rosannepm!

To enter, visit Nature’s Baby Organics and comment on which two products you’d like if you won.
You’ll get one extra entry each if you do any of the following (be sure to leave a comment for each “entry”):
1)Blog about this giveaway and link back to Sage and Savvy and Nature’s Baby Organics.
2)Subscribe to my feed
3)Add my button to your sidebar
4)Follow me on twitter (leave your twitter name in your comment)
The deadline for entries is March 28, 2009 11:59pm HST.
An eligible entry will be chosen by random.org as the winner; the winner will be notified via email on March 29, 2009 (make sure your email address is in your profile or comment) and will have 3 days to accept.
Valid for US addresses only, excluding Hawaii.

Good luck!

Thank you to Nature's Baby Organics for providing the product(s) for review and/or giveaway.

Friday, March 20, 2009

LilyPadz

As a nursing mom, I'm constantly using disposable nursing pads.

A while ago, one of my friends, also a nursing mom, mentioned that she used LilyPadz. I had assumed LilyPadz was another brand of disposable nursing pads, but I was totally wrong. According to the website, “LilyPadz are the revolutionary alternative to traditional nursing pads combining unique features such as flexibility, breathabiity, invisibility, and 'sticks-to-you-ability' to provide the kind of protection every expectant and nursing mother needs.”

When I received the LilyPadz (ARV $22.95) I admit I was a bit skeptical. Could this thin piece of silicone stay in place and prevent leaks?

I was about to find out.

After washing them before my initial use and then following the application instructions, the LilyPadz worked like a charm! Because the LilyPadz apply constant pressure, no milk leaks out during let-down. The website does state that there may be some instances of leakage if your milk supply has not regulated yet, but my milk supply has been pretty steady for a while now, so I had no leakage problems.

The LilyPadz are comfortable, stayed in place until I removed them, are easy to clean, and with proper use and care the LilyPadz can last up to two months. It’s great knowing that I won’t keep tossing disposable nursing pads away and I can simply reuse the LilyPadz.

What I liked best of all about the LilyPadz was how they’re so thin that no matter what I wore, you couldn’t tell I was wearing any nursing pads. With disposable nursing pads, my clothes would always look “bumpy,” and it was just so obvious and unattractive. With the LilyPadz, I don’t have that problem anymore!

Shop: You can purchase LilyPadz on the LilyPadz website or click here to find a retailer near you.

If you're looking for an alternative to the typical disposable nursing pad, try LilyPadz and see for yourself how wonderful they are!

Thank you to LilyPadz for providing the product(s) for review and/or giveaway.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Happy Napkins

Sometimes you see a product online or in a magazine and it just makes you smile, and that's exactly what happened when I discovered Happy Napkins, which are napkins printed with special messages.

According to the website, "For less than the cost of one greeting card the consumer can produce the same 'good feeling' effect 12 times..."

The Happy Napkins (ARV $2.99 per pack) are good quality napkins--thicker than some of the napkins that I had on hand, and the messages inside are such a sweet surprise. I placed the Happy Napkins at DH's and DS1's place settings and they both had big smiles on their faces. In fact, DH didn't even want to use his napkin, he wanted to save it!

Happy Napkins are a nice touch for any occasion, or "just because." Who wouldn’t want to see a Happy Napkin with a message such as “You Are My Sunshine” or “I Love You Just the Way You Are” on a place setting or packed in a lunchbox. I know DH and DS1 loved it when they saw their Happy Napkins, and I loved seeing their reaction as well.

Shop: You can purchase Happy Napkins on the Happy Napkins website, or click here to find a retailer near you. Note: A percentage of all profits are donated to special programs for children.

Win: Nine winners will get a pack of Happy Napkins generously donated by Happy Napkins!

***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED***

Congratulations to amweeks, Jinxy and Me, coriwestphal, DEBIJOT, Donna, judybrittle, Starryphate, Yummy Boy Mummy, Sarah Z!

To enter, visit Happy Napkins and comment on your favorite message.
You’ll get one extra entry each if you do any of the following (be sure to leave a comment for each “entry”):
1)Blog about this giveaway and link back to Sage and Savvy and Happy Napkins
2)Subscribe to my feed
3)Add my button to your sidebar
4)Follow me on twitter (leave your twitter name in your comment)
The deadline for entries is March 26, 2009, 11:59pm HST.
Nine eligible entries will be chosen by random.org as the winners; the winners will be notified via email on March 27, 2009 (make sure your email address is in your profile or comment) and will have 3 days to accept.
Valid for US addresses only.

Good luck!

Thank you to Happy Napkins for providing the product(s) for review and/or giveaway.

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Kids Central Kitchen

I love to bake (when I can find the time), and I’m often searching for products and recipes that are simple to make so DS1 can help me, and thanks to Kids Central Kitchen, I found just what I was looking for.

According to the website, “Our mixes are easy to make! NO trans fats, NO hydrogenated oils, NO high fructose corn syrup and NO artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. Even low fat, low cholesterol and vegan recipes are available. Simple ingredients make simply delicious wholesome snacks for your family!”

We were fortunate to receive the following Kids Central Kitchen mixes: Snow Angel Sugar Cookie Mix, Swinging Monkey Banana Bread Mix, Flip Flop Flapjack Pancake Mix (ARV $5.99 each).

DH, DS1 and I had a lot of fun baking together. DS1 was responsible for pouring out the mixes into the bowl and for all of the mixing (except for mixing the sugar cookies since hand-mixing was recommended, so I did it, not DS1), and he had a lot of fun doing it. He enjoyed mixing so much, that when we were making the pancakes he over-mixed it so they came out thinner than we had hoped, but we didn’t mind, because what mattered was DS1 had fun helping mommy and daddy in the kitchen!

I love how the mixes contain organic ingredients, and how I didn’t need to supply more than three of my own ingredients for the mixes we tried. The whole process, including clean up, was quick and easy, and the only hard part was waiting for all the goodies to be done so we could dig in!

Everything was delicious, but my favorite was the banana bread, and DS1’s favorite was the pancakes.

Baking as a family is fun, but always be sure to supervise your little ones while in the kitchen.

You can find other yummy mixes on Kids Central Kitchen, as well as baking supplies and great baking kits!

Shop: You can purchase baking mixes, supplies and more on the Kids Central Kitchen website.

Kids Central Kitchen offers delicious baking mixes that the entire family will enjoy making as well as eating!

Thank you to Kids Central Kitchen for providing the product(s) for review and/or giveaway.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Smart Mom

I don’t wear much jewelry. In fact, for years I would only wear my wedding and engagement rings, but now I wear more bling—Teething Bling, that is, from Smart Mom.

According to the website, Smart Mom uses "only the highest-quality, phthalate-free, federally approved silicone in our Teething Bling™ line. The material is non-toxic, latex-free, food–safe, even dishwasher-friendly!"

I was fortunate to receive a whole bunch of Teething Bling, which included Donut Shaped Pendants (ARV $19.10), a Bangle (ARV $12.75), and a Gift Set (ARV $34.00).

I know I’m not alone when I say that the Teething Bling is such a great idea! The pendants and bangles are pretty to wear anytime, anywhere (I wear them to go out and even when I'm at home), and the fact that it doubles as teethers is just genius. I don’t have to worry and wonder about whether the bling is safe for DS2 to chew and suck on, and I love that it’s easy to clean.

I wish I knew about Smart Mom's Teething Bling when DS1 was teething!

The Smart Mom website states that the Teething Bling was designed for babies with emerging teeth, and babies with developed teeth may be able to bite through them, so all parents must determine what is best for their own situation. As always, practice care and caution when using the Teething Bling and never leave your precious little one unattended with the jewelry.

The Teething Bling comes in a vast array of colors, and right now you could win $500 by visiting Smart Mom and helping them pick their next color. Visit their website for more information.

Smart Mom’s Teething Bling is pretty pretty and practical, and truly is smart!

Shop: You can purchase Teething Bling on the Smart Mom website, or click he

re to find a retailer near you. Note: A percentage of all retail sales go to CureSearch and Dress for Success.

Win: Smart Mom is generously sponsoring a giveaway of a gift set (ARV $34-$36) to one lucky winner!

***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED***

Congratulations to Karen!

To enter, visit Smart Mom and comment on which gift set you’d like if you won.
You’ll get one extra entry each if you do any of the following (be sure to leave a comment for each “entry”):
1)Blog about this giveaway and link back to Sage and Savvy and Smart Mom.
2)Subscribe to my feed
3)Add my button to your sidebar
4)Follow me on twitter (leave your twitter name in your comment)
The deadline for entries is March 24, 2009, 11:59pm HST.
An eligible entry will be chosen by random.org as the winner; the winner will be notified via email on March 25, 2009 (make sure your email address is in your profile or comment) and will have 3 days to accept.
Valid for US addresses only.

Good luck!

Thank you to Smart Mom for providing the product(s) for review and/or giveaway.

Monday, March 16, 2009

Neosporin

One day a bunch of us were at a picnic and all of a sudden one of our friends came running to us with his toddler son screaming and covered in dirt, and his face was cut and scratched up. He accidentally fell down a hill. We offered the mom napkins and water to help clean him up, but unfortunately no one had any antibiotic. I was pretty worried about the son, hoping that none of his cuts would get infected (fortunately none did).

We alway

s have antibiotic ointment or cream in our house, but ever since that incident, I always make sure to have an antibiotic ointment or cream in our diaper bags in case that ever happens again, especially to our own sons.

I also always make sure that the antibiotic product is not expired. I was surprised to learn from Mom Central that, “40% of homes have an expired topical antibiotic in the medicine cabinet, an important issue as some products may lose their effectiveness once they reach their expiration date.”

I’m pretty good at throwing out expired stuff on a timely basis--I go through our medicine cabinet and first aid kit regularly, and if I know something is about to expire, I put that on my next shopping list so I’ll have unexpired product when it’s time to throw out the expired item.

Thanks to Mom Central, I received some great Neosporin products to review and add to my medicine cabinets and diaper bag: Neosporin + Pain Relief Ointment, Neosporin + Pain Relief Cream, and the new Neosporin Neo to Go! First Aid Antiseptic/Pain Relieving Spray (ARV $4.77-$9.07 each).

According to the website, "Neosporin First Aid Antibiotic kills more types of infectious bacteria in laboratory tests than even the leading topical prescription antibiotic. PLUS, Neosporin First Aid Antibiotic and a bandage help heal minor wounds four days faster than a bandage alone, and Neosporin First Aid Antibiotic may help minimize the appearance of scars."

It's very handy to have Neosporin's products for the inevitable cuts and scrapes, and I especially love Neosporin’s Neo to Go!—it’s convenient and compact--I can toss it in my purse or diaper bag without worrying about it getting squished (and oozing out), and you can simply spray it on the wound with a single hand.

Shop: You can purchase Neosporin products on Drugstore.com and other retailers online and nationwide.

I always try to be prepared, so having Neosporin on hand to help treat minor cuts, scrapes, and burns, whether they happen at home or away, is important. And don’t forget--check the expiration dates on your Neosporin antibiotics and everything else you may have in your medicine cabinet, first aid kits, and diaper bags to ensure that they’re safe and effective.

Thank you to Johnson & Johnson for providing the product(s) for review and/or giveaway.

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Olive Kids

DS1’s nursery was decorated in a safari animal theme. Now that he’s older, it’s time for a change, and I know exactly where to look for products to redecorate his (soon-to-be-shared) room—Olive Kids!

According to the website, Olive Kids was created to offer “an affordable alternative to the character based entertainment licenses. Our emphasis is on color and fun, because we believe kids rooms should inspire creativity and play - not be an advertisement for a TV show or movie. Our kids bedding designs and coordinating room decor have a nostalgic quality yet are fresh and relevant. We aim our design at classic kids themes like transportation, pirates, outer space, tea parties, cowboys and more!”

I was fortunate to receive the following personalized products: Wild Animals Placemat (ARV, $9.99), Somethin’ Fishy Bookmark (ARV $9.99), Out of this World Name Tag (ARV $7.99)

When I first opened up the box of Olive Kids goodies, I was really impressed with the quality and just how striking the colors and images were. I knew my boys were going to love them!

We selected the Wild Animals Placemat for DS1 because he loves all kinds of animals. We previously used another type of laminated placemat that started to fall apart after just a few uses and washes. We also tried using regular cotton placemats, but they'd easily stain and eventually fade after throwing them in the wash after every use. Olive Kids’ Placemat is sturdy, easy to clean, and what I like best of all is that if I’m still getting things ready for DS1’s meal and he’s already sitting at the table, I just keep him occupied by asking him to point to different animals or colors on the placemat.

DS1 also l

oves fish, which is why we chose the Somethin’ Fishy Bookmark. Every day we’ll find the bookmark in a different book…it’s just the cutest thing.

We currently use DS2’s Out of this World Name Tag on his diaper bag since he doesn’t use a backpack yet. I like how you can put contact information on the back of the tag with a permanent marker just in case whatever the name tag is on ever gets lost.

You can personalize other cool items such as clocks, pillows, and growth charts. Olive Kids o

ffers so many products and so many designs--there's lots and lots of cute things that both you and your kid will love!

Shop: You can purchase personalized products and more on the Olive Kids website.

Win: Olive Kids has generously sponsored a giveaway so one lucky winner will get an awesome prize pack which includes a personalized Placemat, Bookmark, and Name Tag!

***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED***

Congratulations to justicecw!

To enter, visit Olive Kids and comment on which designs of each item (placemat, bookmark, name tag) you’d like if you won.
You’ll get one extra entry each if you do any of the following (be sure to leave a comment for each “entry”):
1)Blog about this giveaway and link back to Sage and Savvy and Olive Kids
2)Subscribe to my feed
3)Add my button to your sidebar
4)Follow me on twitter (leave your twitter name in your comment)
The deadline for entries is March 22, 2009, 11:59pm HST.
An eligible entry will be chosen by random.org as the winner; the winner will be notified via email on March 23, 2009 (make sure your email address is in your profile or comment) and will have 3 days to accept.
Valid for US addresses only.

Good luck!

Thank you to Olive Kids for providing the product(s) for review and/or giveaway.

Archive

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Monday, March 30, 2009

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Friday, March 27, 2009

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Monday, March 23, 2009

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Friday, March 20, 2009

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Monday, March 16, 2009

Sunday, March 15, 2009