Review of Space Bags

There are 7 of us living in this 3-bedroom home, and the blankets we own could take up their own closet!  We tried several brands of organizational products to help get some order back to my linen closet, and decided to order the original Space Bag to see how they did.  Here are our results:

First of all, these bags were super easy to use.  Just fold up the items you want to put into the bag, unzip the bag (which features a giant slide zipper you find on freezer bags), and slide the items in.  Then slide the zipper shut.  Now you can flip up the cover on the air hole and place your vacuum hose against it. Let the running vacuum  suck all the air out of the bag, and you're done!  Now you can shut the lid to the air hole and store you bag anywhere it will fit.  There is a small rubber covering making up the one-way-valve, so air can be sucked out when the vacuum is on, but air can't go back in while you're waiting to close the cap.

We put over 8 smaller kids blankets into the large size bag, and recovered an entire shelf in our linen closet.  The blankets now just take up 1/3 of the space!  Since the bags come in various sizes, there are different bags to meet your needs.  You can also use these bags to store sleeping bags, camping gear, first aid items in case of a natural disasters, stuffed animals, towels, or toilet paper!

How did they do over time?  To be honest, of the 5 bags we purchased, only one managed to keep the air-tight seal.  The others had gradually allowed air to go back into them, and we're not sure how.  All-in-all, we were a bit disappointed in these bags for the price.  We had better luck with the "Magic Bag" brand bags from the Dollar Store, which worked the same way, but are still holding their air after 2 months.


What has your experience been with the Space Bags? Did they work for you?  Read more about this product at the official Space Bag website.

Review of milkmakers Cookies

I'm a busy nursing mom of an 8-month old baby, and I usually end up weaning around this time, due to a lack of milk supply.  Part of it is because I don't eat enough, but I think it is also because I don't eat the right things.  I've heard that some natural foods can actually boost production, so I was excited to hear about milkmakers cookies!

These cookies are baked up fresh and shipped to your door, and they contain three ingredients known to help nursing moms stay energized and producing milk: oats, brewer's yeast, and flax seed!  When the cookies arrived, I couldn't believe how fresh they tasted.  They were no doubt some of the most tasty cookies I have had, and that's no lie.  But would they really help in milk production?  I tried them for 3 weeks to see.

The first thing I noticed about these cookies is that they are really filling.  They are full of oats, so not only do they make a good replacement for junk cookies you may be eating, they help you stay regular (if you know what I mean.)  They also are a great boost for energy, coming in at over 200 calories a cookie.  Since they are so large and full of carbs, you do not want to mindlessly eat these cookies.  Use them to replace a larger snack or as a mini-meal.  Too many would definitely put you over the amount of calories you need to produce milk, and you could actually gain some weight!  It is also important to note that these are not a meal replacement cookie or a diet cookie.  They taste wonderful.. not like a health food fad.  You'll really enjoy them!

That being said, they DID seem to help my production, as soon as 2 days after eating one cookie per day. I previously never had any extra to pump for later, as my son still nurses every 2 hours or so during the day, and almost all night when he's teething. I was able to pump several times during the week after introducing the cookies into my morning snack routine, however, and I really feel that the cookies were what did it, since this was the only change to my diet during the three weeks. I always felt full of milk, not uncomfortably so, and my son never got frustrated with a short supply, as he was starting to before I tried the cookies.

Since I travel quite a bit during the year for business, I always worry that I'll never be able to keep my supply up.  I take my son with me, but sometimes fail to eat good meals, and starve when taking flights.  These cookies would be a lifesaver for packing in my diaper bag to ensure that I'm eating enough and keeping my milk at a place where my son could stay satisfied.  These would also make a super sweet gift for a new mom!

The cookies come in two flavors, Oatmeal Chocolate Chip (the variety I tried) and Oatmeal Raisin Dairy Free -- as well as a variety pack that contains both flavors. You can order a 30-day supply for $44.00 plus shipping, and when you get them, toss in the freezer to keep fresh until you eat them.  (I like mine warmed up in the microwave for 15 seconds so that they are gooey!)

Would I buy these again?  Yes.  I'm actually putting in an order this week.  I'm not a baker, and I was really impressed that I couldn't taste the flax or brewer's yeast (unlike some lactation cookie recipes).  They are simple to incorporate into my busy lifestyle, no baking or shopping required.  Find out more about these tasty treats or read the dozens of testimonials from other happy moms at the milkmakers website!

Wanna Save? Milkmakers is offering FREE Shipping on any order of the Dairy Free Oatmeal Raisin through March 31, 2011!

*Samples of the cookies were received to review. I would have thought they were yummy, anyway, and opinions are 100% mine. 
 

Lysol Live Chat and Chance to Win a $50 AmEx Gift Card!

We have struggled with several cold and flu viruses in our household this year alone.. which is not surprising since flu and cold activity most commonly peaks in the U.S. in January or February!  But it doesn't stop there; The timing of the flu is unpredictable and can vary from season to season but seasonal flu activity can occur as late as May – are we ever safe?!

There are a lot of misconceptions surrounding cold and flu…so to help us understand the key facts we need to know about them: the symptoms they cause, how they are different, and — most importantly — how you can help to protect yourself, your family, and those around you from spreading germs, Lysol has created a free online community (Lysol.com) where you can get awesome tips and advice from other community members and health experts. In fact, on Tuesday, March 1st at 2pm CST Dr. Laura Jana (nationally acclaimed pediatrician and mother of 3) will be answering your Cold & Flu Season questions. 




If you can't make the video chat, you can still ask questions by going to the Facebook page (and app below) and leaving your questions in advance (and getting a chance to win a gift card) then tune in on your own time and watch Dr. Jana answer your questions or visit the Facebook page to share your own tips and learn what works for others!




Wanna Win? We have a $50 AmEx gift card to give away to one lucky winner!  To be entered to win:

1. Go to the official Lysol Facebook page and “like” it.
2. Submit a question for Dr. Jana on the chat topic of cold and flu in the box above.
3. Be sure to leave the question you asked here in the comments so we can count your entry!

You have until the chat starts at 2pm CST on Tuesday, March 1st to get your questions (and entry) in! And don't forget to stop back to hear all of your questions answered via the live chat.  You do not need to be present for the chat to win our gift card giveaway.

One entry per person, please!  Giveaway is open to U.S. 18+ only, and be sure to give us a way to contact you if you win! (Don't forget to enter all of our giveaways while you're here!)

Yoplait Kids Fun Giveaway!

We're a yogurt eating family.  I love the full-calorie stuff for keeping me energized and on top of things while managing the 5 kids and my business.  The kids love anything with a fruity flavor (and color) that they can eat while playing outside.  The varieties of Yoplait Kids handles both requirements quite well, and they also offer up a good opportunity to get more calcium, vitamin D, and protein into the busy guys little diet.

Do you have a hard time getting your kids to eat healthy?  We've found that making it fun is the best way to get the job done.  Things that have worked for us include:

• Presenting the meals on colorful trays, with separate compartments for each fun food
• Asking the kids to identify the food groups in their meals, along with which foods are the healthiest choices
• Incorporating healthy dips and toppings to make the bland foods more appetizing (ketchup, low-fat cheese shreds, or carrot curls)

Of course, we also love that products like Yoplait Kids give us a simple way to get the kids eating yogurt -- no hassle or mess!

Wanna Save?  To learn how to get a money-saving coupon, and how Yoplait Kids can make eating fun, check out the Yoplait website.  Visit Yoplait on Facebook to “Like” the brand. Also, be sure to “Follow” Yoplait on Twitter to keep up with the latest news from Yoplait.

Wanna Win?  We have an awesome prize pack to give away to one lucky reader.  It includes a coupon good for a pack of Yoplait Kids,  a foldable travel cooler (to take your yogurt on-the-go), a cool four-piece spoon set, a power magnet picture frame, trendy alphabet-shaped “Kiddie Bands”, a bounce ball and a “My First Scavenger Hunt” card game for some after-snack fun. To be entered to win, just tell us how you get your kids to eat healthy in a fun way.   We'll give you until March 4th at 11:59 pm CST to get your entries in.

One entry per person, please. Giveaway is open to U.S. 18+ only, and be sure to give us a way to contact you if you win! (Don't forget to enter all of our giveaways while you're here!)

*This coupon offer for a free four pack of Yoplait Kids yogurt is not valid in some states, including California, Idaho, Louisiana, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, North Dakota and Tennessee.  Yoplait provided me with the free product, information, and giveaway through MyBlogSpark

Review of Hallmark Recordable Story Books

We have done photo books as gifts for years.  We've also done good, old-fashioned story books.  When Hallmark released their new recordable story books, however, I was convinced that this could be a perfect gift to give the kid or friend who had EVERYTHING, but with a memorable feature that would compel them to hold on to it forever.

These books are sweet, really sweet.  The one we reviewed was the All the Ways I Love You, a story that we were already familiar with.  What makes these books from Hallmark unique is that I can record my voice reading the story, so that when my kids open it, I can read it to them -- even if I'm not around!  Since I travel a lot, this is a really fitting gift for my kids.  They often miss me when I'm on business, and sometimes they really want Mommy to read them a book while I'm doing something else.  While I'd like to say that I always make time for their requests.. I'm only human.  This book is by no means a replacement for my attention, but it is a cute way to show the kids I love them, and it gives them something to remember always.

The book itself is really easy to record.  Instructions are included to help you get started, but you can record just a bit at a time, and if you mess up -- no problem!  It's easy to fix.  You can get the book just the way you want it before setting it to "lock."  The kids can't erase your work without a screwdriver to open the back panel!

This is just one of the titles available from Hallmark's recordable storybooks line.  There is also I Love You Grandma, Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star, Hey Diddle, Diddle, and My Little Princess.. among others!  While they are priced at $29.95, they are built to last a lifetime.  What other gift can do that?

Find out about the entire Hallmark recordable story book line at their website.

Wanna Win?  We are giving away a copy of this neat book to one lucky reader!  To be entered to win, just tell us how you would use this gift.  Is it for a child?  A friend?  When would you give it?  We'll give you until March 3rd at 11:59 pm CST to get your entries in.

One entry per person, please. Giveaway is open to U.S. 18+ only, and be sure to give us a way to contact you if you win! (Don't forget to enter all of our giveaways while you're here!)

*Sample was received. Opinions are my own.

B.O.B Stroller Recall!

Several models of the B.O.B Jogging strollers can cause a strangulation hazard.  Please see the CPSC website for full details on how to repair or order a replacement.

Stay Safe!!

Looking for Baby Giveaways?

(No, we're not giving away babies....)  

When I first started Lille Punkin' Reviews, we were solely focused on items that parents of young children -- especially babies -- could use.  Now, our family has grown, and so has our focus.  I get asked often how parents can find giveaways that can help them win items for their new babies.  

Many sites on the internet list national sweepstakes, blog giveaways, and Facebook/Twitter contests that parents can enter and win.  I've discussed some of the best sites for finding these, as well as tips for entering and winning, in these two articles:

6 Ways to Win Free Stuff from Blog Giveaways 
Sweeping 101: What the Real Winners Know

(My own experience as a sweepstakes entrant has brought me many prizes, including trips, cash, spa visits, a private movie screening, and electronics!)

In the meantime, we will be working hard to bring back the baby giveaways.  We know you love em, and we want to keep you informed of all the exciting baby products on the market -- and how you can win them for your own little one!

Check out all of our current giveaways while you're here!

Review of Skinny Cow Cookies N' Cream Truffle Bars

I've been admiring the yummy taste of Skinny Cow products since I first tasted them in 2009.  In fact, my most recent family gathering, a Valentine's party, had the adults eating skinny cow bars, and the kids eating regular ice cream.  Guess what?  The kids wanted to eat what the grown-ups were having!

Skinny Cow is just that good, and with less calories than their ice cream counterparts, you can eat one when you feel like you shouldn't and won't beat yourself up about it later.  The newest creation to hit the line is the Cookies N' Cream Truffle Bar.  Oh my... let me tell you about these:

My husband and I tasted these one evening after the kids went to bed.  They are soooo creamy, and the portion sizes are just right.  They have big chunks of chocolate cookie in them, and they are covered in a drizzled chocolate topping that makes it perfectly sweetened.  These don't seem like they could be 110 calories and 2.5 grams of fat -- but they are!

I would buy these any time my sweet tooth gets the best of me. My entire family loves them, even the aunts, cousins, and grandmas.  If you're watching your weight (or even if you aren't), these are a tasty, guiltless option for having some ice cream treats.

Get the entire "scoop" on Skinny Cow at their website.

Wanna Win?  We are giving one lucky reader a chance to try the Cookies N' Cream Truffle Bars!  Just comment on this post with why you deserve some sent to your door, and if you are randomly selected, we'll send you some!  You can enter one time total per day (for each entry after the first entry, simply comment with "Today's entry!".) You have until February 28th at 11:59 pm CST to be entered to win.

Giveaways are 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, and be sure to check out all of our other giveaways!

*Samples were received to help me review.  My opinions are 100% my own, and I'd love these bars anyway....

Bassinet, Child Chair, and Disney Watch Recall

Check these out!

• Burlington Basket Company Bassinet Recalled due to fall hazard
• Kristi G Grow and Go Chair recalled due to fall  hazard
• Watches sold at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts recalled due to reports of skin irritation 

Stay Safe!!

IKEA Sniglar Crib Recall

The mattress supports on this crib can collapse, causing injury to an infant.  See the full details for how to repair the crib at the official CPSC recall site.

Stay Safe!!

Veripur Hand Sanitizer Moisturizer Works for Us!

I hate hand sanitizer.  It's drying, smells harsh, and doesn't seem to offer long-lasting protection against germs.  Lotion, on the other hand... I love.

I found it exciting to learn that there was a product on the consumer market that offered the germ-killing benefits of a traditional hand sanitizer, but had the consistency and benefits of a luxurious, pleasant-smelling hand lotion.  It's called Veripur, and I used it all this past week any chance I could get.  I replaced my regular lotion with this, and I really loved the way my hands felt.  I also had no problem kicking my standby, drying sanitizer to the curb.

Veripur kills the germs on your hands, and then forms a moisturizing barrier to keep new germs from hanging around for up to four hours!  There is no alcohol, so even the kids can use this product safely, but it protects against 20 bacteria strains and 4 viruses.  A little bit goes a long way, too.  I barely made a dent in my bottle after using it regularly for days.

The best part is that I put this on my hands, and no one knows that I just used a sanitizer.  No odor... just soft hands that smell great!  You can find this innovative new product in a scented or unscented variety at your local Walgreens or online at www.veripur.com or www.buyveripur.com.

I wrote this review while participating in a Mom Central Consulting blog tour on behalf of Veripur Hand Sanitizer Moisturizer. I received a Veripur product sample and a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Review of Blessing Bank

Do you long for your child to learn to be a cheerful giver?  Whether you've started teaching them about being charitable or not, it's a great time to begin making certain that it's easy for them to give a portion of their blessings to others.  If they bring offerings to church, donations to special charity events, or just need a place to keep money that they are unsure of where to donate it to, the Blessing Bank is a beautiful and simple way to remind kids of the joy of helping others -- and it's made right here in the U.S.A.!

Based on Jesus' words in Acts 20:35, these are handmade wooden banks that not only serve as an easy way to store of treasures for others, they are gorgeous keepsakes that make wonderful gifts!  Parents who want to reinforce good stewardship principles will appreciate that the wooden ones (like we tried) are made from 100% reforested wood and recycled packaging. (Also available in ceramic and silver.) They are also adorned with the most breathtaking designs!  If you have a faith-based holiday coming up, you'll love these neat gift ideas.

If you want to take the money that's been saved in the bank with you to your donation destination, you may want to check out the Little Blessing Bags!  These are small cotton drawstring bags that kids can put into a purse or pocket for easy transport of their money gifts.  (A nice prayer is written on the side, as well.)

The same boring piggy banks are.. well.. boring, and don't often promote the concept of loving your neighbors as God first loved us.  These bags and banks do.  Learn more at the official Blessing Bank website!

*Sample was received.  Opinions are 100% my own!

Baby Monitor Recalls

There have been two recalls involving Summer Infant Video Baby Monitors: One for the rechargeable batteries (which can cause burns) and one for the labeling of the monitors' cords (which can cause a strangulation hazard.)  Please see each individual recall for details.

Stay Safe!!
 

Outdoor Playsets Recall

Escalade Sports has recalled some of the swing seats on the Oasis Playsets due to a fall hazard.  Please check to see if your outdoor playset has these swings, and follow up to get a replacement! (Full details at the CPSC website.  Picture shows just one of the affected sets.)

Stay  Safe!!

Review of Bissell Proheat 2x Upright Carpet Cleaner

I'm about to tell you about a product that I've had for over a year -- and I LOVE!  While not new to the market, it's still widely available, and something that all carpet owners should consider (especially if they have children or pets in the home.)  The Bissell Proheat 2X Upright Carpet Cleaner is a lifesaver for me!

Operation is fairly simple.  Just fill the water tank with hot water from  your tap, and the cleaner compartment with the cleaner of your choice (you do not have to use the Bissell brand, and I prefer the 2x concentrated that I can dilute.)  Since the appliance has a "power" and "heater" button, it makes your hot water go farther, even if you've used it so long that the water in the tank has cooled down significantly.  Pushing the thing can be tiring.. it's rather heavy.  However, anyone with a reasonable amount of strenghth can manage it on a regular basis -- I used it both pregnant and right after a c-section.  It's lighter than a commercial steam cleaner.

How does it work?  Very well.  I have been able to get dried dog vomit, mold, juice, coffee stains (if cleaned up immediately.. not so well on coffee that's been there for weeks), dog pee, all kinds of mud and dirt, and several kinds of marker.  If you find that a particular stain is not coming up, just pretreat it with the cleaner and use the hose attachment to give it a little bit of special attention, and it usually comes right out.  I like that the carpet gets a good scrubbing with the front brushes on the machine -- it makes the pile of the carpet look like new when you're done.

Another great feature of the Bissell is the ability to select the level of dirt you're cleaning.  I almost always use the "medium" setting (otherwise, I go through too much cleaning solution), and in some cases, I use the "light" setting and use the "rinse" setting to finish up.  This lets you use only water to get some of the dirty water up out of the carpet without wasting the cleaner.  The unit provides great suction, and is kinda noisy, but not ridiculously so.

One of the cons of the machine is that it is a bit difficult to clean the water reservoir.  The dirty and clean water stay separated by a rubber "bladder" within the machine, that can get gross and slimy if you don't rinse it well every time you use it.  Another hassle is that the water in the carpet can take awhile to dry.  You definitely want to clean your carpets when there are no kids or dogs around to get it dirty before it can dry completely, and if you wear socks while you clean, they will be soaked by the time you get it done.

I've read complaints about the machine giving out before the warranty has expired, but I don't have any issues with mine.  I use it at least a few times a month on my 1400 square foot home, and it is still working the same as when I bought it over a year ago.  If you are stuck with carpet and need an affordable alternative to renting a machine every few months, you'll feel good about owning the Bissell Proheat 2X Upright. (Models start at $199)

Find out more about the Bissell line at Bissell.com!

Give Walmart Your Feedback on Pharmacy Services

What influences where you get your prescriptions filled?  Is it price, location, or speed of service?  Now, you have a chance to tell Walmart what you think about their pharmacy services and your pharmacy needs in general:

“Walmart Pharmacy wants to know what you think makes a great pharmacy experience!  They are looking at new ways to provide a pharmacy experience that customers value.  Your personal information will not be used for any sort of marketing purposes, and all your responses will be kept confidential.  Your opinion matters – sparing a few minutes and providing your thoughts to this national pharmacy chain is greatly valued and appreciated.  Let your voice be heard; complete the survey today!”

To get your voice heard by the people that make Walmart's pharmacy decisions, you can fill out the survey here.  It's completely confidential!  (Know someone with feedback?  Feel free to share the link!)

*I am a voluntary participant in the Walmart Moms program. Walmart provided me compensation for my time and efforts to write this post and share the survey. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.

Big G Hot Wheel in Select Boxes of Cereal (Giveaway)

Remember the good old days.. when there were real prizes in a box of cereal?  While the prizes wouldn't influence which cereals we buy, it is nice to have a treat inside the boxes we buy, anyway.  Big G cereals is now offering Hot Wheels in select boxes of Cheerios, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Lucky Charms, Cookie Crisp, and Reese's Puffs.  The cool little cars are pull-back racers, meaning the boys can play them on the kitchen floor -- no batteries required!

These boxes are available for a limited time only.  Find out more about the participating Big G cereals at the  General Mills site.

Wanna win?  We are giving away a fun prize pack including 5 boxes of the Big G cereals with the Hot Wheels inside.  To be entered to win, just share your favorite Hot Wheels memory. We'll give you until February 20th at 11:59 pm CST to get your entries in.

One entry per person, please.  Giveaway is open to U.S. 18+ only, and be sure to give us a way to contact you if you win! (Don't forget to enter all of our giveaways while you're here!)


* General Mills and Hot Wheels® provided me with the free product, information, and giveaway through MyBlogSpark

DIY Valentine's Day Silhouettes

So I'm not exactly crafty, but this month's DIY assignment from Walmart was to create a Valentine's Day project.  Since I LOVE my kids, and I am not super-creative, I opted for a framed silhouette for each of my kids that I will use to cover the hallway wall going to the kids' bedrooms.  We headed to Walmart, and purchased the following supplies:

• 5 black frames
• black matte paper
• scissors
• glue

Now it was time to get to work. We had my 4-year-old sit VERY still... (this was the hardest part) and traced his face against a sheet of white printer paper that we taped behind him.  Then we shined my lamp on him in just a way to cast a nice, sharp, life-size, shadow on the paper.  We traced it with a pencil, then placed it against our black matte paper, and then cut it out.  Finally, we glued the black matte "shadow" to a piece of white paper, and placed it into our frame.  It was super-simple, and looks amazing!  (Now we just have to do this again... X 4!)

Not only do we have a special way to say how much we love our kids this Valentine's Day, but these make great Grandma presents.  Can you imagine me looking back in 20 years at our little boys' faces and saying, "Remember when?"

This project cost less than $30 buck to make total.  (It will cost less if you have fewer kids, and more if you buy fancier frames. )  All supplies are available at Walmart!

*Compensation and product has been provided by Walmart for my time and effort to participate. Opinions are 100% my own.

Celebrate Valentine's With Baby Bath Treats!

Walmart asked me to write about something special that I'm doing with my baby for Valentine's Day.  It's fitting, actually, because the so-called "romantic" holiday quit being solely about couples and alone time many years ago.  It is the first Valentine's I'll have with my new son, Marcus, however, who is turning 8 months old tomorrow.  Since hubby and I will get a dinner together in a week or so, I took the time today to shop for some special gifts for putting together a sweet Valentine's Day "date" for Marcus and I.  Since he loves baths, we centered it around the theme of bath time!

Here is Marcus, enjoying the new goodies we got for Valentine's.  He is having a blast!




They included an assortment of Aveeno Baby Shampoos, Body Washes, and my fave: the Soothing Relief Creamy Wash. 

I also bought some adorable bath toys just for him and designed for kids younger than one, as well as a neat Spider-Man bath mat to keep his little bottom from slipping in the tub.  (This Sesame Street mat is super cute, too, and comes with a matching faucet cover.) He's  just now sitting up really well, and this helps him to keep his balance and stay seated while playing.

You can fill a neat basket or bath pail with fun bath products for you own baby, and make a personalized bath experience your little one is sure to love.  Other ideas for making bath time more fun for baby include:

• Sudsing up baby with a bath poof (they love the texture)
• Letting baby dump water from little cups and pitchers
• Practicing some infant massage for relaxation before bedtime or during an illness or colic
• Showing baby how to "splash!"
• Adding some child-safe bath color products to the water.  Babies love exploring the different hues.

Do you enjoy bath time with your baby?  What would you include in a Valentine's Day bath basket?

*Compensation and product has been provided by Walmart for my time and effort to participate. Opinions are 100% my own.

Nightlight and Vacuum Recalls

We've got two new recalls to tell you about.

The AmerTac nightlights shown on the CPSC website have been recalled due to fire and burn hazards.

Also, the Hoover Windtunnel Canister Vacs are being recalled for fire and shock hazards.  These were sold between 2003 and 2008.

Stay Safe!!

Cheap Quiznos, Free Music Downloads, Redbox and more!

We've got some great partner offers to share with you today!

• Print a coupon for Quiznos Rib Sub for Only $2.99
• Get a free Redbox rental today only with code FEB7MOVIE 
• Register at the Zantac site and get a $5 coupon for your purchase
• Get $2 in free credits for Amazon MP3 downloads. Enter VDAYMP3S to get your credit.
• Get “10 Frames to Spare” coupon to get a free game of bowling when you pay for a game 
• Free Alaska Travel guide when you fill out the simple form!

Review of Medela Breastmilk Labeling and Storage System

Is your fridge a mess? Do you cower in fear over what may be hiding in and behind the containers of food you have stashed?  If you worry that your disorganization of the family's food may spill over into your breast milk pumping and storing habits, you may want to consider a storage system. 

We tried out the new Medela Breastmilk Labeling and Storage System, and it was a modestly-sized solution to keeping breast milk safely and properly stored in the fridge or freezer.  The system came with a tray and two containers, both with lids that let you indicate the day and time that the milk had been expressed.  (You could also use it to indicate the day and time that you'd like the milk used up, if you choose to go that route.)  While you would ultimately need a few more containers to really be able to use it on a daily basis (or at least the Medela brand storage bags that are also compatible with this system), it's a great first start to getting the milk in one designated spot in the fridge.  It also ensures that caregivers will use the FIFO (first in first out) method of using the oldest breastmilk first.

The containers were super sturdy, and are compatible with Medela feeding systems.  We don't use the Medela bottles, but were still able to use these to store expressed milk until we were ready to put them into our own bottles.  They seal really well, so you can toss them into a diaper bag without fear of spills.  Suitable for use in the fridge or freezer, you may find this to be a nice solution if you have many bottles of expressed milk or need a gentle reminder of which milk needs used up.  (We know how everything can get confused in the middle of the night...)

You can learn more about the Medela Breastmilk Labeling and Storage System at their website -- or check them out on Facebook and Twitter!


Wanna Win? We have one system to give away to a lucky reader!  To be entered to win, just comment on this post with why you need this system.  We'll give you until February 18th at 11:59 pm CST to get your entries in.

One entry per person, please.  Giveaway is open to U.S. 18+ only, and be sure to give us a way to contact you if you win! (Don't forget to enter our other free baby giveaways while you're here!)

*Sample was received for this 100% honest post.

2011 Valentine's Gift Guide for the GrownUps

We've already shared our top picks for making the kids' holiday a bit sweeter, but what about the adults?  Here are our favorite gift ideas for showing someone how much you care.

Amano Artisan Chocolate

Don't dabble in chocolates that are anything less than perfect.  Amano's amazing chocolates have a deep, rich, and authentic spirit that remind you just how decadent the chocolate experience is supposed to be.  Whether you nibble from the Cuyagua 70% Dark Chocolate bar or choose a delightful (and beautiful) truffle from their new line of exquisite treats, you'll feel like royalty.  These are especially wonderful with a cup of fresh-brewed coffee (when the kids are in bed, of course.) Be warned: the truffles are almost too pretty to eat... you'll need to buckle down and just eat one to justify breaking the beautiful outer shell -- but it's worth it!

Wanna connect?  You can see the entire line of limited-edition bars made from the purest ingredients as the Amano site.  (Find them on Facebook and Twitter, too!)

Donseumor Cookies

These aren't your mama's cookies!  Refined and known around the world for their beautiful design and pure flavors, the French desserts are the perfect way to show you have some heart!  Their Valentine's Day Special features small heart-shaped Madeleines dipped in white and chocolate coating.  They are slightly crunchy, a little chewy, and a whole lotta good!  These make a light but tasty treat for your afternoon tea or coffee, and they come wrapped in packages of two, so you can have one serving while the rest stay fresh!  Tucked into a custom gift box, they are a classy gift for the hard-to-shop for sweetie!

Wanna order? See their year-round selection at Donseumor.com.

Juicy Juice Sparkling Juice

We know it's not wine, but it makes a tasty (and safe) substitute for nursing or pregnant moms -- or anyone who wants to enjoy an alcohol-free romantic evening.  I love this fizzy juice product, designed for kids (but perfect for adults, too.)  Serve it chilled in a wine glass for a healthy alternative for family-style V-Day parties!  Choose from three flavors:  berry, apple, or orange. 

Wanna Save? Find out more about this product, which boasts a serving of fruit in every can at the Juicy Juice site -- and download a $1.00 off coupon!

*We received samples of some items in our gift guide.  Others we purchased ourselves. No additional compensation has been provided in exchange for being featured in our guide.  In other words, "if we don't like it, you won't find it here!"