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Snacktivate
I would like to be able to tell you that I made each and every one of the recipes on the Snacktivate website and that they were all easy to make and fabulous to eat. But we moved this week, and so I’ve only managed to drool all over my computer while reading the recipes with plans to make everything, probably all at once, very soon, once I am able to find things like measuring cups for example.
The Snacktivate website is courtesy of Kellogg’s and it is fantastic. I’m not one of those artistic types who knows how to make macaroni and cheese look like an Eiffel Tower while my kids scream with glee, but if there’s one place where you can learn these types of skills, it’s here.
If you’d like to make butterfly quesadillas, funny bunnies (which practically make me drown in drool, yummy), or flower box muffins, it’s all there for you.
Many of these recipes are made with simple cereals like Corn Flakes and Kelloggs’s Frosted Mini-Wheats, like the Sassy Sunpops which sound almost too good to be true. There’s also great nutrition information available to make you feel really good about serving up these delicious looking and sounding snacks.
The best part about the site is that there are Snacktivate ideas for just about every season and many different occasions. And if you have a budding chef in the family like I do, you won’t want to miss the easy kid-friendly recipes either.
If you’re looking for some healthy recipes your kids will get excited about, you won’t want to miss the Snacktivate website and all it has to offer.
For the ease of use and the the sheer yummy goodness, BBM gives the Snacktivate website:
Scrubbing Bubbles Action Scrubber
If there is one thing I know how to do and well, it’s clean. After having a house on the market for over four months and then having to move out and clean it up and out in one weekend, you might as well just call me "Martha" as in Stewart.
Unlike our good friend Martha, I’m not quite as organized. After living in a six level townhome for five years, I frequently cleaned without my gloves because when you have five minutes and your cleaning gloves are three floors below you, you just deal. For this reason, the new Scrubbing Bubbles product is one of my favorite new things.
Imagine a Swiffer type cleaning product with removable and replaceable cleaning pads (cleaning solution already included), attached to a soft but sturdy foam handle that allows you to scrub with the best of them without any cleaning products touching your hands? This is the new Scrubbing Bubbles Action Scrubber and it 100% rocks.
The Scrubbing Bubbles Action Scrubber comes complete with the foam scrubber and a small container of several scrubbing pads. One pad cleaned all three of my bathrooms beautifully. Those new owners are going to be blinded by the sparkle. Unlike many heavier cleaning products, Scrubbing Bubbles cleaner rinses easily and also leaves behind a pleasant, but not overpowering, smell.
If you’ve had it up to your eyebrows with rubber gloves and products that take forever to get the job done, then you won’t want to forget to pick up a Scrubbing Bubbles Action Scrubber kit. To make it a little easier on your wallet, you can go here to pick up a coupon that will save you $2.75 (practically a gallon of gas).
For the great job it does and the ease of use, BBM gives the Scrubbing Bubbles Action Scrubber:
Recycline Preserve Tootbrushes
If you watch as much HGTV as I do, then you know what I’m talking about when I say that they are always telling you ways you can "go green." I am here to tell you that I have the big news before HGTV this time, because I haven’t ever heard of them making a deck out of toothbrushes.
Recycline is a US company that takes recycling seriously. Here’s how it works: buy a recycline toothbrush at your local Target store or purchase online. When it’s time to be tossed, print out a mailing label from the Recycline website, and mail your used toothbrush to them for free. Used toothbrushes are made into plastic lumber which can be used for decks, park benches, etc. It’s a very cool idea. Plus, it’s great to be able to support a company that happens to reside in the US.
The toothbrushes are $2.04 at Target or $2.79 online or you can buy a pack of four for $11.00 on the Recycline website. They also have other products, including razors, that they can recycle as well.
The toothbrush itself is your basic toothbrush. One thing that I’m really picky is about is the bristles. I like a soft bristle toothbrush and Recycline delivers on this must-have. The only negative about the toothbrush is that, unlike my electric one, it doesn’t stand up on its own.
If you would like more information on Recycline and their products, please visit their website. There’s also a downloadable coupon on the site if you’re interested in giving it a try.
BBM gives the Recycline Preserve toothbrush:
Mommy Docs Summer Tips for the Holiday Weekend
The 4th of July is upon us and this means that summer is in full swing. This means picnics and swimming and catching fireflies. But with all of these great outdoor activities comes sunburn, bug bites, and belly aches. The good folks at MommyDocs wanted to spread the word on some safety tips to help make your holiday weekend and the rest of the summer safe for you and your kids:
Have a Sun Protection Strategy:
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends sunscreen with a minimum Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15. Look for products that provide "broad spectrum" coverage to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Use this sunscreen routine with your child–daily application 30 minutes before going outside and reapplication every 2 hours (or sooner if swimming, toweling off, or sweating). Creating a routine will establish good habits for the future. In addition, don’t forget a wide brim hat, sunglasses with 99-100% UVA/UVB protection, and sun protective clothing.
Keep Pests off Your Little One:
In the summer, many insects can bite or sting your child. For pesky mosquitoes and ticks, consider a DEET containing insect repellant. Apply sparingly to exposed skin (avoid backs of hands and around the eyes and mouth) and/or to clothing once a day. As the percentage of DEET goes up, the duration of action increases. To prevent unnecessary exposure, always use the lowest percentage that will last for the planned length of time spent outdoors. Never go above 30% or use on children under 2 months old.
Keep the Pool Cool and Clean:
Small yard pools provide a great way for kids to have fun and cool down when the temperature rises, but they can also harbor germs, such as bacteria. To keep the pool free from unwanted "swimmers," after each use disinfect it with bleach by cleaning with a solution of ¾ cup regular bleach to one gallon of water, then rinse well and dry thoroughly. Safety must: Always supervise children regardless of age when they are around any water; whether it’s a bucket, a small backyard plastic pool, or the local community pool.
High Heat Means Hydrate:
Excessive heat exposure may cause your child to experience a heat-related illness such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, or even heat stroke. How to prevent this: take breaks in the shade, avoid playing outside during peak sun exposure hours, and drink, drink, drink! Make sure your child is taking in plenty of fluids before he become thirsty.
Rid Rashes and Relieve Itchies:
Running through the yard in bare feet, taking a nature walk on a trail, and picnicing in the park are some of the joys of warmer weather. But all of this outdoor activity can expose your child to a host of plants including those which cause poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac. If an allergic reaction occurs, ask the pediatrician about an oral antihistamine and/or a topical skin care product such as a steroid cream or calamine. If the rash is extensive, looks infected, or is not getting better, call your doctor right away.
I had never been to MommyDocs before, but wow! What a great site! I have already bookmarked the site for myself. There is a wealth of information there that I automatically trust not because these women are doctors, but because they are moms. If you are even half as paranoid of a mom as I am, you will want to visit MommyDocs.
Since I learned a ton from these safety tips and the site, I give this a:
Beaches Resort WonderFALL
Imagine this…warm, sandy beaches. A cool drink in your hand. Your children playing near you while you and your spouse have an uninterrupted conversation. Sound nice? I think so, and I think I have the place for you. Beaches Resort.
Beaches Resort is a great family vacation spot. With loads of activities for the kids, you can actually have a fun vacation. You can create cool pictures frames with Crayola products after a beach scavenger hunt. You can help mix batter with Cookie Monster for the cookies served on-site. You can listen to a story read by Elmo. Elmo! How cool is that?! There’s an XBOX 360 game garage (good for husbands and children). My son would adore the Pirate’s Island Waterpark. And if you don’t feel like hanging with the kids-childcare!
Beaches is now offering a new WonderFALL celebration during September and October. Besides all the usuals, during this celebration, you can save up to 45% off. If you stay 5-6 nights, you get a free night; if you stay seven nights, you get 2 free nights. But you have to hurry because you need to book by July 17th. It’s the perfect time of year to take a vacation and what a better time than when there’s discount. Check out their website for more info. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised!
For the great activities and great offer, I give WonderFALL a
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