Inchbug Orbit Labels (Review & Giveaway)

I don’t know about you, but between my circle of friends and family, everyone’s kids seem to be carrying around the same sippy cups and bottles.  It’s a confusing matter trying to figure out what belongs to whom, and in this season of cold-catching, it can also be dangerous.

We have a few types of labels in our house to help combat this.  There’s the washable stickers with Emma’s name on them and we also have rubber bands that you can wrap around cups and containers.  The stickers work well, but they don’t wrap the entire area of the sippy, and the rubber band labeling system worked until it was put in the wash and the permanent ink rubbed off.

My new favorite method of labeling sippy cups, sports bottles, and snack containers is the Orbit Labels by Inchbug.  These labels can be personalized with your child’s name, nickname, whatever you want – and the text you choose is embedded in the label so it won’t fade or wash off.  They can be washed, boiled, sterilized – you name it.  The wide labels orbit around anything from a 4 ounce bottle to a 30 ounce sport bottle, so they can be used not only by children but are for adults too.

The other cool thing about these is that the personalization can also be “read” in braille.  Orbit Labels come in a package of four that you can have personalized whatever way you like in the color you choose.  After you select your details, they ship in about 5-10 days.  It is well worth the wait, and these only cost $13.95 for a package of four.  For Em, we chose pink and inscribed her full name.  I like that they are nice and wide and large enough to be seen from afar.

GIVEAWAY!
One winner will receive a set of four personalized Orbit Labels!
(US Only - Ends 11/17)

Mandatory Entry:  Visit Inchbug and tell me which color label you’d like and how you’d personalize it.

EXTRA ENTRIES: Must leave a separate comment for each extra entry. 

+1 Extra Entry if you follow this blog publicly via Google Friend Connect
+2 Extra Entries if you add my main blog button to your blog’s main page.  Please leave link.
+4 Extra Entries if you post my Holiday Gift Guide button to your blog’s main page.  Leave link.
+1 Extra Entry if you ‘Like’ Girl Gone Mom on Facebook and leave a comment on my wall that you entered.
+1 Extra Entry if you ‘Like’ Inchbug on Facebook, leave your FB name.
+2 Extra Entries if you become a feed subscriber and tell me which reader you use.
+2 Extra Entries if you are an email subscriber.  Leave email address.
+2 Extra Entries if you add my blog url to your text blog roll. Leave link.
+5 Extra Entries if you blog about this giveaway with a link to this post.
+1 Extra Entry if you follow Inchbug on twitter.
+1 Entry daily follow Girl Gone Mom on twitter and tweet this message:

Orbit Labels by @Inchbug; the best way to ID sippy cups, bottles with embossed personalization @GirlGoneMom #WIN a set! http://bit.ly/druNKk

Contest is open to US residents and closes at Midnight EST on November 17th, 2010. One main entry per household.  No compensation was received for this post.  The sponsor sent me product sample and is offering the same as a giveaway prize(s). 

HALO® SleepSack® Wearable Blanket (Review & Giveaway)

I remember clearly the first night Emma was home from the hospital.  The bassinet was set up beside our bed and the three of us were getting ready to turn in.  I had an emotional breakdown that night, literally sobbing and not wanting to go to sleep.  It was a whole new vulnerability, having an infant to care for, and SIDS was my biggest fear and greatest threat.  How could it not be?  You hear all of these horror stories in the news and wonder if you’re doing all of the right things to prevent the unthinkable.

One of the tragic stories out there has been told by HALO® founder, Bill Schmid.  Sadly, in 1991 he lost his daughter to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).  Ever since, he has been on a mission to create products that bring peace of mind to parents, products that promote a safe sleeping environment.  Bill donates a portion of the profits from all HALO products to help fight SIDS, to honor his daughter and all children who have been lost.

The HALO® SleepSack® is a wearable blanket for infants that are to be used in lieu of loose blankets that could be a suffocation hazard in the crib.   The fleece SleepSack I was sent is ultra-soft and warm just like any good blanket should be.  I like the fact that the zipper starts at the top by baby’s chest and zips downward.   I remember using the swaddle blankets with Emma and I hated having to fiddle with that pesky zipper.  There is also a patch in the front that serves as a gentle reminder to all caregivers: Back is Best.

Along with using the HALO® SleepSack® , here are the HALO-recommended safe sleep practices:

•    Place baby to sleep on his or her back at naptime and at night time.
•    Use a crib that meets current safety standards with a firm mattress that fits snuggly and is covered with only a tight-fitting crib sheet.
•    Remove all soft bedding and toys from your baby’s sleep area (this includes loose blankets, bumpers and positioners).
•    Offer a pacifier when putting baby to sleep. If breastfeeding, introduce pacifier after one month or after breastfeeding has been established.
•    Breastfeed, if possible, but when finished, put your baby back to sleep in his or her separate safe sleep area alongside your bed.
•    Never put your baby to sleep on any soft surface (adult beds, sofas, chairs, water beds, quilts, sheep skins etc.)
•    Never dress your baby too warmly for sleep; keep room temperature 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit.
•    Never allow anyone to smoke around your baby or take your baby into a room or car where someone has recently smoked.

October is SIDS awareness month, and HALO will donate $1 for each Facebook fan throughout the month.  There are only a few days left, so head on over there and Like HALO on Facebook!  

If you’re interested in purchasing the HALO® SleepSack®, it’s available at Target stores nationwide.

GIVEAWAY!
One lucky winner will receive a HALO® SleepSack®!
(US and Canada - Ends 11/10)

Mandatory Entry:  Visit HALO and tell me the style and size you’d like.

EXTRA ENTRIES: Must leave a separate comment for each extra entry. 

+1 Extra Entry if you follow this blog publicly via Google Friend Connect
+1 Extra Entry if you follow HALO SleepSack on twitter, leave your ID.
+1 Entry daily follow Girl Gone Mom on twitter and tweet this message:

Win a HALO® SleepSack® to ensure safe sleeping for baby #Giveaway @GirlGoneMom - http://bit.ly/aU5z2I

+1 Extra Entry ‘Like’ Girl Gone Mom on Facebook and leave a comment on my wall that you entered.
+1 Extra Entry if you like HALO SleepSack on Facebook, leave your FB name.
+1 Extra Entry if after liking them you leave this comment on their wall: I entered to win a HALO SleepSack at Girl Gone Mom - http://bit.ly/aU5z2I
+2 Extra Entries if you become a feed subscriber and tell me which reader you use.
+2 Extra Entries if you are an email subscriber.  Leave email address.
+2 Extra Entries add my new (green) button to your blog sidebar.  Leave the link.
+2 Extra Entries if you add my blog url to your text blog roll. Leave link.
+1 Extra Entry for every other current giveaway you enter.
+1 Extra Entry if you leave a comment on a recent non-giveaway post.
+5 Extra Entries if you blog about this giveaway with a link to this post.

Contest is open to US and Canadian residents and closes at Midnight EST on 11/10/2010.  One main entry per person. HALO cannot guarantee that the winner will receive the exact item you request but the winner will receive a SleepSack appropriate for the age and gender of the winner’s child.  Product review & giveaway disclosure: I received one product for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." Sponsored by Tomoson.com

Playtex Diaper Genie II Elite™ Disposal System Review (plus Playtex® Drop-Ins® Bottle Set Giveaway)

When I was pregnant and registered for all of the essentials, I knew I wanted a diaper pail in the nursery.  I found one that didn’t require any special bags, and I was sold.  I thought, why should I spend all of that extra money on refill bags?  Well, I learned the hard way.  That low-maintenance cost diaper pail I had chosen wasn’t effective at containing odors, and it got to the point where we stopped using it entirely.

Playtex recently shipped the Diaper Genie II Elite™ Disposal System to my home.  With a little elbow grease, I was able to assemble it and I put it to use right away.  This has got to be the Cadillac of all diaper disposal systems. 

First, it’s user friendly and hands-free.  The top opens by stepping on the pedal, and I can use it for diapers as well as trash like clothing tags and tissues.  Other than being stinky, my old pail was the complete opposite of my new Diaper Genie II Elite™.  It required that I rotate the handle 180 degrees each time, and smaller pieces of trash would get caught in the mechanism.  Frustrating, to say the least. 

Also, the sheer size was a major difference.  The Diaper Genie stands taller which means there is less bending required, and more space for diapers.  Of course, none of these details would matter if the Diaper Genie II Elite™ didn’t keep the nasty odors under control.  And I admit I had my doubts after being disappointed with my first diaper pail.  How do they do it?  The bags have antimicrobial protection that inhibits odor-causing bacteria from forming in the first place.  Another factor in keeping odors in check is the patented double-lock pail design and multi-layer refill seals in both odor and germs.  I’m not sure how I ever lived without this pail.  Playtex really thought of every last detail.

Playtex sent over additional tips to help maintain a healthy and germ-free nursery, as written by Dr. Benjamin Tanner:

• Identify germ “hot spots” and clean them often. These can include the changing table, laundry hamper, floor, and toys/toy chest.
• Use disinfectants, not cleaners, to keep your nursery free from harmful bacteria.
• Establish a germ-free diaper changing routine by using the Diaper Genie II Elite™ Disposal System, which has Antimicrobial Protection built in to inhibit odor-causing bacteria. In addition,
  the five-layer refill seals odor into the refill bag and out of your nursery.
• Take special precautions within the nursery when baby or other family members are sick to prevent the spread of germs by cleaning “hot spots” more often and covering coughs and sneezes.
• Keep baby bottles away from germ “hot spots,” such as the changing table, and only handle them when your hands are clean.

I’m sure you’re aware that Playtex is more than just the popular Diaper Genie – they make an array of baby gear and feeding accessories too.  Like the Playtex® Drop-Ins® Bottles.  They offer a gift set which includes (2) 4oz Premium Nurser Bottle Holders, (2) 8oz Premium Nurser Bottle Holders, slow flow NaturaLatch® silicone nipples, Drop-Ins® Breast Milk Storage Kit with 1 pump adapter ring, 1 liner ring, 2 nipple rings and 2 sealing disks and 30 Drop-Ins® pre-formed liners (15 4oz and 15 8oz).  This system has more than a few great benefits for new parents and their babies:

• Designed to mimic breastfeeding
• Liner collapses like the breast
• Nipple promotes latch-on like the breast
• Slow flow gives baby the right amount
• Clinically proven to reduce gas and colic

GIVEAWAY!
One lucky reader will win a Playtex® Drop-Ins® Bottles Gift Set!
(US Only – Ends 11/5)

Mandatory Entry: Visit Playtex and then in your first comment below paste the link to your favorite product, or one you want to try.

EXTRA ENTRIES: Must leave a separate comment for each extra entry. 
+1 Extra Entry if you follow this blog publicly via Google Friend Connect
+1 Extra Entry if you follow Playtex on twitter and leave your handle in comment.
+1 Entry daily follow Girl Gone Mom on twitter and tweet this message:

Enter to win a Playtex® Drop-Ins® Bottles Gift Set @Playtexbaby @GirlGoneMom – http://bit.ly/cVJiiG

+1 Extra Entry ‘Like’ Girl Gone Mom on Facebook and leave a comment on my wall that you entered.
+1 Extra Entry if you ‘Like’ Playtex on Facebook and leave your FB name.
+1 Extra Entry if after you ‘Like’ Playtex, leave this comment on their wall:  I entered to win the Playtex® Drop-Ins® Bottles Gift Set at Girl Gone Mom - http://bit.ly/cVJiiG
+2 Extra Entries if you become a feed subscriber and tell me which reader you use.
+2 Extra Entries if you are an email subscriber.  Leave email address.
+2 Extra Entries add my new (green) button to your blog sidebar.  Leave the link.
+2 Extra Entries if you add my blog url to your text blog roll. Leave link.
+1 Extra Entry for every other current giveaway you enter.
+1 Extra Entry if you leave a comment on a recent non-giveaway post.
+5 Extra Entries if you blog about this giveaway with a link to this post.

Contest is open to US residents and closes at Midnight EST on 11/5/2010.  One main entry per person.  No compensation was received for this post.  The sponsor sent me the product sample and is offering a prize for one lucky reader.

Bebe Bella Designs Minky Blanket Review and $10 Off Coupon!

One of my favorite shower gifts was a handmade baby blanket made of an ultra-soft yarn.  I wanted one in my size, I loved it so much.  I was recently sent a chenille blankee that rivals the softness of that one.  It’s from the Bebe Bella Designs boutique, which offers “luxurious high fashion for little ones, toddlers, children and mothers alike.

The minky chenille blankee has that great dot texture, the same I covered Emma’s changing pad with.  It’s a small 15”x15” square blanket, which is a great size for newborns or even toddlers who like to snuggle up with a blankee to their face. 

The blankee I was sent is a two-sided one in lime and brown.  There are 8 two-sided (reversible) colors and 10 solid colors.

It’s an affordable gift at a reasonable price – only $22.50.  It’s so soft, that it’s sure to be any baby’s best friend.  Best of all, it’ll help the baby sleep soundly so that the new mama can get some rest!

If you visit Bebe Bella Designs and sign up for their e-newsletter, you’ll receive a $10 off coupon!

No compensation was received for this post.  This Product Was a Free Giveaway, so that I could offer my honest opinion of the product.

An Exciting Contest from Munchkin PLUS Arm & Hammer Diaper Pail Giveaway – (Five Winners!!)

Closed – Congratulations to all FIVE winners: Laura, Kimberly, Jen H, Nicole Greene, girlforgotten81

rly How would you like a break from cleaning your house?  A day off would be nice, right?  Well how about an AN ENTIRE YEAR?  I know the idea of twelve-month hiatus from scrubbing toilets, vacuuming cat hair and mopping up my daughters meals from the floor sounds downright blissful to me. Thanks to Arm & Hammer and Munchkin, you, mom will have a chance at winning one year of said bliss. 

The contest, which runs from Oct. 1 – Dec. 1, will provide the opportunity for one lucky mom to win a year’s worth of housecleaning sessions, because “Cleaning Stinks! – But the Arm & Hammer Diaper Pail by Munchkin doesn’t!”. 

There will also be other fun giveaways to help get moms out of stinky situations.  If a mom’s story makes Munchkin think “that stinks”, then Munchkin will step in to help clean up the problem.  For example, if the winner is a mommy who received a parking ticket while dropping the kids at school, Munchkin will help pay for the ticket and send her a Diaper Pail.  Isn’t that thoughtful?

So if you’d like a free maid for a year (and some other really phenomenal prizes), head on over to the Munchkin Facebook page and start submitting your stories right on their wall!

GIVEAWAY!
FIVE (5) READERS will each receive the Arm & Hammer Diaper Pail by Munchkin!
(US Only – Ends 10/29)

Mandatory Entry: Tell me your stinky story in your first comment below.

EXTRA ENTRIES: Must leave a separate comment for each extra entry. 

+1 Extra Entry if you ‘Like’ Munchkin and then post your story to Munchkin’s Facebook Wall, leave your FB name.
+1 Extra Entry if you follow this blog publicly via Google Friend Connect.
+1 Extra Entry if you follow Munchkin on twitter.  Leave your handle.
+1 Entry daily follow Girl Gone Mom on twitter and tweet this message:

5 @GirlGoneMom readers will win a @Munchkin_Inc Arm & Hammer Diaper Pail + a chance for a year’s worth of maid service! http://bit.ly/c1lin1

+1 Extra Entry if you subscribe to my youtube page.
+1 Extra Entry ‘Like’ Girl Gone Mom on Facebook and leave a comment on my wall that you entered.
+2 Extra Entries if you become a feed subscriber and tell me which reader you use.
+2 Extra Entries if you are an email subscriber.  Leave email address.
+2 Extra Entries add my new (green) button to your blog sidebar.  Leave the link.
+2 Extra Entries if you add my blog url to your text blog roll. Leave link.
+1 Extra Entry for every other current giveaway you enter.
+1 Extra Entry if you leave a comment on a recent non-giveaway post.
+5 Extra Entries if you blog about this giveaway with a link to this post.

Contest is open to US residents and closes at Midnight EST on October 29th, 2010. No compensation was received for this post.  The sponsor is offering me a gift certificate so that someone else might clean my house for a change as a thank you for hosting this giveaway and sharing details about the contest.