Achooz Review

From the makers of Boogie wipes, comes one of my new favorite products...Achooz!  I wasn't sure that I would like Achooz when I first received them.  I love using Boogie Wipes on Sydney because they are so soft and make nose cleaning so much easier, but I wasn't sure I wanted a "wipe" for my own nose.  Until I tried Achooz. 

Achooz were created using a unique non-medicated formula which breaks down mucus and soothes the nose while wiping. It includes the same gentle, patent-pending magic of saline, vitamin E and aloe as our Boogie Wipe products and is available in Fragrance Free for everyday use and Cool Menthol for extra stuffy noses. 

Let me just say this, being pregnant AND having the flu is no fun, but when my nose started running I was miserable.  I hate having a runny nose.  For one, it's just plain irritating.  For two, by the end of the day...my nose usually hurts from all the wiping.  I was glad that I had the Cool Menthol Achooz to try out this time!  I will confess that I didn't use them for every nose wipe (because I felt like I was wasting them...I know, I'm a little weird).  I did use one every few nose wipes, and I loved breathing in the menthol!  These definitely helped keep my nose from getting raw like it normally does.  

Achooz are available at Walgreens, among other retailers and if you visit their website you can even print a coupon for $.50 off your next Achooz purchase.  I would definitely recommend these for anyone with a runny nose!  They are amazing!

The Bridge of Peace by Cindy Woodsmall

Do you like to blog about the books you read?  If so, you should check out Blogging for Books. WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group provides you with free books in exchange for an honest review.  So far, I have really liked the selection of books I've been given.

The most recent book I was given the chance to review was "The Bridge of Peace" by Cindy Woodsmall.  Cindy is a New York Times best-selling author, who is known mostly for her connection with the Amish community. This connection allows her to write very true-to-life Amish novels.  I was impressed with her attention to detail in this book!

"The Bridge of Peace" is a novel about a young Amish girl named Lena, who is a school teacher waiting on Mr. Right.  She has dealt with a noticable birthmark on her cheek all her life, and at times feels like it is what is holding her back.  In this novel, we see many different families, their joys and tragedies, and also how they come together to help each other in times of need. 

I absolutely loved this book!  I can't say enough about it.  I couldn't put it down until I finished.  I don't normally like the romantic-type novel, but this one had so much more in it than just romance.  It showed the difficulties of Amish life, and how they deal with problems similar to our own, such as Lena's self-conciousness about her birthmark.  As a school teacher, Lena has to deal with difficult students and parents - which I'm sure any teacher out there can relate to.  Cindy Woodsmall is definitely a winning writer if you ask me.  She includes so many details about the Amish traditions and way of life that really brings this book to life!  I felt like I was almost there with Lena when I was reading!  I would definitely recommend this book (and author) to anyone who reads for enjoyment!

More Giveaway Winners!

Here are the most recent giveaway winners!!  Thank you all for entering - I wish all of you could win something every time I have a giveaway.  As of right now, we are planning to have baby #2 (L.B.) a week from today, so if I'm not around for a few days you will know why!  I am planning some new things soon - like why I cloth diaper and how to do it on a budget, as well as some new-mom / newborn posts (sleep problems, breastfeeding problems, advice, things like that).  I'm looking forward to adding in some personal posts along with my reviews and giveaways - I hope you all don't mind!

Anyhow, on with the winners!

Curly Girl Winner - Tonya, who said, "My daughter and myself have curly hair and it stays frizzy....ugg"

CJN Flowers and Primitives Crayon set Winner - Marie, who said, "I like So Mommy on Facebook."

Boon, Inc. Fluid Cup Winner - Jennifer C., who said, "I follow Boon Inc on twitter"

Dance First. Think Later. Book Winner - Miraworker, who said, "I entered the OnTray giveaway too!"

Babylegs Winner - GiantSis, who said, "I like BabyLegs on FB - liz t. n."

Congratulations to all of the winners!  I hope you all enjoyed the month of March and our Baby Shower reviews and giveaways!  Since I have a newborn coming, look for more newborn related reviews as well as toddler and parent ones!

Hevea Pacifier Review

There are so many recalled products out there today, that I am VERY hesitant when buying new baby products.  Sometimes it seems like everything is dangerous in some way.  This is making me think a lot about buying more natural products from reputable companies.  Hevea is one company that has definitely impressed me!

About Hevea

Hevea, as a company is trying to be more sustainable by looking for ways to reduce, re-use, and recycle.  Because of this, their products are packaged in cute little boxes made of recycled paper.  The products are manufactured in Malaysia, but don't let that scare you - they have good communication with them to make sure the workers are well-paid and that their rights are respected.

Why choose Hevea?

Their accessories (such as the pacifier holders) are made of organic cotton and include a space on the back to write your baby's name.  The pacifiers and teethers are made of 100% natural rubber, which is biodegradable.  They are BPA, PVC, and phthalate free.  They are stylish, one-piece pacifiers with no plastic pieces to them.  They have no cracks or creases to hold bacteria.  The pacifiers are ergonomically shaped to be gentle against your baby's skin.

My Review

I received the moon and star pacifier for my review, and I will say that I liked the packaging better than the usual pacifier packaging (though I don't normally buy things just because I like the package).  These pacifiers and teethers are very cute and natural-looking.  I really liked the fact that they are one-piece.  That is hard to find in a pacifier these days (the only other one I can think of is a Soothie, and not all kids like those - mine didn't).  I like that these come in an orthodonic nipple shape as well.  Sydney didn't use a pacifier very often as a newborn, but as she got a little older and wanted one frequently, I preferred the orthodonic pacifiers simply because I was worried about the effect on her teeth.  The Hevea pacifier is very soft rubber, which makes it easy for babies to grab and hold onto.  Since it doesn't stay stiff like plastic does, it makes it much more comfortable for a baby to sleep with.  These pacifiers are more expensive ($8.95 for 1) than others in stores, but to me it is with good reason! I like knowing that I am putting a safe product in my child's mouth.

Be sure to check out The Natural Baby Company on Facebook HERE.

**I received a pacifier in exchange for my honest review.**

Motherlove Review and Giveaway

When I started cloth diapering, I had no idea what I was doing!  I'm pretty sure my husband and mom both thought I was a little crazy when I mentioned wanting to try it out (Sydney was about a year old).  I just saying, "How hard can it be?"  A friend of mine was a HUGE help in educating me on all things cloth and even gave me a few diapers to try (who wants to pay for something that they may hate?) 

After I started cloth diapering, I started reading a TON of information online to help self-educate on more cloth diaper things so that I would do it "right" and buy the "right" diapers, etc.  While researching, I realized that you aren't supposed to use diaper rash ointment with cloth diapers.  Most of the time, it isn't needed (no chemicals in diapers + more frequent changes helps keep those nasty rashes away).  However, every now and then it IS still needed.  For awhile, I would put Sydney in a disposable with diaper ointment because I didn't really know what else to do.  This worked, but I knew there had to be a better way!  So, I started reading other mom comments about rashes and cloth diapers (I rely on the opinions of other moms a lot).

One day, I came across a blog giving away the Diaper Rash and Thrush salve from Motherlove.  I entered, thinking I'm never lucky -but still hopeful.  I was so excited when I won!  Motherlove's Diaper Rash and Thrush salve is an all-natural herbal salve made from 96% certified organic ingredients.  It is $9.95 for a 1 oz container.  I know, the price sounds a little high, but it takes VERY little salve each use (plus if you cloth diaper, hopefully you won't need it too often).  I can see that this will last us awhile, even with baby #2 on the way.  I think my favorite part of Motherlove's salve is that there isn't a strong odor like with some diaper rash ointments.  I've had to use this on Sydney a few times, and it usually clears up the rash over night.  Every now and then it will take a day or 2 of use to clear them up.  The container is small enough to toss in your diaper pouch or bag and keep with you in case you need it while out and about. 

Motherlove offers some other products that I'm sure are equally as awesome - including items to help support breastfeeding.  Oh, and I just have to say that their customer service is absolutely awesome.  I had to use supplements to continue breastfeeding Sydney for an entire year, and I took Fenugreek capsules.  They worked, but I felt like I took a million a day!  I talked to one of Motherlove's support "moms" about the problem since baby #2 is due any time now, and she was a big help!  She asked me a few questions to help me decide which product would be best to try.  She was super nice and made me feel better about breastfeeding.  If I end up having similar problems this time, I will definitely be contacting her and trying out the product she recommends.

Be sure to check out their blog HERE for a lot of helpful information!

GIVEAWAY

Motherlove is offering one lucky reader a container of Diaper Rash and Thrush salve! Open to U.S. Residents only.

 

How to Enter:

(1 entry) - 'Like' Motherlove Herbal Company on Facebook HERE

(1 entry) - Follow Motherlove on Twitter HERE

(1 entry) - Follow So Mommy by Google Friend Connect

(1 entry) - 'Like' So Mommy on Facebook HERE

(1 entry) - Share this giveaway on Facebook and tag So Mommy or Motherlove Herbal Company

 

**Giveaway will end April 8th, 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 received nothing in exchange for this review. Motherlove Herbal Company is providing the giveaway.** 

MommyParties sponsored by Nutella

I was recently given the chance to host a Nutella Party courtesy of MommyParties.  I was so excited!  I LOVE Nutella, and I was glad to be given the chance to let others try it as well.  I was sent a huge box of awesome stuff (sample of Nutella, coffee mug, coupons, etc) to share with other moms. 

So what is Nutella?  Nutella is a "hazelnut spread with skim milk and cocoa."  I know, that may not sound great to those of you who don't like skim milk (I'm definitely in the no skim milk group), but let me tell you Nutella tastes great!  It is very smooth and chocolately tasting, great on toast, bagels, etc.  I love to put it on toast and add fresh fruit like bananas.  Nutella contains no artificial colors or preservatives, and you can spread it on whole wheat bread and have a glass of orange juice for a balanced breakfast.  I'm not a huge breakfast person, so knowing that I can have this as a simple (healthy) meal makes me feel a lot better. 

Taken from Nutella's website HERE:
A 2005 article summarizing the results of over 30 studies on breakfast consumption by children and adolescents and its relationship with nutritional adequacy and academic performance revealed, among other things, the following:¹

• Kids who eat breakfast are more likely to meet their nutrient intake recommendations over the course of the day than their breakfast-skipping peers.
• Eating breakfast may positively benefit cognitive function related to memory, academic performance and school attendance.
• Skipping breakfast has been linked to increased snacking during the day or higher intake of high fat snacks.

We all understand that breakfast is important, but that doesn't make it any easier to get a wholesome breakfast fixed and fed to our kids, right?  That's where Nutella comes in handy!  You can put it on toast or a waffle for a quick, simple reakfast (even on-the-go)!  Sydney LOVES Nutella, and isn't a big breakfast eater either.  This helps make breakfast a no-brainer, especially when we have somewhere to be in the mornings.  I wish I had taken pictures of Sydney after she ate her last Nutella "sandwich" - she ends up with Nutella all over her face!  So far, I've only come across 2 people that didn't love the taste - my stepdad and my younger sister.  They thought it was too chocolatey...and I told them they may be crazy!

Be sure to visit the Nutella website for more information, tips, and even a coupon!

Winner, Winner....

What you've all been waiting for...WINNERS!

Mimi's Babies - The winner of the adorable zebra shoes/headband set is...Marie, who said, "My favorite item from their Etsy store is the "Hot Pink Aqua Monkey Earflap Crochet Beanie Hat with Detachable Three Layer Multi Color Flower". Madelyn would look adorable in this! I liked Mimi's Babies on Facebook and also follow So Mommy on GFC. Last, I shared this on Facebook. Madelyn would love this one!!!"

GoGo Natural - The winner of one Dinkledooz diaper is...Samantha, who said, "GFC: Baby and the Chi's - go....chic@gmail.com"

The Juppy - The winner of the Baby Walker is...Nicole T, who said, "GFC Follower!"


Zizzies and Izzies - The winner of 2 Fleece soakers is...Kristi, who said, "I Follow So Mommy by Google Friend Connect."

Congratulations to all of the winners! 

Be sure to check the "Current Giveaways"

tab for more giveaways!