Don't drive buzzed!!

Last year, more than 250 people died in alcohol-impaired driving crashes during the Christmas and New Year’s holiday periods.  Make sure that if you're at a work function, holiday party or at a drinking establishment and you're having a few drinks have a safe way to get home.  Don't get behind the wheel yourself putting yourself and others in danger.  Even if you're just a little buzzed you're still impaired and it's still considered drunk driving!


Designate a driver before even going out or there are other alternatives out there such as cabs, public transit or programs where a couple people are sent to pick you up in your vehicle and drive you home safely.  One such program I know about and have used is Operation Reindeer.  


Visit http://buzzeddriving.adcouncil.org/   where you can sign a pledge not to drink and watch a video of the effects of buzzed driving.

 Stay safe and have fun this holiday season!

Dr Oetker Review and Giveaway!!

I was recently sent a box full of goodies from Dr. Oetker to try and I must say they sure making it easy!  The shakers are great!  All you do is add milk or water to the container, shake and poor into line muffin tins and bake!  So easy and no cleanup.  These are a great idea when company drops by and you want to serve fresh muffins.  They're light, tasty and not nearly as many calories as store bought.  The shaker cupcakes and pancakes are also easy to use.

We tried the Casa di Mama Hawaiian pizza and I liked the crust but I didn't think there were enough toppings on the pizza.  It seems like the middle of the pizza was just crust and cheese.  I also don't think it's worth the price when they're not on sale as they're not exactly a big pizza.  I think for the next one I'll try the Ristorante brand.

The mousse and puddings were very good!  A nice quick and easy dessert and the light ones are only 50 calories a serving!  Just add milk, blend with a mixer and refrigerate!  My husband and some couldn't get enough of them.  I've tried the Sherriff lemon pie filling in the past and loved it.  I remember that's how my mom made them growing up.

My family definitely had a great time trying out all the goodies we were sent and I do bake from scratch but when it comes to the muffins and cupcakes when you're short of time Dr Oetker is a great substitute!  Thanks to Dr Oetker one of my readers will win a basket of goodies worth $50.  For the main entry just visit Dr Oetker and let me know which product you would like to try.  Contest open to Canada only and ends Dec 31st.

Extra entries:
1)  Follow with GFC and comment
2)  Like Dr Oetker on facebook and comment

Winner!

Using random.org the winner of the CSN Stores gift certificate was comment #1!  Congratulations!

Another product review and giveaway coming very soon and this one is yummy!

CSN Stores Giveaway!!

CSN Stores has everything and anything you would need for the holidays.  With over 200 stores it's easy to find the gifts you need.  How about a leather briefcase for the businessman in your life or new bedding for you and toys for the kids!!

Browse the 100 gifts for under $100 to make gift giving easier and the best part is shipping for most items is free.  You don't have to worry about parking the car or shopping with a crying baby.  Just put the kids to bed, put on your pyjamas and shop CSN Stores from the comfort of your own home this holiday season.  

CSN Stores is generously offering one of my readers a $35 gift certificate.  Contest is open to both Canada and the US and ends on Dec 12th.

For the main entry visit CSN Stores and leave a comment with what you'd like to buy.  For bonus entries:

1.  Follow with GFC and comment that you do
2.  Follow with networked blogs and comment that you do
3.  Like CSN Stores on facebook and comment that you do

Kraft Sizzling Salads Product Review

When I was approached to do a product review of Kraft Sizzling Salads I was more than happy to oblige.  I've never tried them before but I use a lot of Kraft products in recipes and I receive their What's Cooking magazine and they always have recipes that are quick, easy and tasty! 

 Kraft Sizzling Salads are a kit with 2 different dressings in it made to complement each other.  One is a cooking sauce for the chicken and one is a dressing for the salad.  They are uniquely Canadian and were launched just earlier this year.  They come in 4 flavours making it easy to switch it up when you're feeling like an entree salad.  The flavour combinations were inspired by top salad selections in restaurants across Canada.  

The four kits and what they include are as follows:

     Asian Chicken - Teriyaki Ginger Sauce and Toasted Sesame Dressing

     Chicken Caesar - Cracked Black Pepper Sauce and Classic Caesar Dressing

     Southwest Chicken - Spicy Fajita Sauce and Barbecue Ranch Dressing

     Greek Chicken - Lemon Oregano Sauce and Mediterranean  Feta Dressing

I was sent the Chicken Caesar kit and the Southwest Chicken kit to try.  The directions were really easy.  Just cook strips of chicken and when they're done add the sauce and cook another minute or so until the chicken is coated.   Then add the dressing to the salad green and whatever add-ins you like (I chose croutons), top with the warm chicken and enjoy!  The sauce coated the chicken really well and I like the black pepper flavour.  It wasn't too over powering at all.  The Caesar dressing in the salad provided a nice balance to the peppery flavour of the chicken.  My husband said he really enjoyed it too so this will be an easy way to get him to eat his greens!

The kits are available in major grocery stores across Canada in the salad dressing aisle for a suggested retail price of $4.29.  The bottles are smaller than regular salad dressing so this may seem like a lot but I made enough for 2 large salads and there's still lots of sauce and dressing left.  If the directions are followed according to the packaging it should make 8 salads.  I just used the pour and taste method!  I did run out of chicken though so haven't tried the Southwest Chicken yet but the combination sounds yummy so I can't wait to try that one as well as the others.

*This review is my opinion only and I received the products complementary in order to do a review*

    

Surviving Pregnancy With a Toddler

So I find myself pregnant with a one year old and I'd have to say it's not easy.  With my first pregnancy if I got tired I could lay down whenever I wanted, sleep when I wanted, ate when I wanted, etc.  Well this time around I just don't have that luxury.  I try and get a nap in after work but usually after 30 minutes my son wakes from his and I've just barely fallen asleep!  I usually end up lying on the floor with him while he plays if I'm truly exhausted!  It's harder to keep up with the housework this time around as the first time I didn't have the one year old making the mess!  I usually end up just doing the basics and let less important things go.  I also rely on my husband more to pick up the slack!  Some days (actually most)  I feel bad because I don't get my son out of the house.  I feel like maybe he's not getting enough interaction with other kids or seeing the world enough.  Sometimes his only outing in days is a trip to the supermarket!  I guess I'm not the only one going through this and I just have to keep reminding myself that it won't last forever :)

How do you mothers that are pregnant and have 2, 3 or more other young children deal with it?!?!  I'd like to know your secrets.........

Royal Canin Winner!

Using random.org the winner was amjcross!  Congrats!  I'm sure you can use the food with 4 cats!

New Royal Canin Discovery Pack - Giveaway!!

Cat's determine their food preference differently than humans.  The aroma, texture and feeling of satisfaction the food provides is more important to a cat than taste since taste is their least developed sense so the flavour of the food doesn't really matter.

Royal Canin has studied these differences and have decided that their are 3 main types of cat preferences so they have come up with 3 different meal options to satisfy any cat.

      Aromatic Attraction is preferred by cats who are attracted most to the aroma of their food.
   Savour Sensation appeals to those cats that are attracted by the shape and feel of food in their mouth. 
   Protein Preference is for cats that enjoy a feeling of satisfaction after they've eaten their food.


To make it easier for us humans to determine which of the 3 types of food our cats would enjoy Royal Canin has come up with a pack that includes a sample of all 3 types.  Their studies have determined that 85% of cats will like 1 of the 3 types. 

I began the challenge last week on my 2 cats who I haven't really found to be fussy at all when it comes to dry cat food.  My bigger, older cat immediately started eating the Aromatic Attraction and the smaller, younger one started eating the Protein Preference first.  Over the course of the day the Aromatic Attraction was eaten the fastest.  I repeated this for 3 days and the end results were the same.  Aromatic Attraction was definitely their favorite.  In the end my cats did end up eating all 3!  They really aren't fussy eaters.  If you do have a picky feline then I"d recommend trying this pack that's available in stores now.  I think it's a small price to pay to figure out your cat's preferences and make them happy.  

The SelectiveTM line for cats wil be available in stores across Canada starting mid-October 2010, including Pet Valu, Global Pet Foods, Petcetera, Mondou, and several other independent pet stores. The Discovery Pack (which offers samples of each SelectiveTM variety) is available for an MSRP of $5.99, while bags of Aromatic Attraction, Savor Sensation, and Protein Preference range from $18.99 to  $35.99.  Check out Royal Canin for more information on these foods and the study by Royal Canin.  


Now for the giveaway!


Royal Canin would like to give one of my Canadian readers the discovery pack as well as a coupon for a full size bag once you determine your cat's favorite food or any cat if it's not for yourself!


Just leave a comment below about cats!


For extra entries


1.  Follow me with Google friend connect - leave a comment that you did.
2.  Follow me with networked blogs and leave a comment that you did.
3.  Like my facebook page (on right of blog, the business page) and comment that you did.


Contest ends Nov 20th and open to Canada only!! 

On The Go Woman Launches In Canada

Are you concerned that osteoporosis could get in the way of the things you need to do?   Did you know that one in four Canadian women over 50 have osteoporosis. Osteoporosis can strike women of any age but it's most common after menopause.  





  
  
  
 

I know for myself I'm a little concerned because I took certain birth control that is thought to cause calcium loss from the bones and nobody really even knows the long term effects on the bones after taking such birth control.  That and my grandmother broke 3 bones all in a 3 month period just last year.

On The Go Woman is a website launched to help women determine if they're at risk of osteoporosis, understand what osteoporosis is, the treatment options and tips for strong bones as well as other helpful information.  This is all part of an Osteoporosis Awareness campaign in Canada.

Don't let osteoporosis slow you down

Are you concerned that osteoporosis could get in the way of the things you love — or need — to do? The good news is, you may be able to take action now to strengthen your bones. And if you’re already taking an osteoporosis treatment, you may have options you don't know about.

Could you be at risk for osteoporosis? Find out now at http://onthegowomen.ca

Haven't posted in a bit.

I know I haven't updated in a bit because my son was sick for 8 days including a trip to the ER which was a little scary!  He's fine now but I didn't get much time on the computer as he was really clingy and grumpy and nose running everywhere while he was sick.

Then we took a little 4 day family vacation to a ski resort with friends.  Thankfully he was at the end of his cold and it was definitely some well deserved R&R for everyone!  So it's back to reality for me and thankfully I'm not back to work yet so I have time to catch up on emails and some new reviews and such coming up on my blog so stay tuned!

Winner of Fogless Shower Mirror

Using random.org the winner of the shower mirror is comment #43  FDP 4 Life who thinks this shower mirror is a cool invention and it surely is!  Congratulations!

Fogless Shower Mirror Review and Giveaway! - ended

My husband has been looking for a mirror to use for shaving in the shower for a long time so when I was presented with the opportunity to try a fogless mirror I was delighted.

The mirror is by ToiletTree products and is only available in the US right now.  It came quite quickly and my husband installed it right away.  It was really easy to install and included everything a person would need to do it.  The product measures 6.5 in x 8.5 in x 1.5 in and weighs less than 1 pound..   The mirror has an adjustable angle so anybody in the shower can use it.  Men can use it for shaving and women can use it for tweezing or makeup removal.  All you have to do once the product is installed is fill the reservoir with hot water and it's ready to go guaranteed never to fog up.  It includes a squeegie attached to the bottom to remove any drips on the mirror.  The small ledge on the bottom can be used to hold a razor, sponge or tweezers for convenience.  Here is the link to see the mirror and how it works.

My husband thought it definitely lived up to his expectations and after everyday use has never fogged up.  He only has to get used to shaving in front of a much smaller mirror but it's definitely a lot more convenient.  I think it's great for plucking my eyebrows while in the shower.  This mirror would definitely make a great gift for dad!  ToiletTree products offers a 30 day, no risk, unconditional money-back guarantee on the mirrors.  Their products are sold through Amazon.com which only ships in the US but for you Canadian readers did you know that you can use companies like Ship Happens that will give you a US address to use and will hold your package for you for pick-up!  You can save on shipping and buy stuff from the US that won't ship to Canada!  Sorry my giveaway is US only though!

Now for a giveaway!  ToiletTree products is graciously offering one of my US readers a chance to win one of these fogless mirrors!  For the main entry visit their website and tell me why you'd like to win one.  Giveaway is US only and ends on Oct 5th.

For extra entries:

1.  Like ToiletTree products on facebook and comment that you did.
2.  Follow ToiletTree products on twitter and comment that you did.
3.  Follow me with Google Friend Connect and comment that you did.

Stride Underwear Review and Giveaway - Closed

When I was offered the opportunity to try out STRIDE underwear I was glad to do so.  Being a mom I experience the occasional bladder leakage in situations such as coughing, jumping and laughing so I end up wearing a pantiliner most days.  STRIDE underwear has a built in pantiliner made with OQUOS technology built right in so no extra pantiner required.  Sounded like a good fit for me!

Wendy Spencer (founder and president of STRIDE) was an active woman that after having her baby was experiencing more bladder leakage.  Being a marathon runner she needed extra protection when exercising.  She was tired of wasting pantiliners everyday so during a trip to Korea she discovered the technology that inspired her to make STRIDE underwear.

STRIDE underwear comes in 5 different styles that are machine washable and can be worn under anything.  The built in liner is good for 100 washes.  There's a super absorbent material build right into the liner of the panty that keeps you dry all day.

When I received my STRIDE underwear I decided to try it out right away.  They were very comfortable and didn't ride up at all and they didn't look much different than regular underwear.  The built in liner didn't add any extra bulk to the underwear and no more annoying pad sticking to where it shouldn't!  I was having a bit of a leaky day but by the end of the day I still felt really dry and so did the underwear.  I loved not having to use a separate liner.

STRIDE underwear is currently offered in the US in certain stores or on-line at www.strideeveryday.com . They are graciously offering my readers 20% off until Nov 30/2010 using the code STRIDE971 at checkout.

They are providing one lucky reader with a pair of STRIDE underwear in any style and size from their website www.strideeverday.com !  To enter I'll make it easy, just leave me a comment with your email address.  I don't need to know why you need these underwear!  For an extra entry follow with GFC.  Contest closes Sept 24th !  Open to Canada and the US!

Winner Of Blogfest 2010!

So I'll get to the winner of my first contest ever in a minute.

I entered my dear sweet son in the Fisher Price Best Little Laugh contest and it's a voting one so I'm asking for anyone's help for my son to win.  First place wins $2500 in fisher price toys and 2-56th place still get video cameras.  Here's his entry

http://www.bestlittlelaugh.ca/entry/3197231

You can vote for him daily until Dec 31st.  Thanks for all your help.  I love making videos of my son and the digital camera I currently use isn't great.  Of course all the toys would be wonderful too.  It's an easy vote if you have a facebook account.

Now.....back to business.  I plugged the numbers into random.org and the winning comment is #155, Tiffany from http://acozyreaderscorner.blogspot.com/ .  Congrats to her!

Blogfest 2010!! My First Giveaway Ever!! - ended!

So it's Blogfest time and I'm having my very first giveaway and it's exciting!  More details can be found here .

There are over 200 blogs participating in this 72 hour tour so there are many prizes to be had!  This is the website you can use to track your entries.  Your email address is solely used here to track your entries and as a contact if you win the MASSIVE giveaway!  That's right, every blog you track with this tracking site gives you one entry in the big giveaway.

Now onto my giveaway.  The prize is a book called "Help! My Baby Came Without Instructions." by Blyth Lipman.  To win you must leave a comment below why you want to win.  Leave a comment for each extra entry that you do.

For extra entries:

1)  Follow me with GFC
2) Like my facebook page in the box on the right
3) Follow me with networked blogs

Contest is open to Canada and the US and closes midnight Sept 12th.  To "hop" to the next blog go to http://readingthroughlife.ca/

Electrolux "Rumpled to Runway" Fashion Show

Electrolux and Kelly Ripa (the brand ambassador) are partnering with bloggers to host a fashion show to raise awareness and funds to support ovarian cancer research.  September is ovarian cancer awareness month and this exciting fashion show will demonstrate how any garment can be taken from "rumpled to runway".  You're invited to watch in person or cheer on the event at http://kelly-confidential.com/.

As part of the Electrolux program I have been entered to win a gift for this post.  Thanks to Electrolux and MomSelect.

Going Back To Work After Maternity Leave

Well I can't believe it's almost been a year and I have to leave my little boy next week and go back to work.  He'll be home with dad then when I come home from work dad goes to work so in other words we don't need to pay for daycare and my husband and I will never see each other!  Thankfully I only work part time but of course my new business will take up some of my time after work but only as much as I allow.  I don't quite know how I feel about this.  I'm excited, nervous, scared and sad all at the same time.  I have no idea how my son will react after being with me everyday since he was born.

My son the day he was born! 

I also wanted to add that I have some upcoming reviews and giveaways that I'm excited about!  I

I'm a Kidsmart Rep!!

I have my own website http://www.kidsmartshop.com/reps/carriedodd  feel free to check it out.  Kidsmart carries award winning products and all are safe for children.  They like to support mom-preneurs and have a variety of Canadian made products.

So I Have A New Business

Here's my facebook page.  Feel free to like and share.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kidsmart-Greater-Vancouver/134481919929084#!/pages/Kidsmart-Greater-Vancouver/134481919929084?v=wall

Kidsmart is a canadian owned and operated company and I'll be selling their award winning products.  Many of the products are made by moms and is stuff you won't be able to find in stores.  The products are also of course safe for our children.  I'll be getting my own website soon and will be updating with the address so I'll be able to easily take web orders from people that aren't in my area and the product can be shipped directly to you.

Please support me in this exciting new venture!

Johnson's Natural Baby Lotion Review

I recently had the opportunity to review Johnson's natural baby lotion thanks to Mom Central.  I was sent a 266ml bottle of product.  Right from the start I loved that it was a pump bottle so easy to use with one hand and a less likely chance that I'll use too much.  If you're travelling then a small turn of the pump locks it in place so you can throw it into a diaper bag and not worry about getting lotion on everything.

The lotion is 99% natural and made to moisturize a baby's skin for 24 hours.  It's mild and gentle enough to use on newborns.  It's made with an ALLERFREE fragrance which I thought smelled really nice.  I used some on my hands and could still smell it a couple hours later.  The odour is light and fresh.  I found the lotion to be easy to apply and doesn't have that greasy feeling the other lotions have.  I've been using it all over my son's body after every bath and his skin is always soft.

Thanks Mom Central for the opportunity to test another wonderful product!

Staying Cool When Summer Heats Up

These past few days have been really hot and one thing I've learned this summer is my son doesn't like the heat.  We had to buy him an A/C for his room during the last heat wave as it would take him 2hours+ to settle for the night.  I tried taking him for a walk on one of the hot days and he was crying after half an hour.  He's getting teeth too so hard to say what was the cause and he also seems to be showing the signs of separation anxiety.  He was ready to cry this morning when his dad left for work!

I'd like to know how people are coping with their little ones during the heat waves?  Apart from some essential shopping and a little trip to the mall to escape the heat, we really didn't stray too far from the A/C in our dining room.  Not much fun for a little boy I suppose but what else can I do when it gets too hot?

A+D Diaper Rash Ointment and Rash Cream Review

I had the opportunity through Mom Central Canada to try out A+D diaper rash ointment and rash cream.  They sent me a 113g tube of each to try.  They also sent me some coupons and information to hand out to other moms.  The diaper ointment is for everyday use to protect against wetness and diaper rash and the rash cream is for use when some rash is present as a treatment.  Both products are enriched with vitamins A & D.

The day I received the product it turns out my son had a little redness in the middle of his bottom and in one of the skinfolds in the groin area.  I applied the rash cream and no joke, the rash was gone at the next diaper change!!  He's had these same minor rashes before and this is the first product I've used that cleared it up so fast.  I like how the cream is not too thick or thin so it's really easy to apply.  It is also lightly scented and not too overpowering.

With the next diaper change and the rash gone I proceeded to use the ointment.  It kind resembles vasoline in color but definitely not as thick.  It was also easy to apply and thankfully not greasy.  It does smell like a medicine though so I would probably like it more if it smelled better.

I loved how both products came in tubes with a flip top so they're easy to open with one hand.  You do have to be careful to not squeeze the tube of cream too hard.  I made that mistake the first time and too much came out.  I suppose it's because I'm used to using jars of product.  I also really liked how easily the product came off of my hands after applying.  Some rash creams I've used are really greasy or really sticky so it's difficult to wash off your hands but a quick wipe got both the cream and the ointment off.

Thanks Mom Central for the opportunity to try such a wonderful product.

For more information go to http://www.aplusd.ca/en/

Tommee Tippee Product Review

I was happy when Tommee Tippee contacted me and said I was chosen to review one of their Explora drinking cups. It was perfect because my son is still learning how to use a sippy cup and has been practising on many different types and brands for the last 3.5 months. I still had yet to come across one that wouldn't leak all over the place when he tipped it upside down and shook it around.

I was sent these ones. They come in a 2 pack and are brightly coloured with trucks and planes. Perfect for a little boy!
I washed one in hot soapy water then filled it with water and a little apple juice and we went out shopping. These cups are branded for 24+ months and my son is only 9 months but he figured out really quickly how to use it! I find that he won't use sippy cups that have a long spout, he'll just chew on them and he can use ones that have a straw but he ends up drinking too much and having it spill out of his mouth. The Tommee Tippee cup was perfect! There was no mess on his carseat and on himself.

The big test came later at dinner time. He took that cup and banged it on his highchair and shook it upside down trying to get the liquid out. Usually after dinner he needs to be changed and his chair washed as he gets juice/water all over the place but not that night! The juice/water stayed in the cup where it belonged and he took little sips as he wanted. I would recommend Tommee Tippee explora cups to anyone with little ones.

Travelling With Baby In Tow

Travelling with my son now is a lot harder than it used to be a few short months ago. He eats 3 meals a day plus snacks and formula so I have to make sure I have enough of everything. He's crawling and pulling up so I need to make sure he's got somewhere safe to sleep and that where we're going is safe. He needs enough toys to be entertained and the list goes on and on. This past weekend we took a little trip to a relatives place that involved about 2.5 hours in the van and a 2 hour ferry ride. It can be tricky when you're trying to fit in naps and meals on the go. We were thankfully only gone for 2 nights as my sons schedule was badly interrupted. The room we slept in was hot at night and had no dark curtains. My son has an air conditioner at home and black curtains. He usually settles for bed around 6:30 but while we were gone he didn't settle until after 9 but of course he was still up at his usual time of 6am. You really have to drag around a LOT of stuff with a baby. Even though we had fun I'm glad to be home and back into a normal routine and I'm sure he is too. Any other tips out there to make travelling with baby easier??

Sooooo many changes!!

I haven't had time to post as there's been so much going on this past week with the little one. He learned to crawl on Thursday, the next day he was pulling up and he can get from lying to sitting. I was surprised the lying to sitting took so long but with all this there's been disruptions in his napping because he's playing and practising in his crib. We've also been taking him out a lot since I go back to work in 6 weeks I want to do what I can while I can. The booster seat has been great for our little picnics as it's so portable and light!

Today is the first time in days he's finally gone down for his mid-morning nap again. I'm hoping we'll get back into a routine since the last few days he's been all over the place!

High Chairs

My son is nine months old and he's definitely not small for his age and we were given an older Prima Pappa high chair by a friend to use. Problem is the tray isn't adjustable so it's too high for him and he can barely see and reach his food now that he's starting to feed himself. So rather than put all that money out on a new highchair we went and bought the Fisher Price Rainforest Booster Seat and I love it! It can be strapped onto almost any chair, it folds easy and can be taken anywhere, the height of the chair is adjustable, the tray can be moved closer or farther away and you can take the tray and back off for when the child is older so they can just sit at a regular table. Best of all my son can see his food and feed himself so much easier. It also comes with removable toys that clip onto the tray and the tray can just be popped into the dishwasher.

Diaper Rash Cream Review

I've been lucky so far that my son hasn't had much for diaper rashes. He's a chubby boy so he had one in a skin fold around the genitals and his bottom gets a little red once sometimes. I have tried about 5 different products including Burt's Bees, vasoline, Parent's Choice zinc oxide, Teddy's choice zinc oxide and Sedocrem and currently I'm waiting to see if I get to review A&D. I find vasoline too greasy. The Burt's Bees and the Teddy's Choice I find go on smoothly, are not too greasy and don't smell more than I'd like. Those two are really similar. I don't like that they don't seem to stay on his skin very long as a barrier. The Sedocrem I haven't used very much but it seems thick so I don't have much of an opinion on that yet. My favorite so far is the Parent's Choice which is a Walmart brand name so it's inexpensive too. I like that it's thicker that the Burt's Bees and Teddy's Choice so it tends to stay on longer forming a good barrier. It's usually still there for the next diaper change where as the other stuff has long worn off. It wipes off easy too and doesn't have too strong of a odor. I use some at every diaper change as a barrier and in the skin folds so I'm always on the lookout for something that might work better than my current product.

Things I didn't know about babies until having one.

I used to babysit a lot when I was younger but spending just a few hours with a baby is nothing like when it's your own and you're with them 24/7. There's sooooo much I thought I knew but really didn't until my son was born. First of all it takes me probably 3 times as long to do something as someone who doesn't have a baby even just a mundane little task like putting the dishes away unless, of course, he's sleeping. I didn't know that we'd need 40 pounds worth of stuff just to leave the house! And of course getting ready to leave the house takes forever! Most days 24 hours just doesn't seem like enough and others it's too much and I can't wait for bedtime! I thought that babies just fell asleep whenever they were tired and I'm sure some do as my son did until he was 6 months old then I had to "train" him for napping, who knew!! And boy oh boy the laundry! Nine wardrobe changes some days (six for him and three for me)! And the food they waste, my goodness! I could feed the hungry with what this kids spits out or throws on the floor! Mommy time has become sooooooo much more valuable! Wanted to add that I used to keep a clean house and now as long as everyone is fed and clothed most days that's enough except for my kitchen. I'm anal about the kitchen staying clean! I do a quick tidy every night after little one goes to bed.

I love my son though and I wouldn't change a thing!

Getting children to read in the summer.

Well my son is only 8 months old so to get him looking at books we read to him before each nap and bedtime so 3 times a day we're reading to him. For older children I know a friend of mine has her kids age 5 and 7 in a summer camp reading program called Fun In The Sun with reading which was offered free at an elementary school. The kids have fun as well as read. For older children one could bring along books on beach outings or on long car rides. It's important to make a routine of it as most kids love a routine so maybe set aside even 20 minutes during the afternoon where the TV goes off, the cell phones and computers are turned off and everybody in the family grabs a book, a drink and sits somewhere comfortable and reads. Take it outside and spread out some blankets if it's nice. On days it's not so nice then take a family trip to the local library where everybody gets to pick out a book or two. If they're old enough then get your child their own library card and let them check out their own books. Have a reading corner in the house that has a book shelf, a nice comfortable chair, a reading light and a small table so it's easy and inviting for anybody to want to sit and read. There's a lot we can do to encourage our children to read throughout the summer. If we make it fun and not so much like school work they'll be more likely to want to pick up a book especially if they see their moms and dads reading too.

My son has Dr Seuss board books made for infants which he loves. He sits there and thumbs through the pages as if he's "reading" and loves to chew on the corners of the books.

Learn more about getting your children to read this summer here

“I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms blogging program to be eligible to get an "I Can Read!" book. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

Making baby food.

I make most of my own baby food though I do buy a few jars for convenience and travelling. Or even if it's something I decided is too tedious to make myself. I look online for inspiration and recipes and my favorite site for that is Well tonight for my son's dinner I made some pancakes that I found on another website that had broccoli and carrots in them (I know, yuck!) and they weren't very good. He ate some (he'll try anything) but made faces before throwing it across the dining room. I ended up giving him some of the chili chicken I made for dinner thinking it might be a little spicy but he LOVED it! He also likes fruits that can be a little tart (ie. mangoes and sometimes nectarines). His little face squishes up but he opens enthusiastically for more! He's such a joy too feed and I love trying new foods with him!

Diaper reviews.

Since my son was a newborn I've tried many different brands of diapers including pampers, huggies, parent's choice, superstore brand and kirkland diapers. The first 3 months or so when he didn't move around much it didn't matter what brand I put on him......they all pretty much worked the same. When he started to bring his legs up towards his chest I found that the superstore brand was no good anymore unless I went up a size because the tabs are so wide that they cut into his chubby little legs. When he got really active around 6 months or so then I found that all but pampers would leak. He can wear huggies but not all night (unless they are the huggies night diaper) and not more than 2-3 hours during the day. Pampers are the superior diaper for fit, comfort and keeping my baby dry even for the 11-12 hours he sleeps at night!

Why moms don't have time.

I really had no idea how much time children take up until I had one of my own. If he's napping then I take that as me time since I have so little of it so I"m sure my friends might be wondering why they don't hear from me much. This article in the Washington Post sums it up really well.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/05/22/AR2007052201554.html

The heat is on!!

So we're having a heat wave here and it's hot so I took my son outside to his swing slathered in sunscreen with hat and all and after only 10 minutes he was getting a little pink even with sunscreen. We hung out in what little shade we have in the yard and came inside when I noticed I forgot to put sunscreen on the top of his ears.........oops! So....mommies...don't forget those precious little ears!

He's napping now though I'm thinking I might have to get an air conditioner for his room. My question is what do you other moms put on your babies at bedtime? It's warm when he goes down but cools a little around 2-3am and I don't want to be awake worrying that he's not warm enough.

How I get free or almost free diapers and wipes or other stuff.

I don't know how many people know this but at London Drugs you can use multiple coupons towards one item as long as each is a different coupon. I save mine up then when some are nearing expiry I take them to London Drugs and use them up. Some of the employees at London Drugs don't know you can do this but I just tell them it's their policy and they can ask a manager if they want.

There's a lot of good information regarding coupon stacking at London Drugs here.

Contest for wii game.

I just found this contest today.

http://www.momknowseverything.com/2010/06/jumpstart-get-moving-family-fitness.html

Pleeeeeeeeeeeease go to sleep......

Who knew that closing their eyes for 5 minutes is enough to recharge a baby for another 3 hours!!! Well it is and it can be frustrating. Yesterday my 8 month old fell asleep on the way home for 5 minutes so I quickly got him to his crib where he "talked" for over and hour never falling asleep (I left him because he was happy) then 2 hours after I got him from the crib he "passed out" - 3 hours later than his usual nap time. Now today his eyes were getting heavy (he was lying on the floor) so I whisked him off to his crib where he is now babbling away.........

I know.........it won't last forever!

Ebeanstalk toy testing

So my son received a cloth book in the mail that he gets to try out (and keep) which is perfect as he is read to at least 3 times a day. I like how the book is made of cloth since he puts everything in his mouth and bangs things around often hitting his own head so this book won't hurt him. I also like the peek-a-boo flaps inside that he can explore. I think this book could be made better by having different textures throughout for him to touch. He likes playing with the wool hair on the boy on the cover of the book so I'm sure he'd enjoy other textures.

With so many baby toys out there to choose from I'm glad that there's websites out there that have parent tested and approved toys. It helps eliminate some of the guess work. I can see how it might be hard for people without kids to find good toys for 1 year olds or 2 year olds that the parents would approve of too so it's nice that they can go on the internet for help.

I just don't get babies......

I don't understand how it can take me 30 minutes to get him down for 1 nap and 2 minutes for another. I think I'm reading his sleepy signs as subtle as they are. I've learned that if it gets to the eye rubbing stage then sometimes I'm too late. I have to wait for the glassy stare and disinterest in toys which can be easy to miss if you're not paying attention.

It's taken time of writing down his sleep habits but at least now I have a timeframe I can follow when I know he's going to start getting tired then I can look for the signs. I'm so worried about him getting his sleep meanwhile my sleeping has been crap and I'm soooooo tired but I won't cry like he does, lol! I just deal with it........suck it up and move on......

Ebeanstalk toys

So I have come across this really neat website that offers baby toys and kids toys for newborn up to age 12. I like how the toys are set up by age and sex but when it comes to the baby toys section it might be more helpful to have it broken down even more such as toys for 3 month and 6 months etc. so you're not scrolling through so many that wouldn't suit your baby. The top seller section would be really great for those who really have no idea what to get a child as a gift. Since this website relies on opinions like yours and mine you're guaranteed to be satisified with whatever you buy for yourself or as a gift.

Win some yummy kraft dressing.

http://www.mommykatandkids.com/2010/06/kraft-sizzling-salads-kit

Bad mommy!

So I'm feeling like a bad mother today. I said I wouldn't do cry it out but after having so much trouble getting my son to nap today I let him scream himself to sleep for 40 min then felt terrible after! He's cutting a tooth so that's probably it. He does fuss himself to sleep sometimes but not scream! Thankfully the afternoon nap was a LOT easier and only a few minutes of fussing.

Baby troubles....

Well been a while since I blogged anything but I'm having a hard time getting my 7 month old to take a morning nap. He clearly needs one but this has become a daily battle for the last 3 weeks with him usually winning. When he doesn't nap he's a wreck by lunch and rubbing his eyes all morning then he'll have a long afternoon nap. I'd rather him get the short morning nap he needs so he can happily make it to the afternoon one. If the afternoon one isn't long enough then he's a mess by dinner and ends up in bed early!! Oh the joys of being mom!!