Get Pretty with Lovely Lisa & Friends for the DS and DSi

I have three little boys, and my older girl is growing up fast. Maybe that's why I get so excited when I get to try out cute things for girls that help grow their imagination and let them play together!

Lovely Lisa & Friends is now on Nintendo DS with a new game for girls based on the popular Lovely Lisa dolls from Japan. This game lets kids of all ages buy clothes and accessories, play mini games to earn points, and take pictures (DSi version only) to make your own styles and patterns!

Sweet, age-appropriate activities make this game a fun way to introduce girls to fashion and dress-up games that have become so popular for gaming systems. Not only can players paint nails and apply lipstick, they can role-play important values, too! (Help mom with cooking and groceries or give Dad a hand with light construction, for example.) We were also impressed with some of the career choices for the game -- nursing, babysitting, cake decorating, etc.


This fun game is available now from most online retailers, including Amazon (aff) for around $29.


Wanna Win? We have all kinds of Lovely Lisa & Friends prizes to give away!

2 First prize winners will receive

• Lovely Lisa & Friends for the Nintendo DS
• A Lovely Lisa notepad
• A Lovely Lisa Keychain pen
• A Lovely Lisa sticker

2 Grand prize winners will receive everything above plus a A Lovely Lisa mini doll!

To be entered to win, just comment on this post with why you want to win! You have until March 12th at 11:59 am CST to get your entries in, and you can enter every day! (Just comment as directed for your first entry, and for each entry after that, type "Today's Entry!")

Giveaways are subject to complete site rules. Open to persons 18+ U.S. only, please. (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, and be sure to check out all of our other giveaways!

*Sample game was received for this post.

Review of Melissa and Doug Wooden Puzzles from Gummy Lump Toys

Huge Melissa and Doug puzzle fans here!

We had a chance to give my newly-turned-3-year-old son a wooden puzzle from Gummy Lump Toys for his birthday last month. Boy was he tickled!



This particular Shapes Chunky puzzle is for ages 2 and up and features 8 shapes (circle, square, diamond, rectangle, triangle, heart, star, and oval.) The pieces are much chunkier than the spaces that they set in, which makes it easy for young kids to place them correctly, and it also prevents them from getting damaged or lost. (Chunky is better.) And it was super colorful - so that kids can identify colors, as well!

In addition to putting the puzzle together over and over again, my son enjoyed just taking out the different shapes and feeling them in his hands, saying their names, and lining them up on our coffee table. It was totally a tactile learning experience for him.A super tool for homeschoolers, day cares, or any parent who just wants a fun, educational way to keep little guys or gals entertained, this puzzle sits at the top of our puzzle tray and gets played with almost daily. After he played with it for awhile, he was naming the shapes in other places -- like books, on TV, and even in his breakfast cereal!

This puzzle (along with many other chunky puzzles) are available from specialty online shop GummyLump.com. I recommend checking out their site and seeing what other clever items you might find for kids of all ages!

Wanna Win? We have one chunky puzzle of your choice to give away to a lucky reader! To be entered to win, simply choose from any chunky puzzle, and leave your choice in the comments below. You have until March 10th at 11:59 am CST to get your entries in, and you can enter every day! (Just comment as directed for your first entry, and for each entry after that, type "Today's Entry!")

Giveaways are subject to complete site rules. Open to persons 18+ U.S. only, please. (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, and be sure to check out all of our other giveaways!

*Sample puzzle was received for this review.

Soleil Moon Frye and Melissa Joan Hart share Party Planning Tips for "Real" Parents

What a fun day!

I had the chance to ask some questions of child-stars-now-all-grown-up Soleil Moon Frye and Melissa Joan Hart. In addition to being amazingly gracious with their time, I felt so much better as a mom after talking to them. They have the same challenges as any of us, and they also appreciate friendships and "Mom" time in their busy lives.

Hear what they had to say in our video interview:




Thanks, Gain for arranging the interview! (And thanks ladies for making it so special!) You can learn more about the new pairing of Gain scented detergent with it's matching scented softener at the Gain website. (While you're there, enter to win a great giveaway or see more fun tips from Soleil and Melissa!)

Review of New York Style Risotto Chips

Risotto. Kind of makes me think of the rice dishes I usually pass on when we're dining out at a nice restaurant. Then again, I love crunchy snacks, so when I was asked to try the new product from New York Style, I had to give it a go!

What are they? Deliciously crispy chips made from whole grain brown and Arborio rice. This means no gluten or trans fat, and they are full of fiber (11 grams of whole grain per serving!) By far one of the most unusual snacks we've tasted, they were also curiously satisfying. And my hubby and kids (usually picky snackers) love them!

You can taste the rice, and the texture is more substantial than other, lighter chips. However, it is something that leaves you feeling like you got a good serving -- i.e., you're not hungry five minutes later -- and the flavors are very full!

They come in Sea Salt, Parmesan and Roasted Garlic, and Spicy Marinara (which tastes like salsa!) Available at grocers everywhere, they make a great compliment to sandwiches, soups, and salads! Find more information at New York Style's website.

*Sample was received for this review.

Review of Fantastic Mr. Fox on DVD

Ok, so it's not out until March 23rd, but we had to tell you about this clever flick based on the book by Roald Dahl (you know, the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory author..) and starring the voices of superstars like George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Bill Murray, and Owen Wilson.

First off, it's a bit bizarre. The animation is superb, but at times leaves you wondering what exactly you're looking at. The way the characters are made to be so human-like is truly the key to why this film works. It's fun, funny, and very engaging for an animated feature.

The story line involves Mr. Fox, a former thief who goes straight so he can raise a family. When presented with the option to move across the way from 3 corrupt farmers, however, the tempation to pull off one last major heist is too much. He dives right into to his old life, thereby alienating his family and putting the entire underground animal world in danger.

What we loved: This film is hilarious. I loved the character development of creatures as simple as a possum (who frequently zones out with blank eyes like a real possum would) and how animal behavior is injected into people-like scenarios. There is a lesson to the madness that is Mr. Fox's life -- his wife threatens to leave him after he betrays her, and in the process of making amends to everyone around him, he finds value and worth as a father, husband, and leader -- even though it isn't an exciting or glamorous as a con man.

What we didn't love: This film is rated PG for some dangerous situations (Mr. Fox loses his tail in an altercation with a farmer, references are made that if the foxes get caught the farmers will "kill the children.") There is also a questionable use of swearing throughout the film. No, they don't say the words.. but rather substitute every swear word with the word "cuss." While I wasn't offended, personally, parents will want to decide how to treat this use of language. (If you don't want your 2-year-old saying, "What the cuss?" -- this may not be the film for you.) On the other hand, the creative use of slang led to a worthwhile discussion at our home about appropriate language and what constitutes swearing. Since the word "cuss" isn't all that memorable to young kids, my children have already forgotten about the specific terms, but remember what they learned about our rules for language.

We really enjoyed this film. My husband and I were rolling throughout. The kids were entertained, but much of the witty banter went way over their heads. I think that when you can find a film that isn't dumbed-down to the point that the parents are waiting for it to be over, you've got a winner. Fantastic Mr. Fox is that winner.

Check out this Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment film on Amazon (aff) or your favorite video retailer on March 23rd!

Wanna Win? We have 3 copies of this film to give away. To be entered, just comment on this post with why you think you might want to catch this flick! You have until March 10th at 11:59 am CST to get your entries in, and you can enter every day! (Just comment as directed for your first entry, and for each entry after that, type "Today's Entry!")

Giveaways are subject to complete site rules. Open to persons 18+ U.S. only, please. (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, and be sure to check out all of our other giveaways!

* A DVD screener was provided for this review.

Review of Bach Kids Flower Remedies

We dig natural stuff at our house. While I show no disrespect for commercial medicines, we have been gearing up for treating many of our maladies with herbs, flowers, and natural plants. In fact, this winter, I was lucky enough to have Elderberry for my cold -- and it really helped!

We recently had the chance to try some natural remedies designed for kids -- Bach Kids Flower Remedies. These small vials contained tinctures from flowers you actually heard of, all designed to treat the person, not the ailment. The one that we recently tried was called Bach Kids RESCUE Remedy - This is made for kids to help relieve stress and provide a non-drowsy calm. It contains:

Rock Rose for stress and anxiety, Impatiens for irritation and impatience, Clematis for inattentiveness, Star of Bethlehem for agitation, Cherry Plum for irrational thoughts

The product is easy to dispense, and 4 drops on the tongue is all that is needed for a proper dose. My boys didn't complain of the flavor (which is rare). The product is easily stored in a medicine cabinet, or a purse for on-the-go treatment. (Note: The manufacturer recommends using it no less than 4 times a day, and it can be mixed with water for sipping, if the child doesn't like to have drops administered.)

Bach Kids also comes in two other varieties: Confidence and Daydream (2 drops per dose for each of these.)

So far, so good. The kids haven't complained about the products, and I like that they are handy when I need them!

Learn more about Bach Kids Flower Remedies at their website: BachKids.com

Wanna Save? Just visit NelsonsStore.com, and use Promo Code: PUNKIN to get 25% off your online order of these three products! Coupon ends March 30th, 2010.

*Sample was received for this review.

Get Out the Spring Toys!

My kids have been driving me buggy! They're great kids, mind you -- they just need a chance to get out and play. They especially miss all their fun outdoor toys, since it's been snowy for months, and have lately been begging me for a few battery powered ride on toys so that they can race around our driveway. When it gets warmer, I'll strongly consider it.

Right now, ride on toys are a big hit for my 3 boys. We've even adapted our dining room to accommodate some Big Wheels and other toys that the boys can zoom around on. (My husband's idea, not mine.) While I love that they get a kick out of being so active, I admit that it drives me a bit crazy!

Some my own childhood memories involved ride on toys, and I can clearly remember wishing we had more a sidewalk near our farmhouse to really work them out. (It's hard to build up speed on a gravel road!)

Do your kids like these kinds of toys? If so, how do you make sure they have room to play and be safe? We'd love to hear your tips for adapting to cold weather and small spaces with your ride on toys!

Review of Amelia on DVD

We watched a heartbreaking movie tonight.

It was "Amelia," the new movie about the life of Amelia Earhart, and it took me by surprise. Why? Well, it caused me to question a lot of things about women: what they can do, what they should do, and how far you should go to follow your dreams. The story presented in this movie was complex, as was the main character.

I loved many things about the movie, like how she did things with her own sense of style (or in this case her own sense of non-style. She wasn't a very stylish person, at all.) I learned a little about what it was like for a woman in that day: the politics and the changes.

Some things about the movie made me very uncomfortable: Amelia's somewhat non-committed marriage, her boyfriend, her insistence on doing everything her way, even when it was impractical or treacherous.

All in all, however, it was a great story. While I can't verify much of the historical accuracy, it did spur me on to learn more about this inquisitive character in America's history. (And Richard Gere, Hillary Swank, and Ewan McGregory were all very charming -- even as they were slightly disfunctional.)

Amelia left me teary, even though I knew how it would end. Her strange disappearance over the ocean didn't seem to do justice to the strong and complicated woman that led this film. I watched it with my 11-year-old daughter, and while she seemed to have many questions at first (especially regarding Amelia's somewhat tangled love life), she seemed to understand the importance that this woman made in history. For other women.. and for everyone.

Rated PG for some very mild language, a few romantic scenes (which were mild, as well), and a reference or two to drinking, it was not something you had to worry about showing the kids. Younger kids, however, will find it not entertaining enough to stick around for. (I'd say it will hold the attention of around 9 years and up.) A family-friendly drama, this picture from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment will make a good way to spend an evening at your house. Check it out on Amazon (aff) or your favorite video retailer.

Wanna Win? We have 3 copies of this film to give away. To be entered, just comment on this post with why you think you might want to catch this flick! You have until February 27th at 11:59 am CST to get your entries in, and you can enter every day! (Just comment as directed for your first entry, and for each entry after that, type "Today's Entry!")

Giveaways are subject to complete site rules. Open to persons 18+ U.S. only, please. (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, and be sure to check out all of our other giveaways!

* A DVD screener was provided for this review.

Baby Bracelets and Pacifier Clips Recalled Due to Risk of Lead Exposure

These baby bracelets and pacifier clips by Allreds Design have been recalled due to possible lead hazard with the end clasps. Please see the full details at the CPSC website to see if your product is affected.


Stay Safe!

It's a Johnson's Baby Shower !

Babies, babies, babies! Since finding out what our new little bundle will be last week (it's a boy!), we've been unable to stop talking about babies. When we were asked to be a part of the Johnson's Baby Shower blog tour, from Mom Central, we knew it was perfect timing!

We've been using Johnson's Baby products with all our kids (all 4 of them so far), and I even pamper my own skin with the baby wash and the oil on occasions. The pleasant scents, gentle and effective formulation, and easy to use packaging are why we'll continue to use it with our next one, too! (We even scrub our puppy with the Bedtime Bubble Bath & Wash!)

In addition to the new product we use for our puppy (and our kids), we received samples of our favorite standby's, which include:

Johnson's Pink Lotion, Head to Toe Wash, Desitin, Johnson's Gold Shampoo, Johnson's Baby Oil, and Johnsons' Baby Powder (something even my 6-year-old uses daily)

While we usually don't bathe our newborns too often at first, we feel some comfort in the fact that even tiny babies can be soothed and nurtured by a lovingly-given bath. These products make it easier, and they help me to feel like I've taken extra steps to do the job right! And Johnson's Baby products are perfect for any age baby -- as we've told you about with our kids and our dog!

*I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Johnson’s and received samples of Johnson’s Baby products to facilitate my review.

Kohl's Cares for Kids 2010 Program is a Hit!

Remember last year when we gushed over the Kohl's Cares of Kids program and how you could get a high-quality stuffed plush and hard back children's books for just $5? Well, they are back! And this year's theme couldn't be more appropriate: Dr. Seuss!

Young readers (and their reminiscent parents) will adore this year's offerings from the charitable program, featuring the following adorable gifts:

• The Lorax book with coordinating Lorax Plush
• The Foot Book with Orange "Foot" plush
• Oh, The Thinks You Can Think! with yellow "Thinks" character plush
• If I Ran the Circus with whale plush
  

These are some of the most high-quality items you can get, and they are super affordable, too! The plush is well-constructed, soft, and large enough for kids to cuddle and hug. They can read along in the hard-cover books, full of all the original Dr. Seuss stories you grew up loving!

In addition to just being a great buy for frugal families on a budget, the Kohl's offerings benefit a good cause, too! 100% of the net profit from the sale of these items will support health and educational opportunities for children nationwide. You can read more about the Kohl's Cares for Kids program at their official website.

These special gifts won't last forever. Available in stores and online until the end of April, they are a treat that can be bought now and saved for a great birthday gift of holiday present later. Stock up!

Wanna Win? We are giving 5 lucky winners a gift set from the program! To be entered to win, just visit the Kohl's Cares website and tell us what impresses you about the program. You have until February 25th at 11:59 am CST to get your entries in, and you can enter every day! (Just comment as directed for your first entry, and for each entry after that, type "Today's Entry!")

Giveaways are subject to complete site rules. Open to persons 18+ U.S. only, please. (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, and be sure to check out all of our other giveaways!

*Sample was received for this review.

Review of Whip It on DVD

We love films for the whole family here at Lille Punkin', but let's face it... sometimes the grownups need a movie night of their own. Hubby and I enjoyed a screener of Whip It, starring Ellen Page of Juno fame and directed by Drew Barrymore. Did we enjoy it? Yes!

A small town girl with big time problems (her mom pushed her to do beauty pageants), Bliss Cavender gets into the underground world of Roller Derby. Although the girls in this sport are rough n' tumble, sweet Bliss manages to fit right in and find her talent -- without compromising her softer ways. Girl power is the theme of this movie, but it's not to the point of being preachy or far out. In fact, some of the situations that our heroine finds herself in are far from glamorous (she experiences a "first time" with an older boy and ends up losing her best friend.) We enjoyed the fact that the film presented her choices as subject to consequence, even though it does have quite the happy ending.

We laughed a lot during this film, although I would classify it more as "coming of age" than slapstick. The characters really make the movie: Marcia Gay Harden, Juliette Lewis, Daniel Stern, Jimmy Fallon, and of course Drew Barrymore all make wonderful appearances and carry the somewhat turmoil-filled plot to the very end in an enjoyable way. If you want a realistic, flawed, but charming character that you can root for to the very end, Whip It makes for a good underdog story.

Note: Since the film is PG-13, we wouldn't recommend it for children (not even many teenagers.) There is language, some sports violence, a non-graphic love scene (which is later regretted), and some slang humor. I would say that overall, none of these things were gratuitous, and I was impressed by Ms. Barrymore's decision to keep it at a level that I felt comfortable with -- some PG-13 films border on the R line. This did not.

Whip It (which is a reference to a skating move) is available on DVD from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment now. Check it out on Amazon (aff) or your favorite video retailer.

Wanna Win? We have 3 copies of this film to give away. To be entered, just comment on this post with why you think you might want to catch a free flick! You have until February 24th at 11:59 am CST to get your entries in, and you can enter every day! (Just comment as directed for your first entry, and for each entry after that, type "Today's Entry!")

Giveaways are subject to complete site rules. Open to persons 18+ U.S. only, please. (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, and be sure to check out all of our other giveaways!

* A DVD screener was provided for this review.

More Crib Recalls and Discovery Kids Lamp Recall

Wow! These cribs were sold quite a while ago, and the company is now out of business. If you owned a Generation 2 crib (see the site for all the details), contact the retailer where you bought it for a remedy.

Also, these Discovery Kids lamps are being recalled due to fire and burn hazards. Get the scoop from the CPSC.

Stay Safe!

Q-tips® Baby Packs Help Make Baby's Corner More Special

We've never been lucky enough to have a dedicated baby nursery in any of the homes we've lived in. Even after 4 kids, we have still found a way, however, to make their special corner of the world even more special (whether it's the corner of our bedroom or a corner of the living room!)

The new Q-tips Baby Packs we recently sampled were a touching way to keep essential products on hand when you need them, but they were charmingly decorated to make the changing table or play area look like they were made for baby! Just check out how cute these are:

So even if your home isn't equipped for a deluxe nursery to the stars, there's still a way to make it your baby's perfect corner of the world. Wendy Bellissimo, nursery decorating genius, suggests that parents accessorize whenever possible. She recommends that you use classic-looking items, like books and a silver baby bank. We love keeping things simple!

The adorable Baby Packs featured in this post are available in stores now, and contain 285 Q-tips in an adorable box for a little over $3! You can find them at Walmart and Target, or read more at www.qtips.com.

Wanna Win? We are giving one lucky Lille Punkin' Reader a "Perfect Nursery” Product Pack, which comes with two Q-tips® Baby Packs and a silver elephant bank. To be entered to win, just comment on this post with a nursery decorating tip or story. You have until February 15th at 11:59 am CST to get your entries in, and you can enter every day! (Just comment as directed for your first entry, and for each entry after that, type "Today's Entry!")

Giveaways are subject to complete site rules. Open to persons 18+ U.S. only, please. (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, and be sure to check out all of our other giveaways!

* A Perfect Nursey Prize pack was provided by Mom Select for this blog post.

Review of Sucre Chocolates

Hey ladies! It's almost Valentine's Day, and if you're not certain that your hubby or boyfriend will get the clue and get you something you'll love -- you may want to take notes. (You can always buy yourself something special, you know.)

I was "treated" to the opportunity to sample some of the most beautifully-designed and delicious chocolates I've had in my short lifetime. Sucre.

I have to admit that I generally don't like dark chocolate (and believe me, I've tried! I know that it's better for you than milk chocolate.) When a sweet little box arrived for me from Sucre, I was excited to see what was inside! Imagine my surprise when I saw 15 chocolate hearts staring back at me... I popped one in my mouth right away. Yum! Smooth, raspberry notes instantly captivated my tastebuds... and guess what? They were dark chocolate, too!

I've never tried a dark chocolate that I've liked. But with the handcrafted care put into these little treats, I was hooked! This particular confection is $30 for a box of 15, but I've been sampling them slowly over the last week and a half, and I still have plenty to share!

Want to know more about these beauties? Just pop over to Sucre's website. You'll learn about their New Orleans-based business and how they have been inspired by deep Mardi Gras culture! If you're looking for something different for your sweetie (or yourself), this might be just what the Love Doctor ordered :)

*Sample was provided for this review.

Review of Stacy's Pita Chips

I love pita bread.. I love chips. I especially love chips that make an audible "crunch" when I bite them and that don't seem greasy in my hands. This is why I'm so excited to share my experience with new Stacy's Pita Chips -- and just in time for the Big Game parties I'm sure you all are getting ready to throw!

These crunchy, crispy, thick and filling chips are made from pita bread -- which means they won't crumble up in the bottom of the bag on the way home from the store or leave you feeling like you can't quite get enough (one serving is just enough to satisfy my snack cravings.) I'm totally in love with the two flavors I tried: Simply Naked and Parmesan, Garlic & Herb.

My fave was most definitely the Parmesan, Garlic, & Herb (I'm a garlic girl). Surprisingly, they weren't too salty, but they were very savory! I'll be happy to put these out on my Big Game food table on Sunday. I'm sure the guys (and girls) will love them!

There's now also an exciting way for you to share your food festivities -- and you may even win a prize! On February 7, Super Bowl Sunday, upload a photo of your stylish game day spread featuring Stacy’s Pita Chips for a chance to win a $1,000 Stacy’s prize package in the “Art of Gameday Sweepstakes.” To show off your savvy game day style, please visit www.facebook.com/stacyspitachips.


Wanna Win? We're giving one lucky reader a chance to receive a prize pack with a variety of Stacy's full-size products! Just comment on this post with what flavor from the Stacy's line you're most likely to try first. We'll randomly select one winner to receive a sampling of Stacy's Pita Chips! You have until February 10th at 11:59 am CST to get your entries in, and you can enter every day! (Just comment as directed for your first entry, and for each entry after that, type "Today's Entry!")

Giveaways are subject to complete site rules. Open to persons 18+ U.S. only, please. (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, and be sure to check out all of our other giveaways!

*This promotion is solely sponsored by Lille Punkin. Frito-Lay has provided the product for this giveaway and for the review. However by entering, you agree to look solely to Lille Punkin for any claims in connection with this giveaway.

Review of New OxiClean Power Packs and Force Gel Stick Pre-Treater

What do I love more than sampling cleaning goodies? Sampling NEW cleaning goodies (in fact, these products aren't even available in stores yet!)

I was lucky enough to try the new OxiClean Power Packs and Force Gel Stick Pre-Treater for laundry. My experiences were overwhelmingly positive, and quirky, too. Here's what we thought:

The OxiClean Power Packs were too easy to use. A pack of little packets (they look like the kind you put in your dishwasher) was easy to open and reseal after each use. Just drop on in your wash (you can add it right in with your clothes, if you have a front loader) and let it work its magic in addition to your detergent. Sadly, I do about 20 loads a week, so one package barely made it until the end of my 6-day test. They seemed to brighten my clothes a bit.

The Force Gel Stick Pre-Treater was really cool. Sporting what the packaging called "nubs" at the end of the stick, you simply press down on the clothing to get the pre-treater out. Then use the bumpy "nubs" to work it in. No touching with your fingers, and no mess when you're done. (It worked kind of like those squeeze glue sticks you used in art.) The smell was odd -- not bad -- just odd. It worked well to remove some grimy junk from the collar of my son's t-shirt and some spaghetti sauce on the sleeve of my daughter's sweatshirt.

I think I'll like these products as much (if not more) than some of the other products I've come to love. I'm especially impressed by the Pre-treating product. Just be sure to let it set for at least 15 minutes before you wash! For more info on OxiClean products (these aren't set to hit the stores until mid February), see the official website.

*I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of OxiClean and received a sample to facilitate my candid review. Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Clorox Clarifies the "5 Second Rule"

We've all heard it. Some of us even swear by it.. you know -- the 5 second rule. That's the amount of time you supposedly have to get something up off the floor (like food, for instance) before it gets too gross to eat. Not that any of us have ever let our kids do that *cough* but apparently.. it's all bunk!

I recently got the chance to sit on a cool blogger conference call with funny lady Samantha Bee (you may know her from "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart"). She shared hilarious parenting stories, sanity tips, and the surprising results of a study done by Clorox regarding that commonly-believed "5 Second Rule." Turns out, we don't have even 5 seconds, if a surface isn't properly cleaned!

You can read more about Samantha and the results of this study at Samantha's Blog post over at the Clorox website. It gives a little more info about how Clorox bleach can be used to make your floor clean enough to eat off of -- safely-- and literally. (You can also use it to disinfect those sippy cups after they've already hit the floor.) The tips I've learned are simple and surprising!


Wanna Win? We're giving away a Clorox product prize pack valued at $20 to one lucky winner! To be entered to win, just share your funniest "5 second rule" moment, story, photo, or video. We'll randomly pick one to get the goodies! You have until February 10th at 11:59 am CST to get your entries in, and you can enter every day! (Just comment as directed for your first entry, and for each entry after that, type "Today's Entry!")

Giveaways are subject to complete site rules. Open to persons 18+ U.S. only, please. (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, and be sure to check out all of our other giveaways!

*Clorox provided me with a gift card for my participation in this program and prizes for the winner. Thanks to Consumer Queen for this opportunity!

Additionally, you can win goodies strictly from Clorox by Tweeting @Clorox with the item you use the 5-second rule with most -- you will have the chance to win a $50 Visa gift card. Use #smpl&surprising in your tweet!

Dollar General Recalls Toys Guns Due to Choking Hazard

These two gun sets sold at Dollar General have been recalled because the orange tips of the guns (used to distinguish them from real guns) can come off, resulting in a small piece that young children can choke on. See the full details at the CPSC website.

Stay Safe!

4 Big Recalls!

Please read up on these recalls affecting children's products:

Children's Greeting Cards with Bracelets Recalled Due to Lead Hazard

2 Types of Children's Hooded Sweatshirts and Jackets Recalled Due to Strangulation Hazard

Disney Charm Bracelets Recalled Due to Lead Hazard

Stay Safe!

Review of Elena's Big Move by Sarah M. Olivieri

What happens when you're young and you have to move to a different place, far from home? You could worry... or you could handle things like the young heroine in our reviewed book, Elena's Big Move.

We received this book awhile ago, but one of the reasons why it took so long to review was because my kids liked it so much. So much.. that when we moved to our new home not long ago, it was packed up and mixed in with all the other books. This means #1 my kids liked it, and #2 the story was even more applicable for my family.

While we didn't move from Puerto Rico to Indiana (like the girl in the book), we did move from the only home my children have ever known. The move was only two houses down, but it was a bit traumatic for them, nonetheless.

The story of Elena was inspiring for my kids. It taught them about creating memories and looking hopefully toward the future so that they could find things about their new home that they could enjoy. All in all, this cheerfully illustrated book is perfect for anyone wanting to discuss the themes of moving to a new place with their children. (And the information regarding Puerto Rico was interesting, too!)

The book, written from a woman who experienced her own move from Puerto Rico to Indiana, is available at Amazon and other book sellers.

*A copy of the book was received for this review.

Neosporin Lip Health 3-Day Challenge

I'm a lip picker. I'll admit it. Since I became pregnant and can no longer breathe through my nose at night, my lips have become uber dry and a little gross. I started using all kinds of remedies to get them back to their usual softness, but I HATE the feeling of greasy globby stuff (and most products leave my lips feeling sticky, not smooth.)


I recently took the Neosporin Lip Health 3-day Challenge, and it was super easy to get the results. I used the Lip Health Daily Hydration Therapy during the day and the Lip Health Overnight Renewal Therapy at night. Both didn't have a nasty flavor, like some "medicated" creams, and I loved that the day stuff had a built-in sun protection. Both soaked in well and didn't leave me with a greasy coating that would repel my hubby from kissing me (he hates lipstick, gloss, and the like.)


After 3 days, I can honestly say that my lips feel normal -- even better than my personal "normal." Stashed in my purse, the day product is easy to get to when I need a little extra hydration or when I'm headed out into the sun. I just slap on a little of the night stuff after I brush my teeth at night, and I'm set! Easy-peasy.

While the stuff is a bit more pricey than a tube of your standby lip goop, it's worth it -- in my opinion. Visit the Neosporin website for details and a valuable money-saving coupon!

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Neosporin and received a sample of the Lip Health Overnight Renewal Therapy and the Lip Health Daily Hydration Therapy to facilitate my review and a $20 thank-you gift certificate