Are You Prepared for Baby's Fall Cold or Flu?

When baby gets sick, it is no fun for ANYONE. Just when I thought my son had grown out of staying up all night, he started to get his first case of sniffles and cold last month, but I was glad we were semi-prepared. This month, we headed to Walmart, to be certain that we had every item we needed for a potential case of fall cold and flu. Here are a few of the things we recommend to have on hand BEFORE baby gets sick:

• Infant acetaminophen and ibuprofen (check with your doctor for proper dosage for infants under 2 years of age.)
• Vicks Baby Rub
• Gripe Water
• Warm-mist humidifier
• Oral thermometer
• Saline spray (for the nose)
• Vicks menthol liquid for the humidifier

So, what do you think? Am I missing something? What items do you swear by having in your “sick baby first aid kit?” (For example, some moms swear by a bulb syringe, but I have NEVER had any luck with using one effectively.) How does your baby kit differ than that for your older kids?

 *I am a participant in the Walmart Moms program. Walmart has provided me with compensation for my time on this post. Participation in this program is voluntary. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month!

It's Hispanic Heritage month, and at first, I wasn't sure what my association was with the holiday. No one in my family is Hispanic, and I speak only a little conversational Spanish. It occurred to me when checking my kitchen cupboards, however, that my life just wouldn't be as flavorful without the influence that the culture has had on American cuisine. Many of the items that we bring home from the store were originally made in Mexico, specifically, and we spend a good portion of our monthly grocery budget in the specialty foods aisle at my local Walmart.

Just look at what a typical trip to Walmart would get us:

As you can see, we enjoy salsas, juices, tortillas, cocoa, beans, peppers, chips, and more! They certainly help to give my meals more flavor, and my kids love eating all these foods, too!

This month, as you hear all the buzz about Hispanic Heritage Month, don't dismiss it just because of your own heritage. One of the great things about this country is the “melting pot” phenomenon, something that has allowed this Danish girl to fry up aebleskiver along while she snacks on Herdez salsa.

Do you enjoy these foods? What kinds do you buy at your local store?

*I am a participant in the Walmart Moms program. Walmart has provided me with compensation for my time on this post. Participation in this program is voluntary. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.
 

EASY DIY Fall Bird Seed Treats from Pennington

You guys know that I'm not crafty, but when I get a simple set of directions and some supplies, I at least like to try.  Today the younger kids and I spent the afternoon making bird seed treats with Pennington Wild Bird Seed, and we had a really great time!

Using just a few supplies available at Walmart, we were able to put together these neat treats.  They also make nice gifts for Grandma!

We used the Pennington Bird Seed, Great Value Flour, Great Value Corn Syrup, some Halloween cookie cutters (you could use any design you'd like), and a little water.  We also needed yarn to tie them into our trees.

We mixed up the concoction:
3/4 cup Great Value all purpose flour
3 Tablespoons Great Value light corn syrup
1/2 cup water
4 cups Pennington Wild Bird Food 

Then, we sprayed our cutters with a little Great Value cooking spray and placed them on waxed paper.

We filled each cutter with some of the seed "mix."

Then, the mix was flattened to the edges and a straw was used to poke a hole through in the middle.

The cutter was carefully removed so we could reuse it.

After about 6 hours, they were solid enough to string with yarn for hanging.

(A few of the more delicate designs broke off -- like the tip of the witch hat.  You may find that the larger designs work better for younger children: the pumpkin, for example.)

Don't they look easy?  

*I am a participant in the Walmart Moms program. Walmart has provided me with compensation for my time on this post. Participation in this program is voluntary. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.

Battat Musical Table and Land of Nod Crib Recalls

Please check your homes to see if you own the following:

• Musical Wooden Table by Battat has been recalled due to choking hazard.  Full details at the CPSC website.
• Shermag drop-side cribs, sold at Land of Nod, have been recalled due to entrapment, suffocation, and fall hazards.  Get the full details here.

Stay Safe!!

New Fun da-Middles from Betty Crocker (Giveaway)

I love snack cakes with creamy fillings, so the idea of making one myself had me giddy.  Betty Crocker now offers a new product that lets you bake up yummy cupcakes with frosting inside, and everything you need to make them is included in the box!  They are called Fun da-middles, and they are seriously as much fun to bake as they are to eat.  You can pick which one of three flavors you like best (Vanilla Cake with Creamy Chocolate Filling, Chocolate Cake with Creamy Vanilla Filling, and Vanilla Cake with Creamy Vanilla Filling) when you buy!

Just look at this demo video showing how they are done:



You can learn more about these new treats at the official Betty Crocker website, their Facebook page, or on Twitter.


Wanna Save?  Get 85 cents off your purchase of Fun da-middles with this printable coupon!

Wanna Win?  We are giving one lucky reader a super fun Fun da-middles prize pack, including:

• One sample of new Betty Crocker Fun da-middles cupcake mix
• One cupcake pan
• One oven mitt
• One package of cupcake liners
• One box of cupcake gift notes

To be entered to win, just comment on this post with what flavor of Fun da-middles you think you'd like best.  You have until October 10th at 11:59 pm CST to get your entries in. U.S. 18+ only. (Don't forget to enter our other blog giveaways while you're here!)

*The Betty Crocker Fun da-middles product, information, and giveaway have been provided by Betty Crocker through MyBlogSpark
 

Little White Lies: Have You Told One?

I don't consider myself a liar, but we all have times where we are slightly less obvious about the truth when we feel like we need to.  (Like when you say a baby is cute... and they're not.)

Early in the 2nd season of The Middle, Brick figures out his parents have been lying to him (but it was done to protect him... honestly.)  When was the last time you told your kids, or your family a little white lie? Have your kids ever caught you in a lie? See how Frankie, the loving wife and mother of three from ABC's The Middle handles her white lies when her youngest son becomes the wiser in the Season 2 DVD set, now available for pre-order!



*I have been hired by Warner Bros. WBWord division to promote The Middle Season Two on DVD.

Bounce-N-Learn Trampolines Coming to Walmart!

If your kids are like mine, they have probably BEGGED you for a trampoline.  If you are like me, you have told them "No, they aren't safe" and totaled up how much it would raise your health insurance premiums to have several broken limbs on your medical account.

When we were asked about reviewing the Skywalker Bounce-n-Learn trampolines, however, I took one look at the concept illustrations and knew that these would be a great excuse to say "yes" to a trampoline.  For one, they were much smaller than the traditional backyard sets (ours was 88" across, the largest in the series).  They also came with every possible safety feature, short of wrapping your kid in bubble wrap.  There was safety netting, padding on EVERY hard surface, and a netting underneath to prevent kids from crawling under.  In short, I felt very secure about letting my kids get the wiggles out on this thing.

Here is a short montage of the fun we had in the first few minutes:



It took about an hour for my husband and our helpers (the kids) to get it completed.  We ran into a few snafus, mainly because the kids were running off with the springs and we installed the bottom netting on the outside of the trampoline, instead of the inside.  If you knew what you were doing, and didn't have to put a baby goat back into it's pen during assembly, it could take you less time.  (One note, we ran into two bolts that were a bit warped, making the nuts impossible to put onto the ends.  We found compatible ones on my husband's shop, but I imagine that you could contact the manufacturer if you ran into similar problems.)

This is our favorite activity at the Knerl house, right now.  The 88" Bounce-n-Learn trampoline comes with everything you need to jump, jump, and jump, and kids ages 3-7 can have a blast on the thing.  (Note:  Our kids are nowhere near the 100 lb limit for this model.  My 8 year old was able to jump comfortably with no worries -- he's 68 pounds.)  Also, I was impressed with the learning function of the trampoline:  a battery-operated sound box that, when installed, lets kids jump onto animal faces for fun sound effects!

These trampolines will be available at your local Walmart or online beginning Oct 1st.  The pricing for each model is as follows:

38" Bounce-n-Learn Color Wheel Game - $54.99
55" Bounce-n-Learn Animal Game - $89.99
5x5 Bounce-n-Learn Color Square Game- $109.99
88" Bounce-n-Learn Animal Game - $149.99

Happy jumping!

*I am a participant in the Walmart Moms program. Walmart has provided me with compensation for my time on this post. Participation in this program is voluntary. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.

Little Tykes Workshops and Toy Car Recalls

We've just gotten reports of two new recalls.

• The Little Tykes Workshops and tools (several models) are recalling the plastic toy nails due to a choking hazard.  There are over 10 toys that include the nails, so check the CPSC website for details.
•  Also, some toy cars sold as "Gallop X" and "Racing Cars" have been recalled due to lead.  Get the full scoop here.

Stay Safe!!

Review of Goo Gone Spray Gel (VLOG)

Got a sticky, nasty mess to clean up?  We gave Goo Gone Spray Gel (with surprisingly pleasant orange scent) a try.  Check out our video review to find out if it will work for your family!



Get more details on Goo Gone Spray Gel at the official Goo Gone site!

*Samples of Goo Gone products and the featured toy storage unit were received to facilitate this review.  Opinions are 100% our own.

Are Two Heads Better than One? (And is it Enough?)

Sometimes, even as a homeschooling Mom, I feel like I'm being pulled in a hundred different directions.  This is partly why I am so amused by the antics of the Hecks in season 2 of the Middle.  The Heck's have their son Axl in football and daughter Sue in cross country, resulting in a tug-of-war between the kids to get their parents to attend all of their events.  Inevitably, someone ends up not happy.  Can you relate?

We've managed to have either my husband or myself at most every event (including volleyball games, homeschool meetings, and family get-togethers), but sometimes, even our best efforts fail.  What tips do you have for getting all the places you need to be for your kids?  Or have you realized that you just won't be able to do it all?

You can relive the hilarious episode where Sue and Axl duke it out for their parents' attendance in the Season Two DVD set! 


*I have been hired by Warner Bros. WBWord division to promote The Middle Season Two on DVD.

SweeTango Apples ARE Better Than Candy

My family goes through 3-5 pounds of apples a week.  My five kids eat them constantly, and I have one little guy who is always tugging at my sleeve and timidly asking, "Mom, can I have an apple?"  We have a nifty little apple cutter that I use at least twice daily; it evenly divides the apple and reduces waste.  To put it simply, we can't get enough apples.

When this year's apple crop was ready, we were very disappointed.  The apples looked gross, thanks to some cedar rust that had taken over while we were battling the flood.  I couldn't have been more bummed about missing out on the fresh, tangy treats that we usually indulge in this time of year.  Then, Walmart came to me and asked if we would like to sample a new variety of apple: SweeTango.  I was excited to see how they compared to my fresh apples!

Here is how the box of apples arrived.  See how HUGE these things are?  They were very nice-looking, too.  I couldn't imagine a more blemish-free fruit.

We cut one open to see how they tasted...

and....

 The reviews came in from our kids.  "These taste better than candy, Mom!"

So, even with our best intentions to save a few back to see how they baked, we went through the entire box within a few days.  These apples are a cross between Honeycrisp and Zestar apples, and they truly capture the best features of both breeds.  Here is some more info on these tasty fruits:

SweeTango is a new variety of apples produced over the last decade by agriculture professors at the University of Minnesota. This new apple variety has been a labor of love for the university and a network of family-owned orchards to grow these apples.  These apples are being grown in Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Washington states.

There is so much I could say about how the apples are grown, how the farmers who raise them are working together to bring them to your table, and how the quest for the perfect fruit may have finally ended with a wonderful candidate!  To get all the facts for yourself, however, I encourage you to see the official SweeTango website.  You can get details on the flavor and look of the apples, as well as meet some of the growers!

SweeTango will be available at a Walmart near you very soon (if they are not there already!)

*I am a participant in the Walmart Moms program. Walmart has provided me with compensation for my time on this post. Participation in this program is voluntary. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.


 

Recall Roundup!

We wanted to make sure you were aware of a few recent recalls. Please check your home for these items, and see the full press releases from the CPSC website for the full details of a refund or replacement:

Pottery Barn Dolls
LED Nightlights
Pacific Cycle Swingsets
Wooden Rattle
phil & teds Clip-on Chair
Radio Flyer Riding Toy
Build-a-Bear Lapel Pins
Step Stools with Storage from Target
Toys Keys with Remote

Stay Safe!!

Sound Off for a Chance to Win!

For those of you who haven't check out our sister site 1099 Mom yet, there is another great reason to pop on over!  They are having a Sam's Club gift card giveaway, and all you have to do is give your thoughts on child care solutions -- the good and the bad.  All comments will be entered to win, and you have until September 30th to get your entries in!

(While you're there, you may want to read up on career opportunities for work-at-home moms!  We've interviewed virtual assistants, courthouse researchers, soapmakers, and bloggers to learn their secrets to success.)

Save 50% on Baby Costumes ($12.50) at Old Navy!

Choose from 13 different high quality costumes for baby boys or girls!  Discount applies to costumes priced $18.71.  Apply code ONGET15 to receive additional 15% plus get a cash back reward!

Here's the breakdown:

Old Navy List Price:	$24.94
Old Navy Website Price:	$18.71
Coupon Code: ONGET15	-$2.81
WILD Cash Back Reward	-$3.40

Total cost = $12.50 plus shipping.  (Or buy $50 or more in merchandise and get FREE standard shipping!) Start shopping HERE!

Details: The WILD Cash Back Reward will be posted to your ShopAtHome.com account within 30 days of purchase. WILD Cash Back Rewards apply only to the products listed. Limit one per ShopAtHome.com customer.  Not valid with any other coupon or rebate program. Please review Cash Back Guidelines for other items purchased from the store.  WILD discount good only while supplies last, No Rain Checks.

ShopAtHome.com rebate checks are mailed monthly, within 90 days of item purchase, as long as you haven't returned the product to the store, and you have a minimum balance of $20 in your ShopAtHome.com account.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Brings a New Face to Hot Wheels!

What kid doesn't love Hot Wheels?  We've reviewed Hot Wheels stuff in the past (like the Wall tracks), and it's something that just picks up more and more interest in our home.  (Could it be the four little boys?)

When we received the new car designed by NASCAR superstar Dale Earnhardt, Jr., it was racing time at our house.  This little car (named "Hammerhead") features classic ’50s hot rod looks with edgy ’60s muscle car styling and costs just $1.09 at Walmart!  My boys raced the car all over the dining room floor, and we also put one car away for down the road.  It makes a nice collectible item!

If you've outgrown the toys, but still love the NASCAR spirit, there is also a line of clothing featuring the Hot Wheels brand and Dale's team personality.  Items start at just $7, and there are things for big boys (like my husband) and little boys, too.

You can get more information on the Hammerhead and Dale's involvement with the Hot Wheel's brand at the official website.  There is a cool video to watch, too! 

*Sample of a car and apparel were received for this review.  Opinions are 100% my own. 

Did You Know that Gold Medal Makes White Whole Wheat Flour? (Giveaway)

I love the idea of baking with whole wheat flour, but even after mixing it with white flour, it doesn't taste that good.  To me, the healthy trade-off isn't worth losing that fluffy white flour texture and flavor.  Now, however, there is a better way to do wheat flour: Gold Medal White Whole Wheat Flour.

This is the perfect product for those who have avoided wheat flour.  It has a milder flavor, and unlike traditional whole wheat flours (which are made with hard red spring wheat), Gold Medal White Whole Wheat flour is made with hard white spring wheat. So, it’s whole grain, but with a similar taste and texture to all-purpose white flour.

You can use this flour in all your baking, from pizza dough to cookies!  It is recommended that you substitute the whole wheat white flour for 25 to 50 percent of the recipe’s flour content, and you may wish to add an extra tablespoon or two of the liquid used in the recipe when substituting Gold Medal White Whole Wheat flour or decrease the amount of flour by one to two tablespoon for recipes that call for all-purpose flour.


What do you think?  Have you avoided whole wheat flour in the past?  Would you try this flour?


You can find out more about this flour, along with recipes for using it at www.bettycrocker.com,
or check it out on Facebook!

Wanna Win?  We are giving away a neat prize pack, featuring a VIP coupon for a sample of Gold Medal White Whole Wheat flour, Instructions for conversion, Cookie Jar, and Recipe Cards.  To be entered to win, just tell us what kind of recipe you would use this flour in!  You have until September 30th at 11:59 pm CST to get your entries in. U.S. 18+ only. (Don't forget to enter our other blog giveaways while you're here!)

*The Gold Medal White Whole Wheat flour product, information, and giveaway have been provided by Gold Medal through MyBlogSpark.

Rally for Recess with Danimals!

We recently snagged some Danimals yogurt for my kids.  We like it, because the kids the enjoy the flavor, and I like that they are getting calcium.  But more than that, I am impressed by the recent movement to get kids doing recess again -- and Danimals is leading the way!

The premise for Rally for Recess by Danimals is simple:

It’s school versus school! Get Danimals^® entry codes and redeem them online. Five schools will win a $20,000 playground makeover and an ultimate recess day.

There are lots of tools on the Rally for Recess website to help you get more involvement from your school to go towards the chance to win!  They include posters and the opportunity to sign up for a free code to get you started, as well as the chance to instantly win a daily prize.  What could your school do with a $20,000 playground upgrade?  I can imagine quite a bit! 

As recess becomes less and less prevalent in schools, I'm happy that my kids are homeschooled, where I can ensure that they play as much as I see fit.  For my friends in public and private schools, however, I understand that we will all need to work together to make sure it stays a priority in a child's day.  Why do you think recess is important?  Share your thoughts at the bottom of this post, or head on over to the Rally for Recess site to get started helping your school today!


“I wrote this review while participating in a campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Danimals and received a gift card to facilitate my review and a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.”