That Baby DVD and CD

At many of the baby showers I’m invited to, I always try to give the recipient something practical from her registry, as well as a separate unique baby gift. Thanks to the Buzz Cooperative, I found out about a great baby gift idea that I know both parents and their children will enjoy—That Baby DVD and That Baby CD from OyBaby, LLC!

According to the website, “That Baby DVD and That Baby CD feature kid-friendly cover versions of songs written by artists like Fleetwood Mac, Paul Simon, Natalie Merchant, Joni Mitchell, and more. You'll be the hit of the baby shower with this hip, creative gift.”

We were fortunate to receive a copy of both That Baby DVD and That Baby CD (DVD=ARV $19.95, CD=ARV $14.95, bundle=ARV $29.90).

First we listened to That Baby CD in the car. The track list includes:

1 - Happiness Runs/Circle Game - Made popular by Donovan Lietch and Joni Mitchell
2 - Sunday Sun - Made popular by Neil Diamond
3 – When We Grow Up - Made popular by Free To Be You and Me - When We G
4 - Pony Boy - Made popular by Bruce Springsteen
5 - Brass In Pocket - Made popular by The Pretenders
6 - Get Together - Made popular by The Youngbloods
7 - Garden Song - Made popular by Peter Paul and Mary
8 - Anything is Possible - Made popular by Jonny Lang
9 - Songbird - Made popular by Fleetwood Mac
10 - These Are Days - Made popular by 10,000 Maniacs
11 - Three Little Birds - CD exclusive bonus track - Made popular by Bob Marley
12 - I Will - CD exclusive bonus track - Made popular by The Beatles
13 - St. Judy's Comet - CD exclusive bonus track - Made popular by Paul Simon

That Baby CD is so good, that I didn’t want to get out of the car once we reached our destination! From the very first song--Happiness Runs/Circle Game, which is my favorite track--I was hooked. It’s such a nice song, and the vocals are amazing! In fact, the entire CD is amazing! All of the vocalists have such great voices.

The songs on That Baby CD had the entire family singing (well, DS1 was “humming”) and it was such a hit!

That Baby DVD was also great (features videos of all the songs on the CD excluding the bonus tracks). It showcased the songs in cool videos that included touches of nostalgia, lots of kids, and fun visuals. DS1 swayed to the music videos and enjoyed watching the segments and DS2 was just mesmerized with the Brass Pocket video, which featured kids lip-syncing the song (he loves to watch babies and kids).

If you need a unique baby gift idea, look no further than That Baby DVD and That Baby CD. Babies and kids will be dancing away while parents sing along (and some may dance as well) to cover versions of classic favorites.

Shop: You can purchase That Baby DVD and CD on the That Baby DVD website , or click here to find a retailer near you.

Win: OyBaby, LLC has generously donated a That Baby DVD and That Baby CD bundle for one lucky winner!

***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED***

Congratulations to lilyk!

• To enter, join the That Baby DVD and CD Fan Page on Facebook and leave me a comment with your Facebook name.
• 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 That Baby DVD
  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 25, 2009, 11:59pm HST.
• If you submitted an eligible entry and your Facebook name is verified as a fan of That Baby DVD and CD, and it is chosen by random.org as the winner, you will be notified via email on April 26, 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 OyBaby, LLC for providing the product(s) for review and/or giveaway.

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Richard Scarry's Find Your ABC's

DS1 loves all kinds of books, especially those that ask for him to find and identify things, which is why Richard Scarry's Find Your ABC's (Sterling Publishing, ARV $9.95) is one of his newest and most favorite books.

Sam and Dudley, stars of The Great Pie Robbery, are on the case again! This time they’re searching for the alphabet, and they’d be really happy if kids would help. Here’s how: throughout the book, the words for a variety of objects appear next to their pictures—and on every page just one letter of the alphabet is highlighted. That letter is always shown in color. So join the hunt…and at the end, find out what Sam and Dudley will do with the letters they’ve found!

Richard Scarry's Find Your ABC's is actually DS1’s very first Richard Scarry book. He loved helping Sam and Dudley search for all of the letters while learning new words.

What I thought was really great about the book is that not only is your little one asked to find words that begin with a certain letter, but also those that contain that letter within the word (e.g. search for big "A"s and small "a"s).

Each letter is also introduced with funny descriptions about what’s happening on the pages, and sometimes these intros can be quite a tongue-twister, which DS1 finds so amusing!

There are so many things to find and identify on each colorful page. Sometimes DS1 can’t find everything, but that’s okay, because each time we read the book it’s fun to find something new!

We could read Richard Scarry's Find Your ABC's every day and not get tired of the many things to see and find. It’s educational and fun for everyone!

Happy hunting!

Shop: You can purchase Richard Scarry's Find Your ABC's at Barnes & Noble, and at various retailers online and nationwide.

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

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KINeSYS

Last year I published a post on how I was introduced to KINeSYS sunscreen through the Family Review Network, and it’s now one of the brands I use most often.

According to the KINeSYS website, “countless tests and trials have led to the KINeSYS line of Performance Sunscreens, which exceed the requirements of professional athletes and active individuals regardless of skill or age.”

I use the SPF 30 Sunscreen Spray for KIDS on DS1 all the time. The KINeSYS KIDS Sunscreen Spray provides Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB protection and is:
• 100% Preservative-free
• Oil-free / Alcohol-free / PABA-free
• Water-resistant / Sweat-resistant
• Hypoallergenic / Non-comedogenic

Shop: You can purchase sun protection products on the KINeSYS website, or click here to find a retailer near you.

Savvy Savings: You can get 10% off of your order using code BRC10 (KINeSYS currently offers free shipping on orders of $45; total must be $45 AFTER the discount is applied); expires May 2, 2009.

Win: KINeSYS is generously sponsoring a giveaway of a 4 oz. KIDS SPF30 Alchol Free Sunscreen Spray and a 4 oz. Performance Moisturizer with SPF 15 (Total ARV $37.98) to one lucky winner.

***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED***

Congratulations to fashionfrugality!

• To enter, visit ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­KINeSYS and comment on 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 KINeSYS
  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 24, 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 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 KINeSYS for providing the product(s) for review and/or giveaway.

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ERGObaby

Although we had a baby carrier that worked fine to carry DS2 in, I decided to look for another one so DH and I didn’t always have to readjust straps depending on who used it. So, one day I went on Twitter and asked what baby carrier people would recommend, and many people responded with ERGObaby.

According to the website, “ERGObaby is a family owned and operated company located on Maui, Hawaii. Our mission is to offer parents the most thoughtful, highest quality, and most innovative babywearing products and accessories found on the market. It is our goal to educate parents about the baby wearing lifestyle, attachment parenting and related topics to improve the way our next generations of babies are introduced into the world.”

I was fortunate to try out a Black with Green Lining Baby Carrier (ARV $105) and a Green Infant Insert (ARV $25). The ERGObaby carrier can be used in the Front Carry (inward-facing), Hip Carry, or Back Carry positions. Since we’ve been putting DS2 in our other carrier in the forward-facing position once he was able to hold his head up pretty well, I wasn’t sure how he would feel going back to the inward-facing position. However, those at ERGObaby “are advocates of our babies facing inward towards the parent in the vertical front carry position. Dr. Eveline Kirkilionis describes it best in her book “A Baby Wants To Be Carried.” ‘Infants in outward-facing orientations can’t turn away from surrounding stimuli…that become overwhelming. In this position the baby cannot make eye contact with his or her parent to evaluate facial expressions, social cues, and so forth to make assessment of the situation. Only choose a baby carrier that allows your child to face you…..never out.’”

I thought that was very interesting!

After following all of the instructions and taking precautions to ensure the belt and straps were secured properly (very important to follow proper placement and instructions to prevent falls and injuries), I used the ERGObaby carrier in the Front Carry position. I thought the carrier seemed a little bit bulky, but it was surprisingly comfy. Whenever I use it DS2 either just smiles and coos or ends up falling asleep in it, and I like how the straps don’t dig into my shoulders and it doesn't feel like I'm straining my back when I walk around.

I also love the attached baby hood, which can be used to protect DS2 from the sun, and it can even be used to provide privacy while nursing.

The ERGObaby carrier and infant insert enables you to use a single carrier as your baby grows. The carrier with the infant insert can be used with babies from 7-15 pounds, and without the insert from 15-40 pounds.

Now I know why so many people on Twitter recommended ERGObaby. It’s machine washable, can be used as your baby grows, and what I like best about it—it’s designed to be comfortable for both me and DS2.

Shop: You can purchase baby carriers and accessories on the ERGObaby website, or you can also visit the website to find a retailer near you.

Win: ERGObaby is generously sponsoring a giveaway of an organic hands free system, consisting of an ERGObaby Carrier, a Back Pack and a Front pouch, in Organic Blue with Embroidery and Applique (ARV$212).

***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED***

Congratulations to Mama Hill!

• To enter, visit ERGObaby and comment on your favorite product (please be specific).
• 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 ERGObaby
  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 22, 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 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 ERGObaby for providing the product(s) for review and/or giveaway.

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Sage and Savvy Spotlight: Bookieboo

Welcome to a brand new feature on Sage and Savvy—the Sage and Savvy Spotlight! The Sage and Savvy Spotlight will shine on cool people, companies, and sites that I've come across since I started Sage and Savvy.

My first Sage and Savvy Spotlight features Bookieboo, a “Fitness Hangout for Moms.”

I first came across Bookieboo through Entrecard. I was pregnant at the time, and I remember seeing a lot of interesting posts about pregnancy and exercise.

Then, several months later, I found out that I had a lot in common with Bookieboo’s “Chief Mom of Operations,” Leah Segedie. We both have infant and toddler boys, we’re both nursing moms, we’re both Trojans (Fight On!), and we’re both trying to lose weight after recently giving birth.

I am proud to say I have been a member of Bookieboo since February and have connected with so many other wonderful moms who help motivate me to lose weight and get fit. My favorite groups are Organic Moms, Recipe Swappers, and Lose Weight with Leah.

Leah’s own weight loss journey was her inspiration to start Bookieboo.

What is Bookieboo?

Bookieboo is a social network and online magazine for moms into fitness, weight loss and healthy living. There you will find fitness professionals giving free advice, plenty of groups to stay motivated, forums with everyday moms, and all sorts of other tools to help you stay fit.

When and why did you start Bookieboo?
I started Bookieboo in January of 2008. It was a way for me to connect with other moms that were going through the same struggles as me. I had just recently lost over 100 lbs. and did it naturally with diet and exercise. At the time, there were no social networks for moms into fitness dealing with the unique challenges that moms encounter trying to stay in shape, so I decided to create one. Since then it’s grown into an awesome site!

What are some of the most popular groups and/or discussions right now on Bookieboo?
I have one group called Losing Weight with Leah which is really popular. I just had a baby 11 weeks ago, and I’m in the process of getting rid of the baby weight again. A lot of the moms on my site have pledged to do the same, so we’ve all joined together on the site.

The forums are really popular. They are mostly mom or fitness related, but do range on several topics. The topics range from fitness during pregnancy, to naptime behavior & tips, to info on blisters and soreness, etc. And not only are they just moms posting, we also have fitness professionals and child development professionals chiming in too.

We also have a lot of support for pregnant moms. There are several articles about staying fit while pregnant, how hard you are allowed to work, what you should be eating, etc. Then when the baby is finally born, how to get back into shape.

What do you enjoy most about running Bookieboo?
I’m a social butterfly in real life and making friends is easy, but since I’ve had children, getting out is harder. I love meeting moms online and making friends because it fills that need for me to socialize. Plus, I’ve been able to help other moms get back into shape and regain that confidence they used to have by proxy. That is awesome!

What are the challenges of running and maintaining Bookieboo?
One of the challenges is keeping the content fresh and relevant to moms. I’m always on the lookout for great contributors to add to the site. So it’s a matter of creating relationships with contributors and then managing posting schedules with 40 some odd people.

Also, I try and keep my site spam free, so every once in a while I have to delete a member. I hate having to do that.

But mostly the hardest part is finding the time to do everything. I have a baby and a 3-year-old, so it’s 5 minutes here and 10 minutes there. Somehow it all gets done.

Oh, and typing while breastfeeding...

Many moms, including myself, feel like they just don’t have the time to start exercising. How do you manage to find time to exercise with everything that you do?
I ask for help. That’s been the best solution for me since the baby was born. When it was just one child, I could do a Tae Bo workout during naptime, but now that I have two, things get more complicated. I either have my husband watch the baby at 7pm or so while I’m exercising and other son is asleep OR I team up with my cousin and we switch off watching each other’s kids OR I have my mom come up and watch my kids while I go to a class. And if I’m really lucky, both of the kids will be sleeping at the same time and I can workout. The business gets done a little bit at a time throughout the day and then at night.

What’s in store for Bookieboo in the near future (events, promotions, etc.)?
We have our first Twitter Party coming up on April 16th, 2009. Click here for details.

I’m really excited about it. I’m going to have a ton of giveaways to do that night and we have about 12 special guests. The topic is simple: staying fit as a mom. Come join us!

Where else can we find you (other blogs, social networks, etc.)?
Bookieboo Rave Reviews & Giveaways was a product of necessity. It was getting really complicated doing the giveaways on Bookieboo. There were so many and I was getting overwhelmed for an easier way, so I decided to create a blog so I could use the comments as entries instead of emails. Now it’s so much easier!

Serenity Now is my own personal blog. You can get to know a little more about me there. I just started it up about a month ago.

What’s your favorite food/snack/drink to indulge in (a cheat treat)?
If I’m cheating, I’m eating Doritos. I mostly try to eat a clean diet free from preservatives and additives, so packaged cheese and enriched flour are the devil.

What’s your favorite healthy meal to prepare for your family?
One of my favs is fish. I love to cook salmon, tilapia or halibut. Everyone loves fish here and it is sooo good for you as long as you don’t smother it in butter. So maybe Salmon, brown rice and asparagus.

Another one is taco night. We do turkey or chicken tacos with bell peppers, light sour cream, whole wheat tortillas and onions. Then vegetarian refried beans and tomatoes on the side.

My husband’s favorite meal is chicken & steak kabobs. He does the cooking that night and uses a special ginger dressing from Whole Foods with bell peppers, onions, pineapple, chicken and steak. It’s yummy.

What are your goals for Bookieboo?
What I’m really working on right now is branding. The most important thing for me is to become the go-to place for moms into fitness and I’ve done a pretty good job of that in the past year. So far the site has gotten a lot of attention and members. But I won’t be completely happy until the site has over 10,000 members.

Finally, Sage and Savvy features information on products, services, and websites, primarily those that are sage (wise/eco-friendly) and/or savvy (practical/innovative). What is one sage and/or savvy product that you can’t live without?
I love inexpensive eco-friendly products from Trader Joe’s. I use their dishwashing powder and laundry detergent for several reasons. Besides the fact that they are very affordable, they also lack all the toxins & chemicals I’m scared to expose my family to.

Thank you Leah for sharing your story, creating Bookieboo, and being an inspiration to so many!

Whether you want to lose weight, get great exercise tips, or simply connect with other moms, don’t hesitate to join Bookieboo.

Let's help Leah and Bookieboo reach over 10,000 members!

And don’t forget the Twitter Party on April 16th! I’ll be there!

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WAT-AAH

If DS1 had his way, he’d drink juice and fruit punch all the time--at every meal, and even during snack time. We try to give him only water or milk, and if we do give him juice it's usually organic juice, but if he sees a bottle or box of juice, that’s all he wants, and he'll refuse to drink anything else. Therefore, you can imagine how eager I was for DS1 to participate in the WAT-AAH Challenge.

According to the website, WAT-AAH is “the first premium water brand by kids for kids. It is pure, clean and healthy hydration…” It “contains no sugar, artificial flavors, colors or unnatural additives. WAT-AAH! is ultra pure water containing the right amount of essential minerals to fortify and maintain children's health. WAT-AAH!'s mission is to reverse the established behavior and dependency on sweetened drinks among America's children, and ultimately help fight the battle against childhood obesity and to teach kids that healthy bodies can be obtained through healthy hydration.”

Here’s what happened in the WAT-AAH Challenge:

I placed a juice box on a shelf in the refrigerator along with a bottle of Body WAT-AAH (ARV $1.50 per bottle). DS1 started to reach for the juice box, but then he grabbed the WAT-AAH. I was pretty surprised, and then I thought “Hmmm…maybe this is a fluke. Maybe he just wanted the bottle of WAT-AAH because it was something new.” Well, he just gulped the WAT-AAH like it was the tastiest thing he ever drank.

The next day I “challenged” DS1 again, this time with the bottle of Brain WAT-AAH.

Once again, he started to reach for the juice box, but then he saw the bottle of WAT-AAH and grabbed that instead. And, just as he did with the Body WAT-AAH, he gulped it down.

I was quite amazed.

Shop: You can purchase bottles of WAT-AAH on buywataah.com or visit drinkwataah.com website for a list of retailers.

DS1 loves WAT-AAH, and I love it too because it’s good for his brain, bones, and body, and is a hydrating, energizing drink that is healthy and refreshing.

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

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