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July 29, 2008
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:
July 10, 2008
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:
July 3, 2008
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:
July 2, 2008
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
June 30, 2008
Trip Flix
In just a few days, my family and I will depart for our seven hour drive to the beach. While I am very excited about our vacation, the trip to and from leaves a little to be desired. I’d like to say that it’s traveling with my four-year-old, but quite frankly, I get a little testy in the car myself.
I recently watched a new creation called TripFlix. This is an interactive DVD that helps buffer the "Are we there yet?" question. My son and I popped the DVD in at home and while he, at only four, was not very interested, I was fascinated.
You start by choosing what region you are coming from and what region you are traveling to. Then, a super cool teen pair, Alex and Emily, help you navigate your destination. What I loved about this DVD is how informational it is without feeling like a documentary. A lot of the information is not the typical travel book sort, either. I loved the part where they learned to build a boat (and finding out that I can, too, if I wanted to!).
I think that you’ll like this DVD to help in-car traveling boredom, but you’ll also enjoy using it on a rainy day with the kids to plan future excursions. You can check out more information at TripFlix. You can purchase the DVD for only $20 at either the TripFlix site or at Amazon.
For the older child and inquisitive parents, I give this a
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