Building Blocks for Strong Families (and a Free Newsletter)

Life's Building Blocks has been reviewed on here before. In fact, my 5-year-old son still very much loves his Zaki the Chameleon doll. So I wasn't surprised to learn that the folks behind the already impressive and completely supportive Life's Building Blocks have put together a free monthly email newsletter to further assist families with character training.

The newsletter has tons of thought-provoking info and practical advice for today's parents. To learn more about this tool, containing quotes, interviews, and articles that aren't destined for your delete button, visit www.lifesbuildingblocks.com. It's a quick and painless sign-up process, and they won't spam you. (I promise.)

The Land of Nod Recalls Children’s Canopies Due to Entrapment and Strangulation Hazards

The "Home Sweet Playhome" canopies are recalled due to a risk of children getting caught in the window openings. Please check the CPSC website for full details.

Review of Lancaster's Clip'N'Feed

More and more Moms are choosing to nurse. Lucky for us, there are more and more quality products hitting the market -- ready to meet our needs. But what do you get the Mom who may or may not nurse? Maybe you don't want to be nosey, asking if a friend intends to nurse before you run out and buy that cool new nursing cover.

Thankfully, with the Lancaster Clip'N'Feed, it won't matter! Both nursing and bottle-feeding moms (and dads) will love this cover.

The Clip'N'Feed is conveniently designed to go around the nursing mother's neck, offering the perfect cover for intimate feeding OR you can choose to use the quality clips to attach the cover to clothing. Either way, you have a quick solution to possible "wardrobe malfunctions."

That's not the only way to use the Clip'N'Feed, however. It's perfect as a cover for strollers, car seats, baby carriers, or anything else you want to cover up. The Clip'N'Feed is super sturdy, comfy, and offers the best coverage of any nursing cover we've tested!


Available in stylish designs for for gals and guys, it's a Mom (and Dad's) best accessory for baby's everyday care. Learn more about the Clip'N'Feed (and how versatile it is) at www.clipnfeed.com

Wanna win? We are offering one lucky reader their own Clip'N'Feed! Just visit the website to see all the ways you can use it. Then post a comment here on this post with your favorite way. You have until this Sunday, February 1st, at 5pm to get your entries in. Giveaway is subject to complete site rules. (Be sure to give us a way to reach you if you win, and remember that we will never use your email or contact info for anything other than to send your prize.) Good luck!


Enter all the Bloggy Giveaways for even more chances to win!

Welcome to the Qlubb!

I know that you've got some new organizational goals this year -- I do! I tried out the coolest tool for keeping everything together this past week. It's free, fun, and totally complimentary to my lifestyle.

Here are just a few of the things you can do with Qlubb:

• Start a group for your school, homeschool, or PTA group
• Keep track of your weight-loss goals with a group of "accountable" friends
• Let your family know what's up (events, special occasions, etc.) with a family group
• Begin a small business club with other ladies looking to expand their professional network

These are just a few of the many ways you can start a Qlubb! You can even begin one for your church, small faith group, hobby club, and more!

Invite members, add new events, post messages, share pictures, and stay close to your clan with Qlubb. It's easy to join, easy to use, and super addictive. You'll love it! (It took me less than 2 minutes to set up my group. No hassle, no complicated tutorials to read.)

For all the scoop on Qlubb or to start your own Qlubb, visit their site at www.Qlubb.com.

U.B. Funkeys Giveaway

Looking for a crazy fun toy that interacts with online worlds? The U.B. Funkeys are your key to unlock a world of games, customize your crib, and share with friends! (For ages 8 and up.)

We have a Starter Kit and Multiplayer Pack to give to one Lille Punkin' Reader! Here are the details:

Features:

• 30 Collectable Dream State Funkeys
• Each Funkey Unlocks a New Game
• Earn coins to buy items & customize your 'crib'
• Share your crib with friends online
• Everything you need to get started

Contents:

• One chat Funkey
• One other Funkey figure

Plus one Multiplayer Pack (Valued at $14.99) to go with the Starter Kit (also valued at $14.99)!

To be eligible to win, just leave a comment on the post with why you want to win. It's easy! You have until this Saturday, Jan 31st to enter. Giveaway is subject to complete site rules. (Be sure to give us a way to reach you if you win, and remember that we will never use your email or contact info for anything other than to send your prize.) Good luck!


Enter all the Bloggy Giveaways for even more chances to win!

Crib, Cord Blind, Car, and Pacifier Recalls!

Check out all these recalls!

Top Goods Trading Recalls Flashing Pacifiers Due to Choking and Strangulation Hazard

Risk of Strangulation Prompts Recall of Window Blinds Sold at Cost Plus and World Market Stores

TDI International Recalls Toy Cars Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard

Stork Craft Recalls More Than 500,000 Cribs; Mattress Support Bracket Failures Create Risk of Entrapment and Suffocation

Mad Dog Concepts Recalls Boy’s Pajamas Due to Burn Hazard

These Tony Hawk branded PJ's have been recalled. To see the full details, please see the official CPSC government website.

Review of Kid Essentials by BOOST

Kids not eating so well? Worried that they may not be getting enough of the good stuff? Whether you children are champion eaters or simply a bit picky, you'll appreciate a new product by BOOST specifically-designed to keep kids healthy (and it tastes awesome!)

We had a chance to review the chocolate Kid Essentials from BOOST this week. I had a 2, 3, and 5 year old each give the stuff a try, and they loved it! Packaged in cute little boxes (like the kind juice drinks come in) and accompanied by this really cool expandable straw, they were easy to drink at home and on the go. They fought a bit over the drink (3 of them, and only 2 boxes to share), but I think that was a good thing.

What's in them? I'm glad you asked! In each serving of the drink, there are:

25 essential vitamins and minerals
7 grams of protein
Vitamins C, E, and selenium (awesome antioxidants!)
Immunity-supportive probiotics (which are delivered through the special straw!)

The drinks are also lactose-free, gluten-free, and contain no high-fructose corn syrup. Isn't that a relief?

The neat little drink boxes are recyclable, and didn't spill all over like some drink boxes -- even in the hands of my 2-year-old!

For more information on the Kid Essentials line (which include chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry flavors), visit www.kidessentials.com.



Wanna win? We have 2 cool prize packs from Kid Essentials to give away. Each prize contains: 2 drinks, one sandwich holder, one flowering "bloom kit", and a handy lunchbox! Earn your chance to get your mitts on one of these prizes by visiting the Kid Essentials site and commenting on this post with how you would use Kid Essentials in your daily life. You have until next Friday, January 30th at 5pm CST to get your entries in. Giveaway is subject to complete site rules. (Be sure to give us a way to reach you if you win, and remember that we will never use your email or contact info for anything other than to send your prize.) Good luck!

Review of Boon Baby and Toddler Feeding Line

I'm a huge fan of style.. but only if it's functional. When I recently dug into the full line of infant and toddler mealtime products from Boon, I was in heaven! Could I handle adorably-designed and "very,very good-looking" products that also made meals easier? I'm in!

There isn't one product from the line that I wouldn't recommend. I did have my favorites, however:

• Squirt Food Dispensing Baby Spoon allows you to fill the handle of the spoon with up to 3 oz. of baby's favorite messy foods, then lets you dispense it one delicious mouthful at a time. No more half-eaten jars of food to contend with! A nifty cover lets you keep the spoon clean while it also stores food. Yummy!

• Fluid Toddler Cup is not only the most attractive sippy on the market -- it's also safe! Like all the Boon food items, it is BPA, Phalate, and PVC-free. It's is easy to hold, easier to clean, and my little guy wears his on his wrist like a bracelet until he gets thirsty. (You couldn't pay me to make this stuff up!)

• Saucer Stay Put Divided Plate fills the gap between plates that look good and plates that stay on the table. If you're sick of watching your terrible two flinging their plate off the table in a fit of defiance, this is the plate to have. Low to the table's surface, and equipped with just enough rubber-grippy stuff to keep it in place, I'm considering getting one for my dog, too. (Cause I'm sick of him tipping over his bowl.)

Boon has never put out a product that didn't amaze me. To see what we think of their bath line, check out our previous review. And don't forget to see every other genius thing they've made at their official website www.booninc.com.

Infantino Expands Recall of Infant Rattles Due to Choking Hazard

This new rattle has been added to a previous recall. To see both releases in their entirety, visit the CPSC website.

Fisher-Price Recalls Simplicity’s Rainforest™ Portable Play Yards Due to Fall and Entrapment Hazards

There have been over 1300 reports of injuries due to the side of the play yard collapsing (including a chipped tooth, broken nose, broken wrist, and a mild concussion. To see the full details and how Fisher-Price is helping to assist customers in this recall, visit the CPSC website.

Children’s Sunglasses Recalled by Axiom Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard

These spiderweb blue and spiderweb red kid's glasses have been recalled. You can see the full details at the CPSC website.

Get Your Discounted Bizzi2Go Planner

Moms, are you resolving to get organized this year? Me too! I tend to set more realistic goals than others (not missing important appointments, for example) and find that a planner can help me to meet those goals without added stress or fuss.

I've been using the Bizzi2Go planner for the past year (check out our previous review), and I LOVE it! If you're interested in a simple, easy-to-use planner that you can take anywhere and use for everything, you have to check it out!

And if you order from their 2009 selection, you will get a discount off of their regular price, plus a free ebook "Craft Happy Kids." Visit the Bizzimom website for all the information you need to get started!

Celebrate with Baby Einstein and Win!

The love of reading can begin very early. (Each of my little ones were showing a keen interest in pictures books when they were old enough to hold them on their own.) And while forcing kids into an educational program at too tender of an age can be a discouraging experience for them, there is a more subtle, enjoyable option that parents and tots will adore -- Reading!

The Baby Einstein picture books are a favorite reading material at our house. Sturdy construction, bright pictures, and an interactive experience characterize these simple, sweet, and popular books. Take a look at some of the titles offered:

Alphabooks

Discovering the alphabet has never been more fun than with these 26 mini board books. Real-life photos and illustrations of everyday objects introduce Baby to each letter, and every mini board book can be stored and carried in a colorfully decorated Alphabooks box.

Touch and Feel Baby Animals

Take your baby on a sensory tour of the world of baby animals in this charming new board book. Babies will be introduced to the animals that are just like them -- babies! -- through stunning real-life photos that feature touch and feel panels. Babies will love to touch a puppy’s soft ears or the slippery skin of a dolphin

What’s Bigger Than Me

This illustrated board book introduces young children to the concepts of big and small by pointing out common big and small objects in familiar locations. The charming illustrations and simple clever rhyme, are sure to delight youngsters as they discover big and small objects in their daily lives.

As you may or may not know, actress Jennifer Garner has been a big supporter of the Baby Einstein mission. To help celebrate the birth of her new baby girl (a literary fan in the making, we're sure!), the folks at Baby Einstein want to give one of you the ultimate collection of their board books, to contain: Alphabooks, Touch & Feel Baby Animals, What's Bigger Than Me?, Mirror Me, and Neighborhood Animals. (That's a lot of story time!)

To get in on this opportunity, visit the Baby Einstein website and take a look around. Then comment here on this post with anything you liked about your experience (anything, at all!) While you're there, you can even sign up to win $250 of Baby Einstein gear! You have until next Friday, January 23rd at 5pm CST to get your entries in. Giveaway is subject to complete site rules. (Be sure to give us a way to reach you if you win, and remember that we will never use your email or contact info for anything other than to send your prize.) Good luck!

Recall of Taggies™ Sleep'n Play Infant Garments

Several designs of the garments have been recalled due to snap defects. Please check your child's wardrobe against the list at the CPSC website.

Giant Bicycle, Inc. Recalls Bicycles; Fork Can Break Causing Rider To Fall

Giant is recalling the following bikes due to this potential for injury:

2009 TCR Advanced SL Team, SL 0, SL 1, and SL 2, as well as the SL (ISP) model bicycles and frams in silver, charcoal, blue, and red.

For additional details, please see the official recall at the CPSC website.

Toy Xylophones Recalled by The Land of Nod Due to Choking Hazard

This toy xylophone has small pegs, which can break and cause a choking hazard. Please see the CPSC website for details on how to get your refund (which is equal to the purchase price plus a $10 gift card.)

Review of Nature Discovery in My Backyard Book by the Little Environmentalists

Whether you consider yourself a "green" family, or just one who loves to learn, there is a special new book available to help give little ones an exciting start in their quest for knowledge of the world around them. Nature Discovery in My Backyard by The Little Environmentalists is a cute and engaging picture book designed to get curious little minds on the right path towards appreciation of nature.

This book uses the senses to help children identify and discover the things that may be living in their own backyards: trees, birds, flowers, mammals, bugs, and more! The book features a small child that kids can relate to, and the messages on each page are simple, yet open-ended enough to prompt real discussion between parents and children. There is also a section for parents in the back of the book for conducting real at-home science and nature lessons!

My kids wanted me to read this one over and over again. (And even now, I can't find the book to refer to -- they keep taking it and putting it in their library!)

For more information on the mission and offerings of The Little Environmentalists, visit their website. Love of nature can begin early enough to last a lifetime!


Wanna win? We are giving one reader their own copy of the book! Just visit the Little Environmentalists website and tell us what you like about it. You have until Tuesday, January 20th at 5pm CST to get your entries in. Giveaway is subject to complete site rules. (Be sure to give us a way to reach you if you win, and remember that we will never use your email or contact info for anything other than to send your prize.) Good luck!

Review of Special K20 Protein Water Mix

Hey, all you New Year's Resolution makers! I know that it can be tough, so I've decided to test out a few of the newest products on the market designed to help you meet your health goals for 2009.

The first on my list was the Special K2o Protein Water Mix. This product came in nifty, single-serving tubes that you cut open and dump into a glass of ice water.

How did it taste? Wonderful! Like pink lemonade, of course, but to be honest -- I had to use about half of the recommended mix. I don't like my drinks too sweet! Did the drink keep me full longer? I think so. While I can't actually measure how hungry I would have been otherwise, I did resist the temptation to reach for my jar of chocolate bars with more gumption than usual.

The best part of the water was that it kept me on target to get my daily recommended fluid intake. It was easy to drink this water!

I haven't tried the other flavors yet, but I can highly recommend the Pink Lemonade version. To see all the nutritional info of the product, visit the product details at Kelloggs.com. And check out Amazon's savings offer of $15 instantly when you stock up on Special K products!

Review of My Fruit Roll-Ups Personalized Snacks

My kiddos go crazy for Fruit Roll-ups. Even the baby (who's almost 2 and very attitudinal when it comes to watching others it them without him) has to have a piece of one. I'm partial to the strawberry, but I'll eat any flavor, any day.

When we got a chance to try out the personalized ones from MyFruitRollups.com, I was psyched. I was able to upload a picture of my little guy (who's turning 2 next week), and design a special birthday greeting to be printed the actual snack. How cool is that?

The design process was easy. I was able to review what the snack would look like when I was done, and it was shipped to my door in no time. We now have the most awesome party favors for my son's birthday!

The snacks can be purchased by the box of 30, and cost $29.99 plus S/H. You can expect your unique treats to arrive within 15 days of order. To read more about it, visit their site!

Wanna win? We are giving one lucky Lille Punkin' reader their own box of personalized treats! Just comment here with the theme or design you would like to feature on your Fruit Roll-ups, or who you would give them to. You have until next Friday, January 16th to get your entries in. Giveaway is subject to complete site rules. (Be sure to give us a way to reach you if you win, and remember that we will never use your email or contact info for anything other than to send your prize.) Good luck!

Review of Internet Password Organizer

If you've relied on software solutions to keeping your internet passwords safely stored for later use, than you understand how frustrating it is when your PC crashes, or you aren't using your own computer when you need to remember a password. There is a simpler, low-tech solution that I've been fortunate to learn about: The Internet Password Organizer.

There's nothing fancy about this book. It's a sturdy, spiral bound book that's no bigger than a paperback. It's functional, and that's what matters.

I love my Internet Password Organizer. The best part is that my husband no longer has to ask "What's the password to our Ebay account, again?" I can change my passwords as often as I feel comfortable, and I don't have to try to remember off the top of my head. I also love that there is a special page for ISP addresses, for when my router gets reset. This in itself is priceless.

If Unclutterer.com digs it, I should have known it would be awesome. To see it in action, visit the official website, and get it for less than $20. This is one New Year's Resolution that's in the bag.