What's In My Hospital Bag?

I'm so excited to be giving birth to our 5th child sometime next week!  We are scheduled to go in for an amnio to test lung maturity on the 3rd, and then we will delivery via c-section soon after!  Since this is my 5th section, I'm pretty good at knowing what I will need for the 3-4 days in the hospital.  I've rounded up a list of my fave products that help get me through the time there.  Enjoy!

Colgate Wisp 

Getting out of bed the first day after a surgery is tough.  Surprisingly, the first thing on my mind after having a baby isn't that I need to eat or rest -- it's "when can I brush my teeth?"  To keep my mouth fresh any time, day or night -- even when the nurse isn't around to help me to the bathroom -- I love using Wisp to brush!  No water is needed, and I can just toss them in the trash when I'm done.  These are such a lifesaver (and they even come in a whitening variety.)  Visitors won't be experiencing my dragon breath, which is a huge relief!

Learn more at www.colgatewisp.com or buy now at Amazon!

Comfy Pajamas

Getting out of the hospital gown (and into something that covers my rear) is the next thing on my agenda.  I always bring a couple pairs of my own PJ, something that is comfy to wear and covers well when I nurse.  I don't ever spend more than $15 on a pair, however -- they can get ruined in the hospital!  I recently picked up a couple pairs of these Earth Angels 2-pc PJ's from Walmart.com, and paid just $10 a set!  They washed really well, are stylish, and will come in handy when I go into the hospital.  (And if something happens to them, I've still got my money's worth!)

Check out the pajamas at Walmart.com!

Murad Moisturizer

Anyone who's had the joy of an epidural or spinal block knows that sometimes the pain medication can cause horrible itching!  With each of my kids, I've experienced a mild reaction to the pain drip, resulting in my face becoming unbearably itchy and dry.  I looked like the crypt-keeper with my last one!  To help tame the itchies, keep my skin moisturized, and make it feel cool and calm, I bring my all-time fave moisturizer from home: Murad Vitalic Energizing Pomegranate Moisturizer with SPF 15.  I recommend this product for any time of year -- not just when you're having a baby!


Find out more from the Murad website, or order directly from Amazon!


Snacks

My hospital's food is actually pretty good, but I get really hungry in the wee hours (especially when nursing!)  To keep my tummy quiet, and my nerves in tact, I love to much on Emerald nuts!  They give me energy when I need it, and they keep well in my bag throughout my stay.  My faves?  The pecan pie glazed pecans variety!  (For something a bit more healthy, I suggest the Cocoa Roast Almonds.)

Learn about all the varieties of Emerald nuts at their website or purchase from Amazon.com!
 
These are just 3 of the must-haves I take with me every time I have a baby (they also make great items to stash into a "mom-to-be" gift basket!"  I also take along my iPhone (for tunes, NOT emails), a few good magazines, my own pillow, some comfy socks or slippers, my own shampoo and body wash, and my husband. 

Wish me luck!!

New Titles from NCircle!

We watch a lot of videos at our house.  It's nice to have some wholesome titles on hand for when our overpriced cable is all junk -- or reruns.  Here are two titles we've enjoyed in the last couple of weeks, direct from NCircle Entertainment!

Noonbory & the Super7: They're Sense-ational!

This is a very sweet, uplifting DVD designed for kids in the toddler/preschool age group.  My 3 year old LOVES the DVD, which is full of non-annoying songs, and features age-appropriate "super hero" adventures.  Kids watch the main characters solve problems while they learn about core principles of sharing, patience, teamwork, and helping.  There is also a focus on the five senses, since each superhero has a "super sense" that helps them contribute to the plot.  At 60 minutes long, this is a super fun, but calm way to learn.  I'd recommend it right before an afternoon nap!  (Retails for $6.99 at Amazon.com)

Mighty Machines: Revved UP!

3 boys in a house = lots of excitement over trucks and big machines.  That's why this video was perfect for our family!  While it is entertaining (what's not to love about watching jet planes?) -- it's more educational than anything else.  My boys got a first-hand look at watching a jet airplane being built, mountain rails in action, and cranes lifting heavy things.  It's a future engineer's dream come true!  While younger audiences (under 3) may not find it as interesting, the preschool - 1st grade crowd should enjoy seeing how their favorite machines operate.  It's a perfect homeschool supplement, too!  (Retails for $6.99 at Amazon.com)

You can read about all the NCircle titles at their website!

Wanna Win?  We are giving away a new copy of the Noonbory and the Super7 DVD to one lucky newsletter subscriber.  To be entered, just provide your email address in the sign-up box to the right-hand side of all our web pages.  (If you're already signed up for our newsletter, you're entered!)

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! 


*Review copies were received for this review.  All opinions are my own.

Halls for Allergy Relief?

I've not been able to take many medicines during my pregnancy.  Allergies, however, don't care if I'm pregnant or not.  They just want to make my life miserable!

I've tried several less aggressive approaches to keeping my allergies under control: nasal rinses, warm showers, and regular dusting.  I've also had the chance to try some of the Sugar Free Halls Cough Drops as a way to soothe and relieve some of my symptoms when cold medicine couldn't be taken.

I really enjoyed the flavor of these.  The Black Cherry ones weren't as "mediciney" as some that I've tried, but they did have enough of the vapors to clear my nose when it got too stuffy.  I also liked that they were sugar free (my husband is constantly warning me about how hard it is on your teeth to suck on cough drops before bed.)

I'll be glad when I can safely take some of my standby allergy medicines, but I'll probably keep a pack or two of the Halls for when my allergies don't warrant getting loopy on allergy medicine or for when I just need a breather between doses.

You can learn about the entire Halls line at their website!

 I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Halls and received products necessary to facilitate my candid review. In addition, I received a gift certificate to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Review of Fruit2O Essentials Beverages

It's hot!  And while I could just whip up some brewed tea or grab a not-so-healthy soda, sometimes I crave something cold, slightly sweet, and as good-for-me-as-water.  When I sampled a handful of flavors from Fruit2O Essentials, I got just that!

We were having guests over when the sampling package arrived, so I tossed them in the fridge and had them cooled down by dinner.  My guests were impressed with how yummy they tasted, and I was especially fond of the citrus one!  Note that these are NOT carbonated, and I'm slightly partial to carbonated beverages. I also realize that carbonation is generally not as healthy, so I was happy to have mine chilled over ice.  The really cool thing about these drinks is that they contain several nutrients contained in 2 servings of fruit -- so they are actually good for you!

Some of the flavors we tried included:  Cranberry Raspberry, Strawberry Kiwi, Peach Mango, Citrus (my fave), Blueberry Pomegranate, and Cherry Acai.

Fortified with B vitamins, zinc, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, and vitamin E, they won't replace actual fruit in your day.  (But they are a great substitute for plain ol' water!)

You can learn more about the entire line of Fruit2O Essentials at their website.

Wanna Win?  We have have a prize pack of Fruit2O Essentials to send one lucky reader!  To be entered to win, just share which flavor you want to try. You have until June 10th at 11:59 am CST to get your entries in.  One per person please!

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 to facilitate this promotion. All opinions are my own.

Septic-Safe Ick Fighters: Scrubbing Bubbles Toilet Solutions

We have a septic tank at our house, which means there are some "flushable" products we don't dare try to flush.  I've been using the Scrubbing Bubbles line of products for my toilet for some time, however, and I can honestly say we've had no issues -- and my bathroom smells great!

Recently, Scrubbing Bubbles released a product package that features 2 of my faves in one box.  The Fresh Brush 2 in 1 Toilet Cleaning System has a handled wand that you can reuse with either the Max cleaning pads (they are like little scratch pads with cleaner in them) or the Flushables (lighter, flushable pads for not as nasty jobs.)  Since the Max and Flushable pads are interchangeable on the same wand, you can buy both and be covered. (Note: The Max pads are NOT flushable.  Just toss in the trash when finished.)

You can get a starter kit with a wand, 2 of the Max Pads, and 4 of the Flushables in each box. 

I also love the Toilet Cleaning Gel.  I've reviewed this in the past, and my opinion hasn't changed.  Sometimes, no matter how much you clean, it's just a bit funky in the bathroom (especially with 4 boys in the house.)  This takes care of it -- no problems!


For a limited time, you can get a FREE Fresh Brush Toilet Starter Kit when you buy the Toilet Cleaning Gel.  Just visit the Right@Home Website for offer details!

Wanna Win?  We're also giving away one of each of these products.  To be entered to win, just comment on this post with which of the two you'll be most excited to try first.  You have until June 10th at 11:59 am CST to get your entries in.  One per person please!

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 to facilitate this promotion. All opinions are my own.

Walmart's A Better Photo Book Experience!

As you may have already read in previous reviews, I love giving photo books.  I hate making them.  Finding all the photos (the good ones) on my computer, uploading, cropping, editing, sorting, planning, and designing is such a hassle.  It's why I don't make regular photo books or scrapbooks at home.  While many of the companies out there have made the process as seamless as possible, I still generally hate doing it.

I recently made a photobook using Walmart.com's photo book service.  Their Quick Memory Book Maker took no more time that it required of me to upload photos from various places on my computer and press a few buttons.  Their autofill feature placed them in my book in various styles and formats, and I even had the option to skip fancy background designs and cutesie captions.  The fact that I could upload and go meant less time sitting in front of my computer -- and my photo book was on the way more quickly.

 (Just one of many fab photos I put in my Memory Book!)

Best part of the Walmart Quick Memory Book Maker experience?  Auto-save.  Sometime during my time at the computer, I heard that my boys were NOT taking a nap.  I walked into their room to "check in" and a rigged up piece of plastic pipe that they had used to keep monsters out of their room hit me squarely in the jaw, breaking both my upper and lower lip open, and sending me screaming to my bedroom for a tearful and much-needed nap.

One hour later, I emerged, having completely forgotten that I was in the middle of making a photo book.  No problem.  The super auto-save feature on the Walmart site made sure I didn't lose ANY of my work, and I was finished -- fat lips and all -- within minutes.

You can make your own Quick Memory Book for $15 (while they are on rollback) and a tiny bit of shipping (or have it sent Site to Store.)  Choose from several designs, get elaborate, and go wild!


I am one of the Walmart Moms. I was approached by Walmart to try the Quick MemoryBook Maker and blog about my experience. I received a giftcard to test the service and purchase a Quick MemoryBook. Although product was provided, opinions are 100% my own.

Freschetta FlatBread Pizza For Your Next Pizza Night!

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Freschetta. All opinions are 100% mine.

We do pizza nights a few times a month at our house (even more now that I'm getting close to having our new baby.) We had the opportunity to try out a selection of pizzas from Freschetta this week, including some of their new Flatbread varieties!

These were a quick way to throw a different kind of dinner on the table.  We indulged in the Pepperoni and the Spinach & Mushroom pizzas, and they were done in less than 20 minutes!  I prefer my pizzas to be a bit crispier, so we baked them directly on the rack of the oven (no pan).  The Freschetta FlatBread ingredients tasted fairly fresh for a frozen store-bought product (the spinach was plentiful, and the mushrooms were a good size).  I'm really glad we had them on hand for a hectic evening at our house!

Paired with a fresh salad and some fruit, this would make a delicious evening meal with little effort.  One pizza easily fed 4 -5 of us!  You can even get a coupon for $1 off your Freschetta purchase at their website.  (The Flatbread variety wasn't available yet at some of my stores, but you can use the coupon for any of the Freschetta pizzas.)

Have you tried them yet?  What's your favorite variety?

Free O.J. Tomorrow from Tropicana Juicy Rewards!

Great news!  Tropicana just announced on its Facebook page that tomorrow (Wednesday the 26th) that the Deal of the Day will be a FREE Tropicana Pure Premium coupon (mailed to you) for just 5 points!  But hurry!  It's open at 5 am CST and will be limited to the first 50,000 people.  Limit one per account.


*I wrote this review while participating in the Tropicana Juicy Insiders Ambassador program by Mom Central on behalf of Tropicana. I received 12 free Juicy Rewards points and a $50 Visa gift card to use in redemption of the points and to facilitate my review.

Review of Wonka Exceptionals

Wonka is a beloved name at our house.  If I say "Wonka" -- the kids know that something sweet is coming their way!  Primarily a product aimed at kids, they've come out with a whole new line of sweetness aimed for a more exceptional taste.

Wonka Exceptionals is a line of two different kinds of candies:  fruity and chocolately.  Here's what we thought of them at our house:

The Chocolate line has three new bars.  These aren't your ordinary bars.  First, they are wrapped in a kind of crazy, metallic, shiny wrapper that makes it fun to open.  Inside is some of the most decadent candy I've tasted!  You can choose from Chocolate Waterfall bar (a mixture of milk and white chocolate swirled together), Domed Dark Chocolate (dark chocolate bar with little "domes" of milk chocolate throughout), or the Scrumdiddlyumptious Bar (milk chocolate full of peanuts, crispy cookies, and toffee).  My fave is the last one (you didn't expect me to type out "Scrumdiddlyumptious" again, did you?)  I'm a huge milk chocolate fan, and I love anything that makes my chocolate crunchy!

If chocolate isn't your thing (and something must be wrong with you), then you might rather try their fruity line!  Two types of candy, Fruit Jellies and Fruit Marvels come in a variety of flavors (my personal fave is the pomegranate), giving you a choice between something squishy or something more like hard candy.  Either way, my kids adored this line.  I've started to pack a few into a purse for sugar cravings, and believe it or not -- the best way to eat the jellies is mixed in with buttered popcorn.  Yum!

Find out more about Wonka, his delightful creations, and Golden Ticket promotion at the Wonka website.  (And stay tuned for more Wonka updates here on this blog!)

Wanna Win?  In celebration of the Wonka Golden Ticket promotion (which offers Wonka fans chances to win airline vouchers, Ticketmaster gift cards, movie certificates, free chocolate or even a trip around the world), we're giving away two amazing prize packs here on Lille Punkin'!  To be eligible, just comment on this post with which Wonka Exceptionals product line you'd like better -- chocolate or fruit?  You have until June 2nd at 11:59 am CST to get your entries in.  One per person please!

What's included in the prize packs?  5 of each of the new WONKA Exceptionals Chocolate Bars and One each of the Premium Sugar Products (think fruit!)  That's a LOT of candy!!!

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!


*Samples of Wonka products were provided to facilitate this review.  All opinions are my own.

Recall of Children's Giraffe Blanket by Rashti & Rashti

 

These blankets were sold exclusively at Target stores.  Get more details on the recall, which involves a choking hazard, at the CPSC website.

Stay Safe!!

We Still Love....

I get asked a lot of questions about running a review blog.  Some of them include, "Yeah, you love the product at the time you get to try it (sometimes) for free, but what about later?  Do you actually continue to use it -- or even buy it?"

In order to share how much we've come to depend on some of the products that we discover through our reviews, I've decided to start a new series called, "We Still Love...", where I'll be following up on a review we've done in the past, and why we still love that product!

Today's product is:

Tide Stain Release 

You can read our initial impressions of the product in our Tide Stain Release review.  We've purchased no less than 20 packages of this stuff since we first started using it.  It is the only product that I trust to get the greasy stains from around the necklines of my son's dark-colored t-shirts WITHOUT pretreating.  This means that I don't have to dig through the laundry pile looking for items to pretreat as often.  Yes, I would pretreat for something like BBQ sauce.  But for the regular dinginess that can ruin a t-shirt (because it often goes unnoticed,) the Stain Release Duo Pacs are sufficient.


As a mom in her last weeks of pregnancy, I often rely on my daughter or husband to do laundry.  If I don't instruct them to toss a Duo Pac into the load before they wash, I can tell -- every time.  There is always some nasty dinge on the boys' tees.  If they do remember, no problem!  (And if they miss using the pacs in a load, I just wash them again the next time -- it seems to do the trick.)

At about $3.89 for a pack of 10, these can get to be expensive on a 15 load a week regimen (we have 4 kids and a very dingy farmer at home, remember?)  The best part about this product is that they ALWAYS issue coupons in the Sunday paper, and if you sign up for the P&G mailings, you'll get high value ones, as well.

Yesterday, I saw bonus packs of 10 pacs with 5 free for $3.89 at Walmart.  But I had a coupon for $3 off an 18-pack, making the 18 pack the SAME price as the 15 pack.  I stocked up!

I also love the smell of clothes washed with the Duo Pacs!


Do you have good things to say about Tide Stain Release?  Share them in the comments!

Review of YoCrunch 100 Calorie Packs with Truvia

Do we have any yogurt fans out there?  What about "light" yogurt fans? 

I get a little bristly when it comes to the flavor of "light" yogurts.  I don't like eating aspartame (especially when pregnant), and I swear I can taste an awful aftertaste when I'm done.  When Breyers asked if I would try out their new YoCrunch 100 Calorie Packs with Truvia, I was a bit skeptcial -- but I wanted to see if it would pass my very picky taste-test.  Here's how it went down:

Each little single-serving container was covered in a foil lid and then had a separate plastic "bubble" on top.  The bottom portion contained a rather-delicious "light" yogurt, sweetened with Truvia (a natural sweetener made from the Stevia plant that didn't taste metallic or grainy like some artificial sweeteners do.)  The top portion of the container had -- little crunched-up pieces of chocolate cookies!  Delicious!

I had to admit, that I would rather eat this snack than a bowl of ice cream.  (And I LOVE ice cream.)  Since I'm not watching my calories at the moment (almost ready to deliver our new baby), I wasn't especially impressed with the 100-calorie claim (although the portion size was substantial for that amount of calories.)  What I really loved was the flavor of the yogurt, and the amazing cookie topping.  It felt indulgent, and I could easily replace any dessert with this and feel satisfied.

You can learn more about this product, and all the new offerings from YoCrunch, at their official website!

Wanna Win?  We are giving away 10 coupons for FREE YoCrunch 100 Calorie Packs to our readers!  To be entered to win, just comment on this post with what flavor of YoCrunch you'd like to try first!  You have until May 31st at 11:59 am CST to get your entries in. One entry per person, please!

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!

*Product sample was received to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own.

Get Free Shipping from Linens 'N Things!

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Linens 'N Things. All opinions are 100% mine.

Do you shop Linens 'N Things?  Maybe you (like me), love the store, but just don't do much in-store shopping?  If you are someone who loves to shop online, but hates to pay for shipping, you're going to love this limited-time coupon code:

Free shipping on your order over $26 with the coupon code: MOMBLOG

This code is good through June 1st, 2010 and is exclusive to bloggers and their readers!  (Now how cool is that?)  And you don't even have to be ordering the traditional fare of towels, bedding, or curtains.  You can use it on any purchase from the site.

Just some of the very cute items that I've ordered from the store include practical ottomans and adorable baby blankets.  They also have an inventory of over 1,000 new garden and outdoor items! (Which include composters, rain barrels, sturdy garden tools, patio furniture, fire pits, and more!)  It's the perfect time to spiff up your yard and pay nothing for shipping on orders of $26 or more with our exclusive code!

When is the last time you've shopped Linens 'N Things online or in-store?  Do you have a purchase that you just adore?  Let us know in the comments!

Step2 RideOn Toys Recall and more!

Did you hear about the recent recall of some Step2 Rideon toys?  Learn how to fix them to make them safe for your child at the CPSC website.

There has also been a recall of some remote controlled helicopters by Imagine Nation Books.  See all the details here.

Stay Safe!!

Children's Deaths Prompt Recall of Toy Dart Gun Sets

These toy dart guns were sold at dollar stores and more information can be found at the CPSC official website.

Stay Safe!

Free Sample of South Beach Living Bars!

Yum! We recently had a chance to sample a one of these new Bars! They taste great and are full of fiber.  Sign up for your sample and taste for yourself!  Get a Free Sample of South Beach Living™ Fiber Fit S'mores bar. Click Here

Junk Food Clothing and Tommy Hilfiger Hoodie Recalls!

Two more hoodies have been recalled due to hazards that can occur from the drawstrings.  They include Junk Food clothing and Tommy Hilfiger.

Stay Safe!!

Review of Scrubbing Bubbles Extend-A-Clean Power Sprayer

Cleaning my shower is something I rarely have time for.  While I really like some of the products on the market, the fact is -- I need help from my family to really get stuff done.  Thanks to a new product that my husband finds "too fun", I at least having cleaning the shower covered.

The Scrubbing Bubbles Extend-A-Clean Power Sprayer is cool for two reasons.  One, it uses a powerful cleaning solution that's designed to keep your shower and bathroom surfaces clean for up to four days.  Second, it is battery-powered!  That means that holding down the trigger turns on its action, making it a kind of semi-automatic weapon for dirty jobs!  Just turn on the sprayer, push the button, and watch it spray-spray-spray all over those icky areas.  My husband really had fun showing this gadget to the kids -- but I'd recommend it for Moms, too.

It worked well on the black moldy stuff that accumulates in the corners of my shower stall.  It also left a pleasant smell behind.  Time saver?  If it keeps grime away for 3 days or more, you bet!

Learn more about this fun product at the Scrubbing Bubbles site.

Wanna Win?  We have a fun "Minimize Your Morning Madness" gift basket to give away!  It includes the Scrubbing Bubbles Extend-A-Clean Power Sprayer, Starbucks Via and a mug, a travel alarm clock and more! To be entered to win, just tell us how you would spend 5 extra minutes in your morning!  You have until May 21st at 11:59 am CST to get your entries in. One entry per person, please!

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!


*SC Johnson provided me with this product to review but all of the thoughts and opinions are my own.

Klean Kanteen Recalls and more!

These Klean Kanteen Water Bottles have been recalled due to a choking hazard.

Roberta Roller Rabbit Children's Kimonos, Lounge and Sleep sets are in violation of federal flammability standards.

Stay Safe!

Horse Boy Airs Tuesday, May 11th on PBS

I don't know a parent who wouldn't give up everything to make their child healthy and happy.  Horse Boy, a new film, is the story of one family who took their son with autism and brought him into a world of wonder and amazement.  How did they do it?  With horses.

I wouldn't have believed it if it weren't for this film.  Put together by Independent Lens on PBS, it's a story that is often heartbreaking, but allows for healing, too.  I know too many parents with autistic children, and I know that they are all looking for peace for their children.  This film documents just that journey!

Regardless of where you are at spiritually, this is a film that teaches so much.  You have to admire the parents in their committment to their child.  The natural scenery is beautiful, and if you like horses, you'll come away with a new appreciation for these inspiring creatures!  Based on the book by the same name, it's a touching journey that anyone who has loved a child can appreciate.

See the film for yourself on Tuesday, May 11th.  You can check your local listings to see what channel and time it will be available in your area!  You can also learn more at the official movie website, and on their Facebook page!