Mama Writing So I Don't Go Crazy

Ahhhhh Listerine

Thanks to Mom Central and Listerine for the opportunity to try out Listerine Total Care.

I am one of those people who don't always get to the dentist on a regular basis. Dentist visits are anxious visits for me. So I am freakish about brushing and flossing daily. I don't always use mouthwash because of the taste. But I thought I'd take a chance with this Listerine Total Care. Here's a little information about it:

There are 6 benefits in LISTERINE® TOTAL CARE Anticavity Fluoride Mouthwash that give you a cleaner, healthier mouth:

·    Helping to prevent cavities
·    Restoring enamel
·    Strengthening teeth
·    Killing bad breath germs
·    Freshening breath
·    Fighting unsightly plaque above the gum line

No other fluoride mouthwash is more complete than LISTERINE® TOTAL CARE. Anticavity Mouthwash.

The first time I used it, it was zingy. My whole mouth felt tingly, and this has not been the case with other mouthwashes I've tried. The taste was fresh, but not medicinal or having that alcohol-like aftertaste. My mouth felt clean, like I had just been to the dentist.

It's recommended that you use Listerine Total Care twice daily for best results, and not eating or drinking for thirty minutes after rinsing with it. My biggest challenge so far has been using it twice a day. I almost always forget after the morning use and drink something.

If you are looking for something to help fight cavities and plaque, freshen breath and restoring the enamel on your teeth, I recommend giving Listerine Total Care a try.

Thanks again Mom Central and Listerine for the chance to try this product!

Eeeeewwwww I Need Neosporin!

I has boo-boos.

We all has boo-boos.

My son is always coming to me with a hang nail or a paper cut or some scrape he got while doing something he shouldn't have been doing.

I manage to cut my legs when I shave no matter how well I lather with shaving cream.

My husband is always wrapping a band aid around a finger.

We are a Neosporin family. Check any drawer in either bathroom and you'll find some.

So thank you, thank you , THANK YOU to Mom Central and Johnson and Johnson for the chance to review some great Neosporin products.

Here are some facts about boo-boos and Neosporin:

Did You Know:
46% of people treat wounds to soothe them and relieve pain.
Painful wounds including splinters, shaving cuts, blisters, hang nails, ripped cuticles, paper cuts and burns account for nearly 40% of wound types that people sustain.
Even minor cuts and scrapes can become contaminated with dirt and germs, which may cause infection.

Product Description:
From the #1 doctor recommended brand, NEOSPORIN® + Pain Relief First Aid Antibiotic/Pain Relieving Ointment and Cream help prevent infection and provide temporary relief of pain or discomfort in minor cuts, scrapes, and burns.

Product Benefits:
Helps prevent infection in minor cuts, scrapes and burns.
Soothes painful cuts.
Soothes the pain of burns.
Suitable for ages 2 and up.
Available nationwide in food and drug stores, and mass merchandisers for $4.77 - $9.07.
Available sizes – Plus Pain Ointment: 1/2 ounce tube, 1 ounce tube; Plus Pain Cream: 1/2 ounce tube, 1 ounce tube.

Mom Central, in conjunction with Johnson and Johnson, sent us one ointment and one cream, plus this handy little Neo-to-Go spray that fits in your purse, bag, glove compartment, where ever you need it, AND the spray container resists crushing. (great for those moms who have tough little boys who like to destroy things!)

Now in my experience, I've always used the Neosporin ointment and have been quite happy with it. But having the option of using the cream with a child who isn't always open to having ointment put on him (because he can SEE it) makes treating the boo-boos less stressful for both of us. I tried the cream on my son when he got a paper cut and he was happy to have "medicine" that was more like a lotion.

So go to Neosporin and check out more information on their products and how they can make your boo-boos better.

Disney on Ice: Magical Memories

One of my favorite memories as a child was going to the ice shows that came to town. They always arrived in February, just in time for my birthday, and my grandparents and aunt would always take me to the show. I loved the lights, the costumes, the music, and watching the performance on ice. I wanted to be out there too. So when I had the chance to blog about this offer, I couldn't pass it up. Thanks, Mom Central, for letting me spread the word!

Disney on Ice has some fabulous shows touring the country this year. Check out disneyonice.com to see what's coming to your area. Also check out the two offers below for a chance to get a great deal on tickets for the family!

Offer #1: Get 4 tickets for just $44 by entering the code "MOM" at select ticketing channels*. Offer good on all performances, minimum purchase of 4 tickets required; additional tickets above 4 can be purchased at $11 each. Offer not valid on Gold Circle Seating, Front Row and VIP seating or combinable with other offers. Other restrictions may apply.

Offer #2: A select amount of Front Row and VIP seats have been reserved for you to buy before they go on sale to the public - just enter the code "MOM" when purchasing those seats.

Dates and cities where families can use the national MOM code are as follows:

Houston   
Disney On Ice presents Mickey and Minnie's Magical Journey    
April 15-April 19

Dallas/Ft Worth
Disney On Ice presents Mickey & Minnie's Magical Journey
March 18-March 29

Sunrise/Miami
Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy    
March 26-April 5

Toronto
Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy    
March 18-March 22

Kansas City
Disney On Ice presents Mickey & Minnie's Magical Journey
April 1-April 5

Denver
Disney On Ice presents a Disneyland® Adventure
March 12-March 15

Phoenix
Disney On Ice presents a Disneyland® Adventure
April 9-April 12

Chicago/Rosemont
Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic
Sept 8-Sept 13

To learn more about Disney On Ice shows touring the country this year, visit http://disney.go.com/disneyonice/ and visit ticketmaster.com to use the 4 tickets for $44 code, MOM.

Feel free to spread the MOM code around to friends and family near these cities. They can simply go on www.disneyonice.com and type in their zip code to find the shows and purchase tickets online with the code.

I can't wait for the chance to see a show with my husband and son! I know that they are going to enjoy it as much as I did, and we'll have some great family memories in the years to come.

See you there!

The Greatest Show on Earth!

As a child, did you ever have the chance to go to the circus? The smell of popcorn, the excitement, the magic? How about passing the magic on to your own child?

Thanks to Mom Central for the opportunity to let everyone know about a great deal on Ringling Bros.and Barnum and Bailey Circus tickets!

If you haven't been to the circus, or maybe just not for a long time, go to http://www.ringling.com/ and check out the shows in their lineup for 2009.

And the best part? Use the discount code: MOM for one of the offers below and get a great deal on tickets!

      

Offer #1: Get 4 tickets for just $44 by entering the code "MOM" at select ticketing channels**. Offer good on all performances, minimum purchase of 4 tickets required; additional tickets above 4 can be purchased at $11 each. Offer not valid on Circus Celebrity Seating, Front Row and VIP seating or combinable with other offers.  Other Restrictions May Apply.

Offer #2: A select amount of Front Row and VIP seats have been reserved for you to buy before they go on sale to the public - just enter the code "MOM" when purchasing those seats. Dates and cities where families can use the national MOM discount code this spring are as follows:

Newark/East Rutherford/Uniondale/NYC
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® presents ZING ZANG ZOOM
March 5 - April 13
Offer not valid on performances from April 10 - 13 at Madison Square Garden

Washington D.C./ Fairfax, VA/ Baltimore, MD
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® proudly presents Over The Top
March 18-April 19

Philadelphia
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® presents ZING ZANG ZOOM
May 13-May 25

Phoenix
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® presents ZING ZANG ZOOM
June 24-June 28

Houston
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® proudly presents Over The Top
July 15-July 26

Anaheim/LA/Ontario
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® presents ZING ZANG ZOOM
July 8-August 2

San Francisco 
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® presents ZING ZANG ZOOM
August 12-August 23

Dallas/Ft Worth
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® proudly presents Over The Top
July 29-August 16

Sacramento
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® presents ZING ZANG ZOOM
August 27-August 30

Kansas City
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® proudly presents Over The Top
September 16-September 20

To see which Ringling Bros. tour is coming to a town near you, visit www.Ringling.com. And visit www.ticketmaster.com to use the 4 tickets for $44 code, MOM.

And if you have family and friends in any of the cities where the shows are performed, they can use the code MOM to save as well! Just visit www.ringling.com, type in your zip code, and find the show near you.

Start a new family tradition by attending the circus together. What a great way to spend family time. To help start the family traditions early, the Baby’s First Circus program allows babies to receive a free ticket voucher that can be exchanged for a free ticket to any Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey performance, anytime, anywhere. No expiration date!

http://www.ringling.com/TextContent.aspx?id=11738&parentID=348&assetFolderID=352

Electrolux + Kelly Ripa = Raising Money and Awareness

The folks at Mom Central have given me this opportunity to spread the news about an awesome way to raise awareness and money for the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund. Here's what Electrolux and Kelly Ripa are doing:

In the spirit of Valentine's Day, Electrolux has teamed up with one of America's favorite moms, Kelly Ripa, to spread a little love via a charitable social media campaign.  On the Electrolux Web site, you can create and send a unique virtual cupcake to friends and family during February. For every cupcake sent, Electrolux will donate $1 to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF) as part of their half million dollar commitment to help support this worthy cause.  Which means each virtual cupcake will go a long way. 

What's more, everyone who logs on and sends a cupcake will be entered for a chance to win a new "Red Hot Red" front-load Washer & Dryer (an estimated $3,600 value) from Electrolux, the appliance brand used throughout fine homes in Europe for 80 years.

It just takes a few seconds to sign up on the Electrolux website to create a cupcake to send to your friends. It also gives you the chance to win a new front load washer and dryer from Electrolux.

Seriously, who wouldn't want a set of these gorgeous machines in their home?

I know I would! So go visit Electrolux and Kelly Ripa by clicking on the link above, and make a cupcake, share with your friends, and raise money for Ovarian Cancer Research.  Besides raising money for important research, you might just win a new washer and dryer!

Go Green With Green Works Wipes

Ecofriendly products are becoming more widespread these days. People are trying to live more "green."

My husband and I are doing our part to make sure that we are recycling, and using more natural products around the house.

The cleaning products we use and the ingredients they contain are one thing that we are paying attention to. First, because we have a young child in our home, and second, because I have asthma and allergies that can be triggered by certain chemicals found in household cleaners.

The people over at Mom Central sent me some cleaning wipes from Clorox to try out.

Clorox Green Wipes contains over 99% natural ingredients. They contain a coconut-based cleaning agent and corn-based ethanol. They do not contain phosphorus or bleach. The wipes are made from 100% wood-based fibers. When you're finished cleaning, they can even be put in a compost collection bin.

I made sure the bathroom counter and fixtures were good and dirty before trying the wipes. One thing I don't like about cleaning is having to scrub to get soap scum off of the soap holder or the tub fixtures.

I popped a wipe out of the container and got to work. The grime came off easily without having to scrub. The scent was light and fresh, and did not cause me any problems. Even my husband was impressed with the wipes. (And he is PICKY)

There are other products in the Green Works line from Clorox. I encourage you to check them out for yourself.

Happy Cleaning!

Wow! Wow! Wow!

Moms and Dads of toddlers out there?

If you are, and you have Nick Jr or Noggin, then you are probably familiar with this little character:

Photo from amazon.com

Wubbzy and his friends, Walden and Widget live in Wuzzleberg. They have these great little adventures that teach children confidence, teamwork, friendship and cooperation.

The folks at Mom Central have given me the opportunity to tell everyone about Wubbzy, his new DVD (pictured above) that is out today, and the Wubbzy website!

My son and I watched the DVD after it arrived yesterday. It contains six of the Wow! Wow! Wubbzy episodes seen on Nick Jr. and Noggin, plus two bonus episodes, music videos, and a Kooky Costume Game.

If you put the DVD into your computer, you can play the Kooky Costume Game, as well as download activity and coloring pages. We worked on a connect the numbers page today.

My son has been watching Wubbzy on tv for some time now. When he hears the theme song on come on, he runs into the living room yelling, "It's Wubbzy! Mommy look, it's Wubbzy!" He sits and watches without moving.

I like that Wubbzy's friends are not stereotypical characters. Walden is a brain who loves to read and knows everything about everything. Wubbzy appreciates this about Walden. Widget, the lead female character, can build anything and is never without her wiggle wrench. My four year old has even commented about Widget being able to build things "Like a boy does!"

We like the Wubbzy website because it lists show times, had games and activities to keep little ones engaged and also has the WubbClub. This free club sends a Wubbzy newsletter to your email, keeping you up on new Wubbzy products, activities, and special offers. You can also check out the WubbBlog and Wubbcast to get your Wubbzy fix.

I asked my son what he liked most about the Wubbzy video. His response:

"I like the colors and the pictures in the Wubbzy movies!"

We think you will too!

Thanks again to Mom Central for allowing me to be a part of this tour!

Drugs.com and Mednotes= Information at Your Fingertips

Our home is full of medications.

Between my husband's health issues, and my health issues, and an occasional illness requiring medication for our son, we are our own pharmacy.

It's tricky, keeping track of everything.

And I hate having to read all of the leaflets that come with the medications.

Not to mention the worry of drug interactions when we take more than one type of medication.

So when I was contacted by Mom Central to participate in this blog tour, I jumped at the opportunity.

According to their website, Drugs.com  is the most popular, comprehensive and up-to-date source of drug information online. Providing free, accurate and independent advice on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines & natural products.

I used to have one of those pill books that shows you the pill and describes what it's used for, etc. But since new medications are always coming out, you have to buy a new book all the time to keep up.

That's one of the things that makes drugs.com so great. It's all there online. And they do all the updating.

(and it's FREE!)

I took a look around the site and was really impressed with what they offer:

•  A-Z drug list
• Veterinary drug list
• Medical Dictionary
• Clinical trial results
• Medical Encyclopedia
• Interactions Checker

As a mother of a small child who picks things up off the ground, the pill identifier is an awesome tool.
Even more helpful when they are older and might be around drugs that can harm them. Let's say you're doing your son or daughter's laundry one day and you find a pill you've never seen in the pocket of their jeans.

Go to drugs.com to the pill identifier, and type in the code on the pill, color and shape, and it will bring up not only a picture to match against what you have, but it will list the name, what it's used for, and other consumer information you might need to know.

One of drugs.com's offerings is the link to Mednotes. This is another free service. Just sign up, and you can create numerous profiles for every member of your family. Use it to track:

• What medications each person it taking
• What they are being taken for
• Contraindications for those medications
• Interactions with other medications that are being taken

You can even request flags on medications for pregnant or nursing family members. Another cool feature is a flag that will let you know of FDA warnings, or if a new drug has been developed for the conditions you have listed.

I went ahead and signed up, and it was easy. I can now track all the medications that each family member is taking at any given time, add new medications as they are prescribed, and can even keep track of medications of extended family members if need be.

I encourage you to check out Drugs.com and Mednotes for yourself. You'll be glad you did.

Hungry For Some Easy Holiday Recipes?

I enjoy the holidays, especially getting together with friends and family.

One thing that I am NOT particularly fond of, is trying to figure out what type of food to bring along with us to the parties.

I have limited counter space, thanks to apartment living. So there isn't much room to do a lot of prep work.

This year, I have something quick, easy, and darn good to bring to my next shindig.

Ultimate Party Meatballs.

Grab yourself a 2 lb bag of the pre-cooked,cocktail-sized frozen meatballs
1-16 oz can of Ocean Spray Jellied Cranberry Sauce
 and a 12 oz bottle of Heinz Chili Sauce.

Mix the Heinz and the cranberry jelly in a pan over the stove. Cook over medium-low heat, cooking until smooth. Throw in the meatballs and cook, covered, for about 15 minutes or until the meatballs are heated through. Stir everything once in awhile so it doesn't stick to the pan.

Voila!

Awesome taste, I must say. And it will be going with me to a few parties this season for sure.

If you click on the Ultimate link above, it will take you to the UPM, which offers tips and recipes for easy entertaining as well. And if you want to spice your meatballs up, there are additional recipes for jazzing up the basic recipe. I plan on trying the sauce with chicken wings around New Year's. (and the ultimate baked brie, and the sweet and smokey bbq pulled pork sandwiches and... you get the idea)

If you're feeling lucky, you can even enter to win an Ultimate Party Prize here.  Who wouldn't want $3000 to throw the ultimate party? (if you win, send me an invite, m'kay?")

As always, a big thank you to the team at Mom Central for allowing me to participate in this yummy tour. Feel free to visit their site as well and see what they have to offer!

Mom Central Holiday Gift Guide Blog Tour

Looking for gift ideas for everyone on your list this year? Try heading on over to Mom Central to check out their holiday gift guide. It's easy to navigate.

Just go to Mom Central and click on the gift guide and choose the gift box of the person you're shopping for. It'll take you to a page of gift ideas in whatever price range you are looking for.

I found some really great ideas for family members within my budget!

While you are on the Mom Central site, join the Mom Testing Panel by clicking the link on the top right and become a product reviewer like I am. You'll have to chance to review different products of interest to you and your family.

Right now, you can also register for holiday giveaways on the Mom Central site. There are different giveaways every day. To be eligible to win the daily prizes, participants must register on Mom Central, log-in, and leave a comment on the post. In addition, if participants tweet or email friends about the giveaway, they can earn another entry! In order to earn the entry, they simply go back to the Mom Central Review blog and leave a second comment letting us know.  

So go check out the site, and register to win some free stuff.

I know you're all about the free stuff, right?

Happy Holidays!