Monday, December 21, 2009

Calling All December 2009 Babies!



Tax time is usually not what I would consider fun. The mountains of the paperwork. The math. The waiting. The stress. But the parents of one lucky, "last-minute" December 2009 baby are going to celebrate the arrival of tax season with $5,000! Being a December baby myself (12/12 to be exact), I just had to share this fun, cute contest with my readers.

TurboTax®, the nation's No. 1 rated, best-selling tax preparation software from Intuit Inc., is conducting its third annual nationwide search for America's Cutest Last-Minute Tax Deduction. The grand prize, as I mentioned above, is a whopping $5,000! To enter, parents or legal guardians should submit a photo of their baby born between Dec. 1-31, 2009 to www.CutestTaxDeduction.com. The deadline for submissions is January 7, 2010. Judges will select 10 finalists, and America will determine America's Cutest Last-Minute Tax Deduction and the grand prize winner!

Further details, rules and eligibility are available at www.CutestTaxDeduction.com. For the latest updates, you can follow @TurboTax on Twitter (use hashtag #TTbaby) or visit TaxBreak, the new TurboTax blog.

Pass it on and good luck!

Disclaimer: I was notified of this contest due to my membership at MomSelect. In exchange for posting about this topic, I will be entered to win a $250 AMEX gift card, as well as a "Tax Deduction" onesie.

Review and Giveaway: Pedia-Lax Fiber Gummies



My son, like many toddlers, is a carbohydrate fiend. Bring on the chicken nuggets, Cheerios and mac 'n cheese. Hold the oatmeal and green vegetables. And just about any fruit aside from cherries and peaches. But it's only a matter of time before his crispy, crunchy diet is bound to catch up with him and wreck havoc on his digestive system.

This year, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) increased its recommended daily fiber intake standards. These updated guidelines recommend 19 grams of fiber for ages 2-3 and 25 grams of fiber per day for ages 4-8. Not an easy accomplishment with busy schedules and finicky eaters that turn their nose up at healthy, high-fiber foods.

That's why Fleet, a trusted name in digestive health for over 100 years, has recently introduced Pedia-Lax Fiber Gummies. Made for kids ages 2-11, these penguin-shaped gummies are designed to bridge the gap between the AAP recommendation and the amount of fiber that children actually consume daily. Pedia-Lax Fiber Gummies are:
  • Sugar-free
  • Calorie-free
  • Gluten-free
  • Contain natural fruit flavors
  • Dentist-approved
The serving size of three gummies per day is the equivalent of 1/2 cup of broccoli - but without the complaints!



In addition to this new product , Pedia-Lax has launched a new website, www.fibergummies.com. Aimed at parents, the Fiber Gummies website breaks down the fundamentals of fiber, explains how to diagnose constipation and offers educational tools and activities for children. One especially useful tool from the website is the "Fiber Diary" a.k.a. Poop Journal, where parents can view recommended fiber levels, get tips for fiber-rich foods and keep track of their child's dietary and bowel habits. Parents can also find quick, easy recipes to assist with meal planning and incorporate more fiber into their diet.

I was sent a bottle of Pedia-Lax Gummies to review. Now, Nate is just under 17 months - not quite 2 - so I wasn't comfortable trying it out on him yet. But I did taste one for myself out of curiosity. It was suprisingly good! Not medicinal or chalky like some vitamin gummies I've tasted. It tasted just like a fruit snack. I think this is something that all young children would willingly take - and would never realize it was a clever disguise for fiber.

Bottom line: I would highly recommend Pedia-Lax Fiber Gummies to supplement your child's fiber intake, particularly if you have a picky eater on your hands. I love that they taste like candy but lack the sugar, are good for him and won't make his dentist frown.

BUY IT: You can find Pedia-Lax Gummies and other Pedia-Lax products at Target, Walgreens and other supermarkets and retailers nationwide, as well as online (ARV $7.99/ 60 ct. bottle). You can also use their handy dandy store locator to find the vendor nearest you.

DELECTABLE DEAL: You can find a printable $1.00 off coupon for Pedia-Lax Gummies on the Pedia-Lax website!

WIN IT: One lucky reader is going to recieve a bottle of Pedia-Lax Gummies to try for their little one!



MAIN COURSE (MANDATORY ENTRY): Visit the Pedia-Lax Gummies website and tell me one thing you learned that I did NOT mention in my review. Remember to please leave your email address in your comment if it isn't visible on your profile or if you are not a blogger!

SUGAR ON TOP (BONUS ENTRIES): To maximize your chances of winning, you may do any or all of the following. Be sure to complete the above mandatory entry or your bonus entries will not count!

1.) Follow my blog or subscribe via reader or email. Comment telling me which method you chose. If you already follow or subscribe, that counts! (1 entry)

2.) Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this contest. Just leave me a comment with your tweet link. (1 entry)

3.) Become a fan of Pedia-Lax Gummies on Facebook and leave me a comment with your profile name. (1 entry)

4.) Add my blog button and/or my holiday button to your site and leave a comment with the link to where I can find it. (1 entry for each)

5.) Enter any of my other current giveaways and leave a comment telling me which one(s) you entered. (1 entry each)

Giveaway will end on January 4, 2010 at 11:59pm EST. Open to U.S. only. Winners will be chosen via Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond to congratulatory email or prize will be forfeited and another winner will be chosen.

Disclaimer: As noted above, I received a bottle of Pedia-Lax Gummies from Laura at Robin Leedy Associates to facilitate my candid review. I was not compensated in any other way for this post. The opinions expressed in this review and purely my own. Your experience with this product may differ. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Before using this product, you should consult your child's physician for a complete evaluation.

Website Review: TrimBack.com



Who doesn't love a good deal? No hands? That's what I thought.

Whether you are a procrastinator looking to purchase some last minute Christmas gifts or you're a planner researching how to maximize the cash and gift cards after the holidays, TrimBack.com has the coupon codes you need to save money.

No longer do you have to navigate from site to site or register for every newsletter on the planet in order to gain access to valid coupons to your favorite stores. Just visit TrimBack and browse their selection of popular stores and categories or catch a snapshot of the latest and greatest coupons and promo codes, all in one attractive, user-friendly place.



You'll find special deals and discounts from mega-retailers like Best Buy, Gap, Macy's, and Kohl's - they even have Amazon coupon codes. For example, I found code "BEMERRY" to get 10% all new and used video games plus free ground shipping at GameStop (through today, 12/21), which saved me over $6 for my brother-in-law's gift. Not a tremendous amount but hey, every little bit helps in this economy! Not to mention I didn't have to fight for a parking space, stand in line or maneuver a stroller through the holiday crowds. That in itself is priceless.

But that's not all - TrimBack also helps you shave your grocery budget with printable manufacturer coupons! This will be especially helpful for our one-income family as I try to reduce our monthly expenses. And to stay true to the golden rule, if you find a great deal, you can pass it along to the rest of us by submitting it to TrimBack in one easy step. You know, in case you want to spread some holiday cheer.

Because the site is chock full of info, I found that it was sometimes a little slow to load. But hang in there, because I think the savings from TrimBack is seriously worth the wait.

To can stay up to date on the latest deals and finds, you can subscribe to TrimBack via email or RSS feed, follow on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook.

Disclaimer: I was contacted about TrimBack.com due to my membership at Mom Fuse. In exchange for my review, I have been entered into a blog contest to win a $25-$100 gift card.

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Relish! Winner

The winner of the 1-year subscription to Relish! Meal Planning Services is...



mverno said... 3

cooking something that can be eaten at more than one time as everyone eats at different times. mverno@roadrunner.com


The winner has been contacted and confirmed. Congratulations and thank you to everyone who participated. I'd also like to thank Ann and Karen at Relish for this review and giveaway opportunity!

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Review: Rockabye Baby Guns 'N Roses



My soon to be 17-month old may not be a "baby" anymore *tear* but that doesn't mean we can't still listen to lullabies. Sometimes we just need to de-stress and unwind, especially for the period between bathtime and bedtime. Thankfully, I've learned that I don't have to endure countless boring nursery rhymes or a neverending children's chorus to help my son fall asleep. I know I can turn to my Rockabye Baby collection.

In case you're out of the loop, the award-winning Rockabye Baby series transforms your favorite rock bands into soft, instrumental lullabies. From classic rock (Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin), pop rock (Beatles, Beach Boys) and punk rock (The Cure, The Ramones) to grunge rock (Nirvana, Green Day), modern rock (Radiohead, Coldplay) and even reggae (Bob Marley), there is something out there for any rock fan. Instead of guitars and drums, you'll find mellotrons, vibraphones, and bells. It's the perfect way to share the music you love with your little one.

I was first introduced to Rockabye Baby when I won the Queen rendition in a blog giveaway (read the review here!). I am extremely partial to this version (it is on heavy rotation in our home) so when I was offered the opportunity to review their newest arrival, Guns 'n Roses, I wasn't sure if I could love it as much.

Track Listing:

1. Welcome to the Jungle
2. Sweet Child 'O Mine
3. Paradise City
4. Live and Let Die
5. November Rain
6. You Could Be Mine
7. Mr. Brownstone
8. Estranged
9. Yesterdays
10. Don't Cry
11. Knockin' On Heaven's Door
12. Patience

But surprisingly, I did.

With such song titles as "Sweet Child 'O Mine", "Don't Cry" and "Patience", G&R was a naturally clever choice for a lullaby album. Similarly to the Queen rendition, I found many of the tracks to be instantly recognizable. As I listened to "Paradise City", I found myself singing along, "oh, won't you please take me home...yeah, yeah". Some songs were unfamiliar to me with but I just had to research after hearing the lullaby ("Mr. Brownstone"). My favorite track has to be the Bob Dylan cover, "Knockin on Heaven's Door", but I also enjoyed the rock ballad "November Rain", which they actually managed to make less meloncholy. It was an incredibly fun yet soothing listen and I am so happy to add this gem to our musical library.

Bottom line: I would highly recommend Rockabye Baby's Lullaby Renditions of GNR, especially if you are a fan of the band. I love that I can bond with my son over music that I love. And that I don't have to pull my hair out over relentless "kiddie" music.

BUY IT: You can find Rockabye Baby Guns 'N Roses, as well as their other popular renditions, online at Amazon or at www.rockabyebabymusic.com (ARV $16.98)

DELECTABLE DEAL: If you're still looking for a cool stocking stuffer for a little rocker, you're in luck! Rockabye Baby is having a holiday special through December 31: get 10% off all orders of $50 or more with code '101' or get 20% off orders of $100 or more with code '102'! Not sure which album would be best for that new mom? Buy a digital download package and she can choose for herself!

Disclaimer: I was sent a copy of this album from Taylor at Rockabye Baby to faciliate my candid review. I was not compensated in any other way for this post.

Friday, December 18, 2009

Review and Giveaway: SmartKnitKIDS Seamless Socks



Getting dressed is a painful process at our house. You see, Nate really doesn't like being restricted and cannot be bothered with such trite accessories as pants or shirts. After I conquer the beast and win our wrestling match, the first thing he usually tears off is his socks. In the summertime, I wouldn't care so much about running around with bare feet. However, in the winter and with the ceramic tile in our new home, I want to make sure his feet stay comfy and warm. So, when I was contacted to review some seamless children's socks, I thought we may be onto something.

SmartKnitKIDS socks are the brainchild of a frustrated, desperate mom who was looking for a way to end the morning routine struggle with her young son. After sharing her experiences with fellow moms who encountered the same exact problem, she contacted textile manufacturer Knit-Rite for a solution. Together, they developed SmartKnitKIDS seamless socks. These socks are started at the toe and worked upward toward the ankle/calf, similar to the way a caterpillar spins its cocoon. The result is a 100% seamless sock.

The form-fitting design will stay on no matter how much they wiggle and helps avoid bunching and wrinkling that may be uncomfortable to children. The non-binding top won't leave indentations on the skin like elastic and keeps the socks up and in place. The heel-less design allows young ones to easily put their socks on independently and extends the life of the sock, as they can be worn in three lengths as your child grows:



If that's not enough, SmartKnitKIDS socks are made of antimicrobial fibers, which wick away moisture to prevent stinky feet. BONUS!

We were fortunate enough to receive 3 pairs of SmartKnitKIDS socks to review. When I first opened the package, I immediately noticed the distinctive design. You definitely can't mistake these socks for the traditional ones. No more digging around in the sock drawer to find a missing partner! Just look how much more slim-lined they are compared to a regular, run-of-the mill sock:



The SmartKnitKIDS socks are soft but not too soft like some of the velour ones we've had, which feel great to the touch but slide down and fall off constantly. As a matter of fact, I think these socks get softer the more you wash and wear them. They are thick enough to be worn year-round but thin enough to slide into a shoe with little to no maneuvering. Few things more annoying than pulling and pushing and wiggling a shoe to get it over a bunched-up sock. True to its word, SmartKnitKIDS stayed in place and didn't bulk up around the toes and heel like our other socks. I was also surprised that Nate didn't tug at them all day long. We even put him to bed with these socks and he woke up with both of them still on. That almost never happens!

Nate wears a toddler size 6.5 shoe so we were sent one size small and two size mediums. My son has large, square "Barney Rubble" feet so finding socks that fit for longer than a couple of months is a challenge. I love that these socks can grow right along with him and I won't have to invest in packs upon packs of socks that he'll outgrow so quickly. I preferred the crew fit of the mediums to the ankle fit of the smalls simply because its winter and I want him to be covered as much as possible for warmth. But come spring/summertime, the ankle fit will be wonderful.



I liked that his feet stayed dry and didn't sweat. I also liked that he didn't get wads of loose fuzz in between his toes, as with other sock brands. The only thing I would like to see is grippers or some sort of texture on the bottoms, as Nate slid a few times on our hardwoods and tile. But I realize this may compromise the overall design of the sock and since it is a relatively minor issue, I can't really call it a detriment.

Bottom line: I would highly recommend SmartKnitKIDS seamless socks for any young child, especially if your child has a hypersensitivity or sensory processing disorder that makes seams unbearable. They are durable and practical and while they may be more expensive, they will hold up and last much longer than other brands. What can I say...SmartKnitKIDS rock our socks!

BUY IT: You can find SmartKnitKIDS seamless socks at select retailers or online at www.therawear.com (ARV $6.95, now on sale for $6.26/pair). There are 5 colors to choose from (white, black, pink, purple and navy) and are available up to a youth size 8.

DELECTABLE DEAL: SmartKnitKIDS is currently hosting a "12 Days of Socks" event, during which they are giving away a pair of socks everyday until December 22nd! You can enter daily!

WIN IT: One lucky reader is going to win three pairs of SmartKnitKIDS seamless socks - that's a $21 value!

MAIN COURSE (MANDATORY ENTRY): Visit the SmartKnitKIDS website and tell me your favorite feature of these socks. Remember to please leave your email address in your comment if it isn't visible on your profile or if you are not a blogger!

SUGAR ON TOP (BONUS ENTRIES): To maximize your chances of winning, you may do any or all of the following. Be sure to complete the above mandatory entry or your bonus entries will not count!

1.) Follow my blog or subscribe via reader or email. Comment telling me which method you chose. If you already follow or subscribe, that counts! (1 entry)

2.) Follow me and SmartKnitKIDS on Twitter and tweet about this contest. Just leave me a comment with your tweet link. (1 entry)

3.) Become a fan of SmartKnitKIDS on Facebook and leave me a comment with your profile name. (1 entry)

4.) Add my blog button and/or my holiday button to your site and leave a comment with the link to where I can find it. (1 entry for each)

5.) Enter any of my other current giveaways and leave a comment telling me which one(s) you entered. (1 entry each)

Giveaway will end on January 1, 2010 at 11:59pm EST. Open to U.S. only. Winners will be chosen via Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond to congratulatory email or prize will be forfeited and another winner will be chosen.

Disclaimer: As noted above, I received 3 pairs of SmartKnitKIDS seamless socks from Rose at Knit-Rite to facilitate my candid review. I was not compensated in any other way for this post. The opinions expressed in this review and purely my own. Your experience with this product may differ.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Holiday Appetizer: Ultimate Party Meatballs



If you're planning on hosting a Christmas party like I am this year, you're probably in the process of finalizing your menu. Since this is my first time hosting all the relatives (at our new locale no less!), I want to cook my old reliables but also impress them with new recipes that taste terrific but won't eat up all of my time (no pun intended). After all, I want to spend time socializing with my company, not standing over my oven.

Well, thanks to Heinz and Ocean Spray, I now have my appetizer under control. Their Ultimate Party Meatballs recipe takes only two steps and uses only three ingredients! This budget-friendly dish is perfect to serve at a dinner party or before the big holiday meal. And let's not forget Super Bowl!

Ultimate Party Meatballs

1 14-ounce can Ocean Spray® Jellied Cranberry Sauce
1 12-ounce bottle Heinz® Chili Sauce
1 2-pound bag frozen, pre-cooked, cocktail-size meatballs

Combine sauces in a large saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring until smooth. Add meatballs. Cover and cook for 15 minutes or until meatballs are heated through, stirring occasionally. Makes 30 appetizer servings.

Slow Cooker Preparation: Place meatballs in a slow cooker. Combine sauces and pour over meatballs. Cover and cook 4 hours on HIGH.

©2009 Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc. and Ocean Spray International, Inc. All rights reserved.
©H.J. Heinz Company, L.P. 2009. All rights reserved.


Seriously, you can't get much easier than that! If you want more appetizer, side dish or main course recipes, as well as tips for entertaining, stop by the Ultimate Party Meatballs website at www.ultimatepartymeatballs.com.

Disclaimer: I was invited to post about Ultimate Party Meatballs due to my membership at Mom Central. I was not compensated in any way for this post, but I have been entered into a contest to win a recipe prize pack including a bottle of Heinz Chili Sauce, a can of Ocean Spray Jellied Cranberry Sauce, a recipe card to make the Ultimate Party Meatballs, and a serving platter.
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