Soap Soundz Musical Hand Soap (Review & Giveaway)

Closed.  The winner is #128 - Stacey L

I’m very lucky in that my daughter actually enjoys washing, sanitizing and moisturizing her hands.  Could be the very reason she doesn’t get sick very often.  Don’t get me wrong—she’s pretty good at making a mess too, but she also enjoys the cleanup process.  I want to encourage this good behavior, and we all know that where children are concerned, the best way to motivate is to turn up the fun factor.

Whether your child likes to wash up or not, he or she will definitely enjoy the clever soaps and sanitizers from Soap Soundz.  When the pump is pressed, a fun soung plays for about 20 seconds – the time recommended by the CDC for thorough handwashing.  It’s not only fun, but also acts as a timer so that the child knows to keep scrubbing at least until the song is over.

Emma has the pleasure of washing her paws with Princess Saniture Solar Strawberry hand soap.  It’s one of the Hygiene Heroes soaps.  The strawberry scent smells great, and even though Emma doesn’t need much encouragement to wash her hands, it helps her learn how long she needs to scrub, and of course it’s fun too!  Watch her in action:

You can actually hear the Soap Soundz on their websiteto help you choose the right one for your child.  I really like the seasonal varieties – the music matches the season!  For six dollars a piece, they make great stocking stuffers.

GIVEAWAY!
One reader will win one item from Soap Soundz!
(US Only – Ends 10/29)

Mandatory Entry: Tell me the full name of the item 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 Soap Soundz on twitter.  Leave your handle.
+1 Entry daily follow Girl Gone Mom on twitter and tweet this message:

Encourage kids to wash their hands properly using Soap Soundz - plays fun music while they wash! Win it @GirlGoneMom - http://bit.ly/9yVGAB

+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.
+1 Extra Entry if you ‘Like’ Soap Soundz on Facebook and 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 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. One main entry per person.  No compensation was received for this post.  This Product Was a Free Giveaway Sponsored by Tomoson.com. The sponsor sent me the product samples and is offering the same for a lucky reader.

Maintaining health as kids head to school with Wet Ones Antibacterial Hand Wipes (Review & Giveaway)

Contest Closed – Winner #89 victoria99!

It’s almost time to pack away the swimsuits and send the kids packing.  With their lunch, that is.  In a few short weeks they’ll be back to school.  The only drawback is the germs all of the children will be exchanging in the classroom, in the lunchroom, and at gym class before they bring it home to you.

Wet Ones has partnered with Dr. William Sears to offer moms the following healthy tips for the upcoming school year.

1. Begin the Day with a Brainy Breakfast: Children who start the day with a “brainy breakfast” that includes protein, fiber-filled carbs, Omega-3 fats and minerals like calcium and iron, do better in school and have fewer sick days.

2. Keep Hands Clean:  The first and easiest line of defense against the spread of germs is washing hands often, but when soap and water are not available, antibacterial wipes like Wet Ones® hand wipes are an effective alternative. Wet Ones® antibacterial wipes are proven to be just as effective as gel hand sanitizer in killing 99.99 percent of germs but they also clean away dirt and messes and won’t dry out skin like alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Keep them around the house, in lunchboxes and in pockets.

3. Feed Your Child Immune-Boosting Foods: The best way to boost the immune system is to increase the intake of fruits, vegetables, seafood and yogurt.

4. Keep Little Noses and Sinuses Clear:  Germs often settle first in the nose and sinuses, so it’s important to keep kids’ nasal passages clear by either flushing them out with a saltwater solution or loosening secretions with a facial steamer or vaporizer.

5. Keep Your Children Active: Movement mobilizes the immune system.  Kids who sit too much – especially indoors – get sick more often.  Movement also mellows the mood, as stress depresses the immune system. 

Want more?  Go here for a list of 99 back-to-school tips for parents.  Wet Ones® Antibacterial Hand Wipes help consumers keep their hands clean and 99.99 percent free of germs.  School is years away for my daughter, but I like to keep a Wet Ones container in the car, and one for the stroller so that we can keep clean after eating out or after we’ve visited a public place like a museum or a store.  Germs are everywhere throughout the year and I can’t bear to see my daughter sick, so I work hard at preventing the germs from wreaking havoc on her body and ours!

GIVEAWAY!
One lucky reader will win a gift set of Wet Ones Antibacterial Wipes!

Mandatory Entry: Leave a comment below telling me your favorite tip by Dr. Sears. (visit the website and tell me one not featured above.)

EXTRA ENTRIES: Must leave a comment for each entry.  If two entries are taken, leave two comments.
+1 Entry ‘Like’ Girl Gone Mom on Facebook.  Leave your Facebook name.
+1 Entry Follow Girl Gone Mom on twitter. Leave your twitter handle.
+1 Entry ‘Like’ Wet Ones on Facebook.  Leave your Facebook name.
+1 Entry per day for tweeting this message, and leave the link to your tweet.
Win a gift pack of Wet Ones Antibacterial Wipes just in time for back-to-school! http://bit.ly/asefhn @girlgonemom #giveaway

+1 Entry if you are a public follower of this blog.
+2 Entries if you are an email subscriber (must activate).  Leave email address in comment.
+2 Entries if you subscribe to this blog in a reader.
+2 Entries Add my button to your blog/site.  Leave the link in your comments.
+1 Entry for every other current giveaway you enter.
+1 Entry if you leave a meaningful comment on a non-giveaway post.

No compensation was received for this post. I received the product sample in order to facilitate my candid review. Contest is open to US residents 18 and older with a street address (no P.O. box or APO) and closes at Midnight EST on August 31st.  The winner will be selected using Random.org. See giveaway rules before entering. GOOD LUCK!

What the Yuck? by Dr. Roshini Raj–Win a Signed Copy!

Contest Closed – Congrats Terry M.!
We’ve all been there.  You have a question about your body that you’re just not comfortable discussing with your doctor.  Whether you’re embarrassed about that flatulence problem or shy about sharing the details of your sex life, doctor visits can prove to be uncomfortable and nerve-wracking.  

Last week at the BlogHer conference I had the pleasure of meeting the one and only Dr. Roshini Raj, Health Magazine and Today Show contributor and author of What the Yuck?: The Freaky and Fabulous Truth About Your Body.  She was signing copies of her book and answering questions.  She was such a kind lady and had a way about her that made you feel very comfortable.  I wish she was my doctor!

Of course it’s always best to be open and honest with your doctor, because a detail that you might deem unimportant could be crucial to pin-pointing a diagnosis.  But if he or she ever makes you feel uncomfortable or embarrassed as a result, you should do what Dr. Raj suggests—Get a new doctor.

What the Yuck?: The Freaky and Fabulous Truth About Your Body is filled with questions and answers to everything you’ve ever thought about.  Questions like, “If I pluck a grey hair will one thousand grow back  in its place?” and “Will my underwire bra give me cancer?”  The answer to both of those questions is ‘no’ by the way.  Concerns about your GYN visits, bowel movements, and more are answered and explained in a detailed manner, which makes this a must-have book for every woman in my opinion.

Dr. Raj signed a copy of her amazing book for one of my amazing readers!

GIVEAWAY!
One lucky lady will receive a signed copy of What the Yuck?  by Dr. Raj

Mandatory Entry: Tell me an embarrassing question you have.

 

Here are the links needed for some of the EXTRA ENTRIES.
What the Yuck? on Facebook.
Girl Gone Mom on Facebook.
Girl Gone Mom on twitter.
What the Yuck? on twitter.
-The tweet to use for this giveaway:

Win a signed copy of @WhatTheYuck by Dr. Roshini Raj! Answers women's embarrassing health questions http://bit.ly/a5w7ap @girlgonemom

No compensation was received for this post. I received two copies of this book when I met Dr. Raj last week and am giving away one to a lucky reader.  Contest is open to females 18 and older with a street address (no P.O. box or APO) and closes at Midnight EST on August 27th.  The winner will be selected using Random.org. See giveaway rules before entering. GOOD LUCK!

Genesis Today–Gift Basket Giveaway

Contest Closed – Congrats, Breanne!
When I find foods and beverages that are both delicious and good for you, they become staples on my grocery list.  Genesis Today is one of those brands that offers products like that.  The first few products I tried in my initial review was of the Acai and Goji berry juices.  They are thicker juices that are infused with superfruits and packed with antioxidants.  My family loves the fruit smoothies that I make using them.  And who can forget the decadent fat-free nutrient rich pudding?

Recently, I had the opportunity to try some brand new Genesis Today products.

Vitamin Chews
The only time in my life when I was good about taking a daily vitamin was when I was pregnant.  I don’t really know why I can’t seem to incorporate it into my daily routine, but now that Genesis Today has produced Vitamin chews that taste like candy, it makes it a little easier to remember.  When vitamins taste this good, you’ll remember to take them!

There are four varieties now available:
-Acai Vitamin Chews
-Vitamin C with Zinc Chews
-Resveratrol Vitamin Chews
-Omega Vitamin Chews

I’m pretty sure my husband loves them, too.  Every time he opens the refrigerator he tells me, “We have to get more of these.”

Veggie Blast
I do love my veggies, but admit that I don’t always eat the 3-5 servings recommended by the FDA.  Veggie Blast is a great way to sneak a serving in when you’re on the go.  I love anything tomato-based, and this juice is yummy.  One glass offers two whole servings of vegetables.

GIVEAWAY!
One very lucky person will win a Genesis Today Gift Basket!
It’s an Eco-friendly shopping bag filled with:
· 64oz Acai Berry Juice, Resveratrol Juice, Goji Berry Juice
· 1 of each flavor of chews
· Free coupons for pudding

 
Here are the links needed for some of the EXTRA ENTRIES.
-Like Genesis Today Facebook.
-Like my new Facebook page for Girl Gone Mom.
-Follow Genesis Today on twitter.
-Follow Girl Gone Mom on twitter.
-The tweet to use for this giveaway:
Giveaway - Win a Gift Basket packed with yummy nutrients from Genesis Today! http://bit.ly/boNgXR @girlgonemom

No compensation was received for this post. I received the product discussed in order to facilitate my candid review.  Contest is to US residents 18 and older and closes at Midnight EST on August 27th.  The winner will be selected using Random.org. See giveaway rules before entering. GOOD LUCK!

Am I a bad mother for feeding this to my child?

According to Jaimie Oliver, this type of food is killing the children of America.  There are so many products on store shelves that contain Trans Fats, in cookies and chips, oh my.  Normally, I read the ingredient label thoroughly, but I’m human.  Sometimes I miss it.

This junky oil is cheaper than butter, which is why it’s so appealing for food manufacturers.  It’s all about the bottom line.  Well, if we’re not around to buy it, how can that be good for business?

And don’t be fooled by labels.  Manufacturer’s are allowed to “round down” when there is 0.5 grams trans fat per serving as per the FDA guidelines for the "zero trans fat" designation.  Now that consumer’s are hip to the Trans Fat phenomenon, manufacturers are apparently busy making up new names to try and hide this information, like Mono- and Di-Glycerides.  Even the Girl Scouts are prepared to make you fat and unhealthy, yet their label states Zero grams of Trans Fat.

Feeling like a fool?  So am I.  But when you can’t trust food labels, what can you do?  You have to scan the ingredient listing (not just the nutrition label) for terms like partially hydrogenated fats/oils or shortening.  For now, I think that’s the best you can do.

I think “everything in moderation” is a good mantra to live by.  It’s impossible to have complete control considering that you can’t know every last ingredient that restaurants use in their meals, but it still makes me angry.  How do you feel?

Exergen Temporal Artery Thermometer™ (Review)

It seems like every time I turn around, my daughter is sick.  The past few months have been challenging, and I've been less that pleased with all of the thermometers I've gone through.  Sitting still is not one of my toddler's strong points, so I had been using what I thought was the quickest method, the rectal thermometers.   After using a few different 5-second models, I found they don’t work as quickly as advertised.   Needless to say, the temperature-taking is not a pleasant experience for my toddler.  But I thought rectal readings were the most accurate.

Imagine my surprise when I went to the Doctor for a sick visit and the nurse used a temporal thermometer to take my temperature!  I hadn't known that these devices were commonly used in doctors offices and hospitals, and the nurse assured me that they work best overall.

The patented Exergen Temporal Artery Thermometer™ is a completely non-invasive method of taking a person's temperature.  It takes a scan of the temporal artery, which is conveniently located just under the skin on our foreheads.  It's the easiest and most accurate way to read one's temperature.  Even more precise than an underarm or rectal reading! And it truly only takes seconds.

It's one less thing to stress over when you or your child are ill.  I hate having to invade my daughter's personal space with a thermometer when she's not feeling well, and I’m very happy to have this wonderful scanner on hand.  I’m prepared for the worst.

No compensation was received for this post, but I did receive the product discussed free of charge in order to facilitate my review.  All of the opinions above are 100% my own.

Regeneration USA Anti-Aging Whole Food Bars (Giveaway)

Contest Closed
We’ve all heard that antioxidants help to keep our bodies feeling healthy and looking youthful, and super fruits such as Acai, Goji, Pomegranate, Mangosteen, Blueberry and Mulberry are said to hold the key.  The benefits may even go a step further with the possible ability to improve brain health, help with weight loss, and more.

The Regeneration USA Anti-Aging Whole Food Bars are 100% Vegan and 100% Cold Pressed Raw Bars.  That means nothing is processed.  There are no hydrogenated oils, salts, artificial preservatives or sweeteners included.  Only natural ingredients are found on this label.

The key ingredients are harvested from remote areas across five continents. Acai, from the mouth of the Amazon River, Goji Berries picked high in the grasslands of the Tibetan Himalayan Mountains, Jiaogulan Tea also known as the "Herb of Immortality", Mangosteen or the "Queen of Fruits" used in India, China, Malaysia, and Thailand, and Pomegranates which is native to the region from Iran to the Himalayas and in Northern India.

While many of the healthy mind and body claims are not regulated by the FDA, the buzz around these super fruits is spreading to new levels.  You hear about these types of products more and more and I’m willing to hedge my bet that there is something revolutionary going on here.

I discovered Regeneration USA while attending an expo recently.  I was actually surprised after tasting the Goji bar samples that where on display.  I liked it, and did not expect to.

The Cocoa Brownie flavor I did not like as much.  At first.  But then I kept going back for more bites until the bar was gone.  The first ingredient in both whole food bars is dates, so you can’t go in expecting the brownie product to taste like Betty Crockers’.  

Similar to many protein bars on the market, it is recommended that you drink an entire glass of water while eating the whole food bars. 

Want to try these for yourself?  Then, you’re in luck!

GIVEAWAY! One reader will win 3 of each flavor of the Regeneration USA Anti-Aging Whole Food Bars!

 

Mandatory Entry – Tell me another product you’d like to try, or something you learned while visiting the site.

 

EXTRA ENTRIES, leave a comment for every entry:
+5 if you add the Summer Essentials Button to your blog, leave link to your site so I can see.  (Must comment five times)

+1 if you follow this blog publicly via google friend connect.

+1 subscribe to my blog posts by email.

+1 if you like my new facebook page for Girl Gone Mom.

+1 if you like Regeneration USA on Facebook, leave your name.

+1 if you follow Regeneration USA on twitter, leave twitter id.

+1 each day if you follow me on twitter. and tweet the following message (once per day):

#Win a gift pack of anti-aging whole food bars from Regeneration USA! #superfruits #antioxidants @girlgonemom http://tinyurl.com/2vn7xot

+1 for each of the other current giveaways you entered on this blog.

 

No compensation was received for this post. I received product samples in order to facilitate my honest review. Contest is open to U.S. residents 18 and older and closes at Midnight EST on June 30th. The winner will be selected using Random.org. Please leave your email address either in your comment or make sure it is listed on your profile page so that I can reach you if you win. GOOD LUCK!