Annabean and Silver Dolphin WINNERS!

The winner of the girls raincoat from Annabean is... Rachel L. who said, "follow you on GFC"

The winner of the Silver Dolphin book of choice is... Tawnys...who said, "I am a new follower!"

Congratulations to the winners!  Thanks to everyone else who entered, and best of luck in my othe giveaways - if you haven't entered, be sure to check them out!

Workman's Mad Science Club - Free Downloadable Experiments!

From Stephanie, at Workman Publishing:
"Headlines have been, yet again, trumpeting statistics about how American children lag behind many countries in math and science skills. With high school seniors performing below the national average for 21 countries, one worries about the fate of the country that gave the world electricity, airplanes, rockets, the internet, and lasers, to name a few."

"Save our scientists! Learning about math and science begins at home. You can teach your kids about rocket science by launching a bottle into the air (experiment is in here!), oceanography by removing salt from water (experiment is in here!), and hovercraft technology with a CD or DVD, a balloon, and a plastic bottle cap.
Perfect for science fair projects and keeping little people occupied during breaks from school, Workman's Mad Science Club presents 12 easy, safe experiments for kids taken from the pages of our books about science."

Here are some downloadable experiments that I was sent to share with my readers:
Experiment 1: "Magic finger" excerpted from Pop Bottle Science by Lynn Brunelle
Experiment 2: "Raisin water ballet" excerpted from Pop Bottle Science by Lynn Brunelle
Experiment 3: "Chip-ship challenge" excerpted from Potato Chip Science by Allen Kurzweil
Experiment 4: "Two-stage rocket" excerpted from Totally Irresponsible Science by Sean Connolly
Experiment 5: "How moving!" excerpted from Totally Irresponsible Science by Sean Connolly
Experiment 6: "The CD Hovercraft" excerpted from Totally Irresponsible Science by Sean Connolly
Experiment 7: "Frankenstein's hand" excerpted from Totally Irresponsible Science by Sean Connolly
Experiment 8: "Wilbur's Flying Machine experiment" excerpted from Potentially Catastrophic Science by Sean Connolly
Experiment 9: "Barnard's Heartbeat Experiment" excerpted from Potentially Catastrophic Science by Sean Connolly
Experiment 10: "Portable Puke" excerpted from Oh, Yikes!  by Joy Masoff
Experiment 11: "X-periments" excerpted from Oh, Yuck! by Joy Masoff
Experiment 12: "The Oh, Yuck! Putrid puzzle" excerpted from Oh, Yuck! by Joy Masoff

You can download an "OFFICIAL MAD SCIENTIST" diploma as well. Please share this with any parents you think would like to use these!

The Miracle of Mercy Land - Book Review

I recently received "The Miracle of Mercy Land" by River Jordan from Waterbrook Multnomah's Blogging for Books program.  If you like to read and write reviews, you should check out their program (Blogging for Books).

First off, here's a little about the book from Waterbrook Multnomah's website:

             "Mercy Land has made some unexpected choices for a young woman in the 1930s.

             The sheltered daughter of a traveling preacher, she chooses to leave her rural community to move to 

             nearby Bay City on the warm, gulf-waters of southern Alabama. There she finds a job at the local paper

             and spends seven years making herself indispensible to old Doc Philips, the publisher and editor. Then

             she gets a frantic call at dawn—it’s the biggest news story of her life, and she can’t print a word of it.
           
             Doc has come into possession of a curious book that maps the lives of everyone in Bay City—decisions

             they’ve made in the past, and how those choices affect the future. Mercy and Doc are consumed by the

             mystery locked between the pages—Doc because he hopes to right a very old wrong, and Mercy

             because she wants to fulfill the book’s strange purpose. But when a mystery from Mercy’s past arrives

             by train, she begins to understand that she will have to make choices that will deeply affect everyone she

             loves—forever."

My Review

I was interested to read this book.  It seemed like a very unique one, and it was set in Alabama.  I always like to read books set in Alabama just to see how they describe everything.  This book was by far one of the strangest books I have ever read.  It started out kind of slow, then got REALLY weird.  After all of the weirdness, it got pretty good.  I enjoyed the last few chapters of the book.  The book focuses on how our choices affect not only ourselves, but everyone around us, whether we realize it or not.  It does have a very, very small part that could be considered a love story, but this is by far not a romance novel.  If you like unique books, you should definitely check this one out...but be warned - it does start out slow and a little weird!

You can read an excerpt from the book HERE.

**I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.  No other compensation was received.  See full disclaimer for more information.**

The Stylin' Momma Review and Giveaway

Are you pregnant or nursing?  Are you pregnant or nursing and trying to remember what it feels like to be sexy?  I am definitely in that stage of pregnancy now.  At 29 weeks, I'm just ready to have my body back...then I remember I'll be nursing when I get my body back!  So much for feeling sexy for the next year, right?  No way!  I found The Stylin' Momma who can definitely help you feel sexy for date night or just feel pretty again!  If you're still looking for a gift for your husband for Valentine's Day, be sure to check out the Passion Spice line of maternity lingere and nursing bra/panty sets.

The Stylin' Momma is an online store dedicated to pregnant and nursing moms who still want to look pretty and be fashionable.  There are so many items in the store that I love, I just have to include a few pictures!

Giselle Babydoll - $34

 Gownies Hospital Gown (Zoe) - $29.99

MoBoleez Couture Nursing Hat - $34

I love the variety The Stylin' Momma offers in her store, and I was very surprised to see all of the pretty nursing bra and panty sets!  I didn't know pretty nursing bras existed.  I assumed I was doomed to wear a plain white bra for another year.  If you thought the same thing - you need to look at the nursing bras.   I received the Macy Underwire nursing bra and the matching Meg bikini by PassionSpice.  I used the sizing chart from The Stylin' Momma, and it was very accurate with the panties.  I wish I would have gotten a size larger for the bra.  It currently fits, but I know it's not going to fit me during my first few months of nursing.  If you're concerned about what size to order, be sure to email them your questions!  This nursing bra is very different from my other nursing bras - it has snap openings at the bottom instead of at the top.  It makes it look much less like a nursing bra, but the snaps are a little more difficult to open (still not difficult).  Overall I love this set!  It is very good quality, and if I can get a pretty nursing bra for the same price (or less) than a "normal" nursing bra, you better believe I'm going to pick the pretty one!!

Be sure to check out The Stylin' Momma's blog - She has a TON of information there, including reviews, fashion news and deals, and even breastfeeding news and tips for new parents!  I love browsing through her blog. 

GIVEAWAY
The Stylin' Momma is offering one reader a $25 Gift Certificate to their online store! 

How to Enter:
Mandatory Entry - Visit The Stylin' Momma's store and tell me one of your favorite products!

Extra Entries (leave one comment per entry):
(1 entry) - 'Like" The Stylin' Momma on Facebook HERE
(1 entry) - Follow The Stylin' Momma on Twitter HERE
(1 entry) - Follow So Mommy by Google Connect
(1 entry) - 'Like' So Mommy on Facebook HERE

**Giveaway will end February 4, 2011 at 5 p.m. CST.  Winner will be drawn by a random number generator and contacted by email.  If winner doesn't respond in 48 hours, another winner will be drawn.**

I was provided bra/panty set in exchange for my review.  No other compensation was received.  See full disclaimer for more information.

C. belly belts Review + Giveaway

Have you ever came across a product that you really NEEDED?  My husband would argue that there aren't many things that I "need" - but this time, even he agreed with me!  Our 2 year old daughter is pretty tall and fairly thin, and ever since she grew too tall for her 18 month jeans we've had troubles.  Her 2t jeans will not stay up, especially when she is playing!  The last couple of months have been frustrating - she doesn't like to stop running to have her pants pulled up (I don't really blame her).  Anyways, I came across a wonderful product that helps bridge the size gap - and they agreed to let me review their product!

About C.belly:

"The unique design of C.belly Belts is the result of my personal frustration with droopy drawers. My three daughters have been wearing these belts for over six years!  I experienced so much success with the product I began to get requests to make the belts for friends and family. This led to the launching of C.belly Belts for Kids in 2008.  The belts are manufactured in the USA, made of sturdy cotton or nylon, covered with cute grosgrain ribbon, and fasten easily with Velcro.  The belt secures around the front two loops of a pair of pants, leaving the front button uncovered and a zipper easily accessible. The design makes diaper changes easy without the hassle of undoing a belt buckle.  They are perfect for potty training because little ones can get a pair of pants down quickly and easily, and the belts serve as a great tool in promoting independence in youngsters because they are so easy to use."

C.belly comes in many designs and sizes, which makes them perfect for boys AND girls, babies to preschoolers and beyond!  The belts are 1" wide and will fit most bottoms that have regular belt loops (including many toddler jeans that we tried).  They are $12.99 individually and also available in value packs of 2 for $19.99. Quite the value when you consider that little ones will wear the belts for a longer period of time than they can wear most pants.

My Review:

I love this belt!  It works extremely well...in fact, I've already told my hubby that we will probably have to buy new belts every time my daughter moves up in size.  The belts come in a variety of colors to match any wardrobe, which is great.  You can also get a value pack - 2 belts for $19.99.  Since these belts use velcro, they will fit your child for awhile - making these a good investment piece.  C.belly belts have allowed Sydney to wear many pairs of jeans that she wouldn't have been able to wear for while otherwise.  Unfortunately, not all toddler jeans/pants have belt loops, so this belt doesn't work with everything - but out of our 2t jeans, it works with all but 2 pairs which is great. Also, in the How to Use instructions, C.belly says to put the belt on with the velcro facing out, which covers a lot of the belts design.  I put Sydney's belt on the other way.  It makes it a little more difficult to velcro (you end up folding the velcro in toward the jeans instead of out and away), but it lets you show off the pretty colors more.  And since you only have to velcro it once (instead of with every diaper change), I don't mind the extra trouble!

*Sorry for not having a picture of Sydney's belt, but she is getting to the "run from the camera" stage - at least when I try to take a picture.*

GIVEAWAY
C.belly belts is offering one reader their choice of any value pack of belts!  You can see their collection of value packs HERE.

How to Enter:
Mandatory - Visit C.belly belts and tell me which value pack you would want!

Extra Entries:
(1 entry) - Follow So Mommy by Google Connect
(1 entry) - Like So Mommy on Facebook HERE
(3 entries) - Grab my blog button (leave the link to it), Leave 3 seperate comments
(1 entry) - Enter another giveaway from So Mommy


*Giveaway will end February 4, 2011 at 5 p.m. CST.  Winner will be drawn by a random number generator and contacted by email.  If winner doesn't respond within 48 hours, another winner will be drawn.  C.belly belts will be responsible for shipping the prize.*

**I received a belt in exchange for my honest review.  No other compensation was received.  See full disclaimer for more information.**

Shushybye Review

Do you have a little one that could use a good night-time routine?  If so, you need to check out Shushybye!  I was able to review a couple of the products from Shushybye, and I can't wait to introduce you to these unique items!

A little about Shushybye (from their website):

"SHUSHYBYE is the land way above the clouds – and the land where the resident Shushies live and make dreams for children. Led by Snoozles, Dozie and Zeez, the Shushies place their completed dreams in Dream Boxes that are sent to children via the Shushybye Train driven by Conductor McCloud as they fall asleep. Nothing brings the Shushies more joy than to make the most wondrous dreams for little ones.

Snoozles is the leader of the trio – always caring and eager to help. When not making dreams, Dozie loves to bake all kinds of special pies. She also comes up with the most wondrous ideas that are very helpful to her Shushy friends. Zeez is quite lovable, fun-loving and always delighted to try new things.

Children need to be in bed on time in order to get their SHUSHYBYE dreams (i.e. when Mommy and Daddy tell them to). Before they go to sleep, children can tell the Shushies what they would like to dream for the night by sending Shushies their Dream Wishes. Children tell their Dream Wish to a star, and the star will race to SHUSHYBE and give the Dream Wish to the Shushies."

My Review:

I received the Shushybye: Sleepover Surprise book and the Shushybye and Goodnight CD to review.

In the Shushybye: Sleepover Surprise you and your child can join Snoozles and Zeez as they surprise Dozie with a surprise visit to the House of Snooze for a concert.  This book comes with an audio CD with the story and three songs including The Shushybye Blues.  The book was a little long for Sydney (almost 2 years old), but she really enjoys the pictures.  An added plus is that the book glows in the dark!  When you finish reading the book, you can sit it on your childs desk for a little light before they fall asleep!

The Shushybye and Goodnight CD has 16 original Shushybye songs performed by Michael North and The Shushybye Dream Band all about Shushybye and Goodnight.  This CD was a very upbeat, but calm CD to listen to.  I put it in our car for my daughter to listen to when I know she's tired and stuck in her carseat.  She seems to enjoy the music.  I will warn you, though -the CD has some very catchy tunes...even my husband said so!  I actually don't mind listening to this at all!  The only thing I don't like is that most of the songs seem to talk a lot about playing with your Shushybye toys.  If your child doesn't have Shushybye toys, they might ask for some after listening to this CD.  Lucky for me, Sydney is too young to understand that part!

See Shushbye's products HERE.  They offer DVDs, books, CDs, sleepwear, and toys!

**I received Shushybye products in exchange for an honest review.  No other compensation was received.  See full disclaimer for more information.**

10-Minute Banana-Grams

Banana-Grams were created to help strengthen your confidence and brain power with words.  If you love puzzles and words, you will love the 10-Minute Banana-Grams book by Joe Edley. 

From the Bananagrams Website: The Beginning:
"Bananagrams was created by a family of three generations, spanning in age from 7 – 75 As some of the family live in the U.K. and the rest live in the U.S. we are fortunate enough to meet every summer by the sea on the east coast of America.

The game Bananagrams grew from a passionate love of word games. Obsessed by all the word games that could be found, we all hankered after something a bit more fluid than the classics we all love and wanted a game that the family could play together – ALL ages at the same time. We sought something portable, that we could take with us on our various travels and simple enough (with no superfluous pieces or packaging) that we could play in restaurants while waiting for our food. We love that one hand can be played in as little as five minutes, but as it’s so addictive, it’s often hard to put away!

After marathon sessions playing and experimenting with various permutations of word games and subjecting our extended family and friends to hours of testing, we finally came up with Bananagrams. The pouch went with us everywhere! The kids wouldn’t (and still won’t) leave the house without it!

The name came from the saying “The anagram game that will drive you bananas!” – hence BANANAGRAMS!! I have to thank my father for his cleverness with that!

Selling and marketing the game was not our initial intention. We just loved playing the game. After exposure to our friends and many hours playing, it was suggested that we try to share it with the general public. We made a few and gave them as gifts…then it just took off from there! After a successful launch at the Toy Fair in London in January 2006 Bananagrams is hopefully on it’s way to becoming a household staple!"

My Review
I think it's great to have more family games, especially ones that will help kids build confidence with words!  The 10-Minute Banana-Grams book is a book full of many different puzzles to help stimulate your brain on-the-go.  It's small enough to keep in your purse or briefcase and pull out when you have some free time or when waiting in a doctor's office, etc.  This book is geared more towards adults, but don't worry - you can find Banana-Grams for kids, too!  Personally, I love puzzles and words, so of course I love the book! 

Workman Publishing has provided me with a link to some downloads for you to try!  Click HERE to download samples of Banana-Grams!  There is a download for adults and even one for kids! 

The Book of Potentially Catastrophic Science by Sean Connolly + Experiments to try at home!

AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize for Excellence

in Science Books award for HANDS ON SCIENCE BOOK goes to
The Book of Potentially Catastrophic Science by Sean Connolly (Workman, 2010)  
This most prestigious award from the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) will be given to Sean on Saturday, February 19.  I was sent 2 downloadable experiments from the book to share with my readers!  This book was meant to come out as a lead-in to science fair season. 

Activity 1: Wilburs Flying Machine - Kids of all ages will have a blast learning how to steer a plane by changing the folds in a paper airplane wing.

Activity 2: Barnards Heartbeat - Get some firsthand evidence of how the heart works. 

These were sent to me as pdf files, so if you are interested in either of these experiments, please email somommy247@gmail.com and I will email them to you as quick as I can!
 

Crazy Dog T-shirts and Nacho Mama Tees

I did a review awhile back for Crazy Dog T-shirts and Nacho Mama Tees, and guess what? They asked me to do another one! I was excited. Their shirts are great quality so I jumped at the chance to help them out again!

About Crazy Dog T-shirts
Crazy Dog T-shirts (http://www.crazydogtshirts.com/) is the number one source online for funny t shirts and vintage shirts that help you stand out and get noticed. Founded in 2004 the t-shirt empire offers custom shirts in Rochester, NY. They provide customers with a variety of cool t-shirts and crazy shirts.  Featuring both creative original concepts and popular licensed designs.  Looking for a funny t shirt?  They have hundreds of funny shirts which you won't want to miss!

About Nachomamatees.com Nacho Mama Tees (http://www.nachomamatees.com/) has some of the best offensive t shirts around. Founded in 2004 the t-shirt giant offers funny shirts which include chuck norris shirts, hangover t shirts and zombie tshirts. They provide a variety of funny t shirts and crazy shirts.  With new mens vintage tees and great movie t shirts you are sure to find one you will fall in love with!

My Review
I picked a shirt for Kyle from Crazy Dog and a shirt for Sydney from Nacho Mama.  The shirts from both sites are VERY, VERY soft.  They do seem to run a little small, so if you're on the fence about size - I'd probably order one size up, especially in kids.  I got Sydney the XS (4/5) and it fits her perfectly - she normally wears 2t or 3t.  My husbands shirt seemed to run a little smaller than other t-shirts, but not enough to matter.  Shipping is extremely quick and they usually have sales running on both sites.  If you're looking for a unique gift for a friend, I'd definitely check out their selection of shirts.  I did have a little trouble getting the size shirt I wanted for Sydney.  I picked a 4t, but found out that it was not available in that size.  They said usually the site is up-to-date, and they notified me quickly and we got it worked out.

**I was provided tshirts in exchange for my review.  No other compensation was received.  All opinions are my own.  See full disclaimer for more information.**

Silver Dolphin Books - Review and Giveaway

My husband and I both LOVE to read, so of course when we found out we were pregnant with Sydney (2 years ago!!) we started collecting kids books.  We are always on the lookout for kids books - fun ones, educational ones, touch and feel, sound books, etc.  We have a pretty large collection, but I recently came across Silver Dolphin Books, and I must say they have some very unique, VERY educational books! 

About Silver Dolphin Books

"Silver Dolphin Books publishes activity, novelty, and educational nonfiction books for preschoolers to 12-year-olds. Highly interactive formats such as the Field Guides and Uncover series both educate and entertain older children. The lovable characters of the Maurice Pledger series and the boldly illustrated Snappy Sounds series appeal to both young children and parents alike" (From their website).

My Review

I received the book "Sounds of the Wild: Nighttime" by Maurice Pledger.  This is a pop-up book with real animal sounds!  I knew the information in the book would be a little over Sydney's head right now, but it's never to early to start teaching kids about animals!  The book has a story to tell your child about different nighttime animals and the sounds they make (such as owls and wolves).  It also has pages that tell more detail about each animal shown on the pages!  Younger kids will love the pop-ups and sound, and older kids can learn A LOT about nighttime animals from the story and extra information provided.  If you have an animal lover, I'm sure this book will be a hit!  The illustrations in this book are great!  Very true to life pictures if you ask me!  Check out all of the "Sounds of the Wild" books HERE. 

GIVEAWAYHere's your chance to win your own book from Silver Dolphin Books!!  They are offering one lucky reader a book of their choice from their website!

How to Enter
(1 entry) Let me know what book you would like if you won
(1 entry) Follow So Mommy by Google Connect
(1 entry) Like Silver Dolphin Books on Facebook here

(1 entry) Follow Silver Dolphin Books (@silverdolphin) on Twitter HERE

Giveaway will end January 28, 2011 at 5 p.m.  Winner will be drawn by a random number generator and contacted by email.  If winner doesn't respond in 48 hours, another winner will be picked.  Available to U.S. residents.

**I received a book from Silver Dolphin Books in exchange for my review.  See full disclosure for more information.**

3 Winners....Ad Space & Rockin' Green

Thanks to everyone that entered!!  Here is the list of winners:

Ad Space (Facebook) - Click Photo by Sarah

Ad Space (Blog entries) - Brynn's Beautiful Bows

Rockin' Green Detergent - Janessas2

Congratulations!!  I will be emailing you shortly!

Be sure to enter the Anna Bean giveaway that I posted earlier today!

Annabean Giveaway

I love finding new websites that sell adorable kids items, don't you?  It can be fairly easy to find cute clothes for girls, but boys are a little harder.  Well, check out Anna Bean!  They have great items for girls AND boys!  They also off decor items, diaper bags, toys, and even strollers!  This website is so organized it's easy to find exactly what you are looking for.

If you're like me, you love the clearance section...and they have one, too!  Check out their (very organized) clearance section HERE.

Anna Bean has been kind enough to offer a giveaway to my readers...and it's the perfect giveaway for a rainy day like today (if it's not raining where you are, just pretend you are in North Alabama with me). 

Anna Bean is offering one lucky reader a size 4/5 Pink Flower Raincoat (see picture below).  You can see all of the girls' raincoats and boys' raincoats on their website - be sure to check them out because they have some cute ones...and every kid needs a raincoat!

How to Enter:

MANDATORY

Visit Anna Bean and tell me which raincoat/boots are YOUR favorite!

Extra Entries:

(1 entry) - Post this giveaway as your Facebook status and leave the link

(1 entry) - Follow Anna Bean's blog HERE

(1 entry) - Follow So Mommy by Google Connect

**This giveaway will end Wednesday, January 28th at 5 p.m. CST.  Winner will be chosen by a random number generator and contacted by email.  U.S. only.  Giveaway will be shipped by Anna Bean.**

Bach Kids' Rescue Remedy

This review has taken me awhile to write, mainly because I wanted to make sure if it actually worked or not (I'm pretty cautious when it comes to medicine type things).  So as you read, I want to assure you that - yes, we did try this stuff!  I ALWAYS try products that I receive (or I have a close friend/family member help out if it's not in the right age range for my daughter).  I just want to make sure to remind you of that - you know, just in case you didn't know. 

I received Bach Kids' Rescue Remedy to try from Nelsons Natural World.  Let me share a little about Bach Kids' Rescue Remedy before I start into my review. Here is some information from their website:

"Dr. Edward Bach's original blend of five individual flower remedies is newly-available in a non-drowsy, alcohol-free fomula just for children.  Non-habit forming, Bach Kids' RESCUE Remedy was created to naturally treat your child's emotions.

This combination works to ease your child's stress.  Dr. Bach's system selects each of the five flower remedies in Bach Kids' Rescue Remedy based on their unique contribution to your child's overall sense of calm:

• Rock Rose for stress and anxiety
• Impatiens for irritation and impatience
• Clematis for inattentiveness
• Star of Bethlehem for agitation
• Cherry Plum for irrational thoughts"

I'm one of those moms that doesn't really like to give medicine unless it is really needed, so I was very curious about a natural stress remedy for kids.  After reading all of the information provided, I was at ease with trying this product...but my first thought was "does my 2 year old have stress?"...I didn't think so, so I let my sister use try it on her 2 year old son first.  He has been experiencing separation issues, especially around naptme/bedtime.  This may or may not be considered "stress," but my sister and I both thought it couldn't hurt to try it out!  It wasn't a miracle for his sleeping issues, he still cried and got out of bed, but we tried.  Since it's natural, we didn't have to worry about trying it on him. 

On to test #2....with Sydney.  Have you ever heard of BloggerDad?  If not, you should check out his blog - it is hilarious!  Well, I came across his blog one day and read a few of his funny blog posts.  I came across one called Psychotic Toddler Syndrome, and it made me laugh so I shared it with my husband...and we both laughed because we have seen kids act this way, but Sydney has always been a pretty mild-mannered child (she cries when she falls down, but could usually care less if you tell her no or make her wait, etc).  Well, of course since I laughed...it happened. 

Over the next couple of days Sydney had SEVERAL toddler breakdowns over a lot of nothing (you know those tantrums - when no one knows what happened to cause it).  One evening, Sydney screamed and threw a tantrum if we looked at her, if our dogs came close to her, pretty much over anything.  So I made the decision that she needed something, and Bach Kids' Rescue Remedy seemed like the only choice (I didn't want to give her acetominophin or ibuprofen if she didn't need it).  So I told my hubby hold her like a baby and I gave her 4 drops of Bach Kids' Rescue Remedy (this was not an easy task since she was refusing medicine).  The remedy comes in a small bottle with it's own easy- dispense dropper, if your child is willing to take medicine!  Amazingly enough, within 20 minutes she was a completely different child.  I was amazed.  She went from an emotionally un-stable toddler to a fairly calm child again!! 

So I am definitely a believer in this stuff!  As a mom, I'm glad that there are some natural remedies that work out there.  I'm sure that natural remedies don't work exactly the same on everyone, but I'm more willing to try a natural remedy first.

Check out Bach Kids' Remedies HERE.  The products are available from many retailers online and also in many Whole Foods Markets.  They retail for around $12.95, which seems expensive for a small bottle...but remember you only use 4 drops at a time, so a bottle will last awhile!

Rockin Green - Cloth Diaper and Laundry Detergent

I was happy to finally be able to try Rockin' Green Soap recently.  I have heard a lot of mixed reviews from cloth diapering moms.  It seems a lot really love it, and a lot really dislike it.  I definitely wanted to try it for myself to see what I thought about it.

Rockin’ Green is: Dye free, Comes in several scents & an unscented version, no fillers, no enzymes, 100% Phosphate free, and is Vegan!  Rockin' Green has several unique scents available, such as: Bare Naked Babies, Smashing Watermeons, Rage Against the Raspberries, and several others.  They offer Soft Rock (for sensitive skin), Classic Rock, and Hard Rock.   They have bundles and sample sizes available so that you can try several and find your favorite!  I received the "Rage Against the Rasperries" scent in the Classic Rock formula.  As soon as I opened the package, I could tell that I would LOVE the scent!  I think that was my favorite part! 

I love that Rockin' Green has a detailed FAQ section on their website.  I read through most of it, and there are some great tips and instructions there - so be sure to check it out!  They include frontloader instructions in this section as well.

I followed the "first time" instructions from their FAQ page when washing my diapers with their detergent for the first time.  I did notice that after soaking as per their instructions, my diapers smelled worse.  They do address this issue in their FAQ section. 

Here is the response:
"Sometimes, it takes a few washes to experience the full benefit of Rockin’ Green. With each wash, Rockin’ Green will work to pull out the trapped in detergent, grime and minerals that are inside your diapers and inserts, which can temporarily cause stink issues or even repelling for some people. If you experience this problem, we would suggest you Rock a Soak overnight and then do several washes with no soap added to flush out all the gunk. Repeat the process until your diapers are clean smelling, and then continue to use Rockin’ Green at the recommended dosage for day to day washings."

I followed the new instructions, and they did start smelling normal again, but they seemed to leak much more than before I started using Rockin' Green.  My daughter has also had more diaper rashes since using Rockin' Green detergent (which may or may not be related).  I did only have 2 sample packs to use (4 loads), so keep that in mind when reading this review.  It seems as though the longer you use it, the better it works.  However, with what I saw in my diapers, I am not willing to pay more money for this particular detergent.

Again, many moms LOVE Rockin' Green detergent and I am not trying to discourage you from trying it for yourself, I am just letting you know how it worked (or didn't) for us.

GIVEAWAY
Here's your chance to try it for yourself!!  Rockin' Green is offering a 45/90 load bag of detergent in the winner's choice of scent/formula!! 

How to Enter
(1 entry) Let me know what scent/formula you would like if you won
(1 entry) Follow So Mommy by Google Connect
(1 entry) Like Rockin' Green on Facebook here

Giveaway will end January 18, 2011 at 5 p.m.  Winner will be drawn by a random number generator and contacted by email.  If winner doesn't respond in 48 hours, another winner will be picked.  Available to U.S. residents.

**I received a sample of Rockin' Green in exchange for my review.  See full disclosure for more information.**

1st Contest of 2011 - WIN AD SPACE!

Have you wanted to advertise your business, blog, product, but didn't know where or didn't have the money?  Well, here is your chance to win 2 months of ad space at So Mommy Reviews!  This contest will have TWO winners.  The winning ads will be placed above all other ads/buttons on the right hand side of the main page. 

Details:
- Winners get a 125 x 125 button placed above all other ads on the main page
- Button can advertise a blog, business, etsy shop, product, etc....basically anything!
- I must approve the winning button (don't stress, I just want it to be family-friendly)
- Have more questions?  Feel free to email me: somommy247@gmail.com
- 1 winner picked by random.org from blog entries
- 1 winner picked by "likes" on Facebook
- You can enter BOTH on blog and Facebook

How to Win via random.org:
MANDATORY - Leave a comment telling me what you want to advertise

Extra Entries:
(1 entry) - Follow So Mommy by Google Connect
(1 entry) - "Like" So Mommy on Facebook HERE

**Winner will be drawn January 18, 2011 at 5 p.m.**


How to Win via So Mommy's Facebook Page:
- Email your button image to somommy247@gmail.com along with a short statement about your business, blog, etc. by Tuesday, January 11, 2011.
- I will post all entries in a Facebook album for "liking". 
- Winner will be the entry with the most "likes" by 5 p.m. on January 18th.

Please do not hesitate to email me with ANY questions about the contest!  I tried to keep the rules/entries as easy as possible.  If you are interested in buying ad space on So Mommy Reviews, contact me at somommy247@gmail.com for pricing.  VERY low rates!

Smelly Washer - Review

Do you have a smelly washer? Or maybe smelly towels that were left too long before washing? (I'm bad about this one with beach towels in the summer).  If you've had any of these problems, you definitely want to read this review!

I recently came across Smelly Washer and Smelly Towel Odor Remover.  I have never noticed any smells from my washer, but like I said...I do have a smelly towel problem in the summer...somehow those beach towels just end up left in the car or bag after trips to the waterpark! 

What causes a smelly washer?  See their blog for a list of causes HERE.  The main cause is overuse of detergent, which causes build-up on washers, and creates a breeding ground for mold and mildew.  Smelly Washer was created to clean your washer of these things.   Since I cloth diaper, I thought it was probably a good idea to start using Smelly washer on a regular basis....you know, just to make sure mold and mildew don't show up in my washer!  It is simple to use.  Just add a capful to a hot water soak, let it soak for a few hours, and let the rinse cycle take over.  Easy enough for me!

Smelly Towel Odor Remover was created specifically for towels and clothing that have a musty or mildew smell.  It is VERY simple to use!  Just add a teaspoon of Smell Towel to your load of clothing!  This really works on towels!  I have a fabric laundry basket that we use for towels, and *blush* I've found mold spots on it before because we put wet towels in it...and they stay there until wash day.  This has been (and will be this summer, I'm sure) a great product to use!

Ecover Tablets - Review

Have you started your Spring Cleaning yet?  I always start my spring cleaning right after we put our Christmas tree away.  I guess it isn't *technically* Spring cleaning, but it gives us a clean house and less work inside for Spring!  My next few reviews are going to be about some cleaning products I've been trying out lately and I hope you find useful as well.  I wish I could compile a list of cleaning tips, but I get those from my mom and grandmother...my area is the organizing and throwing things out part!
On to my review...are you an eco-friendly person? or are you trying to be? or maybe just trying to buy more kid-safe products?  Well, if these describe you then Ecover has some products you may just love!  If this doesn't describe you, well, you'll probably still love their great products!

A little about Ecover
 Ecover has been creating effective and ecological cleaning products from plant-based and mineral ingredients since 1980 (before I was born)!  They try to create sustainable products that are suitable for everyday use by everyday people. They have strict guidelines when it comes to their business operations, from the selection of raw materials all the way to the decomposition of the end products.  Ecover products are manufactured in the world-famous ecological factories in Malle, Belgium and Boulogne-sur-mer, France. The factories are crowned with a green roof where plant vegetation grows creating a temperature regulating and noise-dampening insulator throughout the year.

My Review
Ecover offers a variety of products for dishwashing, laundry, and household cleaners.  I chose to review the dishwasher tablets.  I have found that a LOT of dishwasher tablets (and liquid, for that matter) on the market just don't clean as well as I would like...and I usually end up re-washing a few or pre-washing the dishes before they go into the dishwasher.  I was very curious to see how Ecover's Ecological Tablets would compare, and I have to say that I have been impressed by them!  I have used them several times on many different items (sippy cups, bowls, plates, pots, pans, etc.), and I haven't been disappointed yet.  They are a little more pricey than the "normal" ones you can buy in the store, but if you have a store that sells Ecover products near you, you can save on shipping.  Check out their store locator HERE.

For more information about Ecover, check out their sites:
Ecover's Website - www.ecover.com/us/en
Ecover's Blog - http://www.ecoverusblog.com/
Ecover's Facebook - www.facebook.com/EcoverUS

**Thanks to Ecover for providing product for review.  No other compensation was given.  See full disclaimer for more information.**