Travel
At our house, Summer means family road trip time. Why fly somewhere when you'll miss all the out-of-the-way places that you can easily visit if you drive instead? TwitterMoms inspired me to write this post and you can find out about lots of other great family activities there.
Here Are MommyBlogExpert's 5 Tips to Finding Fun Family Trip Stops That Are Also Really Inexpensive, Too
1. Factory Tours are a novel way to learn and have fun at the same time and luckily, even with inflation and the closure of many U.S. factory tours to the public, there are still plenty of these you and your kids can visit for free or for a very low fee. Check out this website for factory tours in the U.S. and search by state to find places along your route. One of the most fun things we've ever done as far as factory tours go, was taking a tour of a pretzel bakery and then having the chance to make our own in Pennsylvania.
2. Sign up for a family membership at a museum, such as Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona, which as a member of an international science museum group ASTC has reciprocal relationships with other science museums around America and elsewhere in the world. All you do is buy one pass and then use it at other museums in their network to get your family in free or at a reduced rate. We've been to museums in many, many states by using this pass without spending hundreds of dollars more on admission fees for our 6-member family.
3. Buy an Annual National Park Service Pass for just $80 and use it for your family to visit more than 300 parks and monuments in the U.S. without paying entrance fees at each location. We've seen more than 150 of our country's parks, monuments, and other park lands on both coasts, as well as in between, such as the Brown vs. Board of Education National Park site in Topeka, Kansas where a landmark decision about racial integration was made, saving hundreds of dollars if we had to pay entrance fees to enter each park individually. After just 3 or so parks, depending on entry fees which vary, the pass pays for itself.
4. Another great way to find out about fun, inexpensive things to do is while traveling check the brochure racks at any venues you do go to for other area activities. Don't forget to pick up local newspapers in your travels too, and look at the phone books in your motel each night. Also, don't overlook all the fabulous brochures that are in the lobby of many motels and hotels, large and small, to look for more off-beat things your family will enjoy. And, at all costs, always pick up any giveaways at rest stops and when you fuel up. Be sure not to overlook truck stops, as we have found lots of booklets there to save money on motel rooms along the way.
5. Last, but not least, don't leave on any road trip without a full set of free maps and travel guides from your Auto Club. If you are a member of any of these clubs, such as the Automobile Club of California that we belong to, you will have access to lots of fun activities and there are even some that offer discounts to AAA members.
I wrote this blog post while participating in the Williamsburg Tourism and TwitterMoms blogging program for a chance to get a $50 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Procter & Gamble's Pampers and Mommy & Daddy Bloggers Are At Odds
by Janis Brett Elspas
After reading the story on Businessweek.com by Burt Helm published Friday Procter & Gamble in Bind Over Moms’ Web Attack on Pampers Brand it's my personal guess that this controversy is just starting to heat up and has yet to reach its peak.
But let me not get ahead of myself. If you have not already heard, this should bring you up to date: a U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's investigation began on May 3 in follow up to consumer complaints that Pampers Swaddler and Cruisers with Dry Max, new to the P&G die-tee line up, causes rashes and chemical burns. Procter & Gamble continues to deny these claims and is at odds with the potential image-damage that blogging parents -- both moms and dads -- might be able to cause through their demands for a Pampers recall.
Pictured here:
My own triplets some years ago wearing Pampers Diapers, which we never had a problem with personally, when they were just a few months old. At the time my DH and I were changing 8 diapers per day. With 4 kids in diapers at once (our oldest was only 1 when his younger sibs arrived) we were changing 32+ diapers per day, so I consider myself somewhat of an expert since we were buying multiple cases of diapers that we stored in our "diaper warehouse" in the garage.
Apparently many other babies since ours have worn Pampers without any side effects, too. The chatter on both Twitter and Facebook, though, seems to be lively right now, and the winds may be changing direction. Now there are various fan and like pages on Facebook advocating accountability on P&G's part including a group called Pampers Bring Back the Old Cruisers/Swaddlers which currently has 9,169 followers. Also, the like page on Facebook that was set up just 8 days ago called Recall Pampers Dry Max Diapers has 861 followers as of the time this post went live, having picked up hundreds of more parents speaking out just since Friday alone. There appears to be a building awareness about the issues now at hand on Twitter, especially among moms who blog, too.
I just don't get it. While my kids are now tweens, and we are well-past the diaper stage, I have to say I would definitely not be buying this brand until all the facts are in and would not wait for a product recall which may or may not be on the horizon. If there is even a small amount of potential danger, I wouldn't want to take a chance if my kids were still in diapers since there are so many other brands of disposable diapers to choose from, not to mention cloth diapers which are actually much more eco-friendly and increasing in popularity.
What do you think? If you are still using diapers, does the Pampers with Dry Max controversy scare you? Or do you think this is a bunch of nonsense and you aregoing on with "business as usual" and continuing to use the product any way?
Leave a comment below this post, NOW, and let your parental voice be heard!
Eco Friendly Household Cleaning Products That Are Safe for Kids & Pets Too - PawSafe PRODUCT REVIEW
Eco-friendly cleaning products for the home are all the rage these days. While many of these earth-conscious brands are a good thing because they do either minimize or prevent damage to our environment, the public is often not always aware that many of these same products are not necessarily safe for use around pets and/or children.
Since early this year, I have been reading and educating myself as much as I can about small things our family can do to change the way we live so that we are being kinder to the Earth. One of the first eco books I read and reviewed for this blog several months ago, Living Like Ed by actor turned environmentalist Ed Begley, taught me -- among other things -- much about the dangers of using toxic substances in the home.
Which brings me to the discussion of doing housework. If you are one of my many regular readers you might recall the post proclaiming that I hate spring cleaning. Nevertheless, I do clean my house and I've tested various brands of eco-friendly products such as one I used to successfully remove heavy stains from a light colored carpet. The problem with that particular product is that even though it is eco-friendly, it is also strong smelling and the label warns against breathing in fumes and other dangers if it is not used properly. Always, without exception, check with the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Household Products Database before buying products you are unfamiliar with to access the latest detailed health and safety information.
Over the course of the last month or so, I tried the full line of PawSafe cleaners in my own home: PawSafe Floor Cleaner, Toy Cleaner, Multi-Surface Cleaner, Toilet Cleaner, Window Cleaner, and Tub & Tile Cleaner. I found that in virtually all cases the brand's products that I experimented with cleaned at least as well as -- sometimes even better than -- the other cleaners on the market that are not always safe to use in areas frequented by pets and/or children. In this vintage pic of me, my DH, MIL and our Boxer when the triplets were newborns & big brother was one year old, you can easily guess that I might love children and animals. So, why would I ever knowingly use a product around them that might be harmful?
When talking about household cleaning products, safety can sometimes be a bit of a vague term, so what exactly does safe for pets and children really mean? PawSafe Cleaners, as I learned from reading the products' labels, are different than some of the other green products on the market in that they are not formulated with anything that is hazardous for a person breathe in. A note appearing on all the manufacturer's products in this line states, "In case of eye contact, flush with water. Be safe and keep cleaning products out of reach of pets and children." So, just like with other household solutions, you should ere on the side of caution when using and storing these.
During the testing phase of this review, I compared the back label of one of the leading brands of window cleaning solutions against that on the PawSafe Window Cleaner. What I found was the former had really nasty stuff in it such as ammonia, chlorine, and various types of acids which accounted for the warning on the label warning users to avoid inhaling the vapors.
PawSafe Window Cleaner, on the other hand, did not smell "chemically" and I think that's largely due to the fact that the latter product is made with just a few components including deionized water, vegetable derived surfactants, ethanol, emulsifiers, fragrance and organic pigment. Another product, PawSafe Toy Cleaner, is labeled safe to use for cleaning both children's toys as well as pet food & water bowls, animal toys, collars & leads, and litter boxes. The safety qualities of these two products are representative of the other solutions the company markets.
PawSafe Window Cleaner, on the other hand, did not smell "chemically" and I think that's largely due to the fact that the latter product is made with just a few components including deionized water, vegetable derived surfactants, ethanol, emulsifiers, fragrance and organic pigment. Another product, PawSafe Toy Cleaner, is labeled safe to use for cleaning both children's toys as well as pet food & water bowls, animal toys, collars & leads, and litter boxes. The safety qualities of these two products are representative of the other solutions the company markets.
A detailed product-by-product list of all the PawSafe Cleaners and what each contains is available here.
Where to Buy PawSafe
Even though PawSafe products -- from the makers of Simple Solution -- can be found primarily in pet specialty stores nationwide at present, the product line is labeled as safe to use to clean your home, especially around children, too. Perhaps it will be available in a wider range of retail locations soon as the market for this product expands. See the company's Where to Buy directory for the store closest to you.
Even though PawSafe products -- from the makers of Simple Solution -- can be found primarily in pet specialty stores nationwide at present, the product line is labeled as safe to use to clean your home, especially around children, too. Perhaps it will be available in a wider range of retail locations soon as the market for this product expands. See the company's Where to Buy directory for the store closest to you.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Ten Tips for Being Fashionable on a Budget
by Janis Brett Elspas
Pictured at left here I am with my four kids and dear hubbie (my men are wearing Gap Jeans) competing in a costume contest.
10 Tips for Moms
to Dress Well
Without Breaking the Bank
When TwitterMoms & Gap Outlet announced this opportunity to blog, I just had to participate, so here is my advice on being fashionable and frugal, too.
1. If you have teen girls or daughters living at home in their early 20s, why not borrow from one another's closets?
1. If you have teen girls or daughters living at home in their early 20s, why not borrow from one another's closets?
2. Buy clothes that are stylish without being too faddish. That way, you'll be able to get maybe seasons out of an outfit.
3. DON'T buy clothes just because they are on sale or you've found a great deal. If you bring them home, but never wear them it is like throwing money in the trash.
4. Organize your closet so you can easily see everything you have. You will be amazed at the outfits that you can assemble if you have an overview of your closet.
5. Shop at thrift stores and also buy vintage. I avoid big city stores like these and instead seek out similar shops in small towns away from major metro areas whenever our family goes on road trips.
6. Purchase clothing that's classic at the end of the season either at retail stores or to save even bigger, shop the factory outlets on holiday weekends to find seasonal clearance items.
7. Borrow from your boyfriend's, hubby's or teen son's closet to find some great accessories and shirts.
8. Subscribe to free store e-newsletters of stores that you like to get advance notice and first pick at special sales events. Get an extra 15% OFF w/ the TwitterMoms Special Discount -- Look to the right top of this blogpost above under the header and click on the Gap Outlet Widget to access & print an actual coupon, good now thru 5/24/2010, that you can click on and use to save money at their Gap stores.
9. Always comparison shop. Often you can buy the same thing online for less than in the store. You might even save more by comparing the same item sold on two different sites, if one these online retailers offers free shipping.
10. If you live in a city that is large enough to have a garment district such as L.A., New York, San Francisco, Chicago and other metropolitan areas, get to know what stores sell direct to the public because in many cases you'll end up paying a fraction of what the same item would cost in a standard retail store.
I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Gap Outlet blogging program to be eligible to win a $20 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here. See more tips for being fashionable on a shoestring on the discussion page on TwitterMoms.com
Monday, May 10, 2010
WIN Enlightened Chocolate GIVEAWAY - Decadent Cooking w/ Less Fat & Calories - CONTEST
A Decadent Cookbook of 200 recipes that are Lower in Fat & Calories
Entering this MommyBlogExpert Giveaway is E-A-S-Y
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FTC Disclosure: MommyBlogExpert received the book Enlightened Chocolate for review. For this MommyBlogExpert giveaway contest Enlightened Chocolate is providing the prize. MommyBlogExpert did not receive any payment or other compensation associated with this post or giveaway contest. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.
From My Mama's Kitchen GIVEAWAY - Food for the Soul, Recipes for the Living CONTEST
WIN a copy of From My Mama's Kitchen
A Book About the Nine Moms Who Raised Johnny TanEntering this MommyBlogExpert Giveaway is E-A-S-Y

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Note: Leave a single comment after you've done both the above steps. Limit of one main entry per contestant. In your comment post, include your answer to the #2 step above, as well as include contact info (email, Twitter, and/or Facebook) so we can contact you if you win.
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Do any or all of the steps below to earn extra chances to win. The first 2 extra entry types below are limited to one of each type per person for the duration of the contest. But, you can earn an additional entry each and every time you do the last Extra Entry type and retweet the message below about this contest.
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After entering to win this contest by leaving a comment below, be sure to check out the other MommyBlogExpert giveaways currently offered here
FTC Disclosure: MommyBlogExpert received the book From My Mama's Kitchen for review. For this MommyBlogExpert giveaway contest From My Mama's Kitchen is providing the prize. MommyBlogExpert did not receive any payment or other compensation associated with this post or giveaway contest. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.
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After entering to win this contest by leaving a comment below, be sure to check out the other MommyBlogExpert giveaways currently offered here
FTC Disclosure: MommyBlogExpert received the book From My Mama's Kitchen for review. For this MommyBlogExpert giveaway contest From My Mama's Kitchen is providing the prize. MommyBlogExpert did not receive any payment or other compensation associated with this post or giveaway contest. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Mother's Day is Not Just Today, It's Every Day
Mothers Day
Gift Ideas for Celebrating Year Round
MBE partnered with included brands, post contains affiliate links
Whew, what a Mother's Day this year's was. By noon, I'd already had so much activity, I had wished I could go back to bed. But, LOL, I did survive the day with enough residual energy to write about today.
Daddy was working all day today, so I was up early this morning driving in pajamas to take the two boys to join their friends for a paint ball outing with our synagogue's youth group. By 8 am I was home again, met by my triplet daughters who were arguing in the kitchen about who was going to make lunch for me on this special day. The bickering -- no surprise -- persisted until Dad came home from work this evening. After finally getting the kids to bed, I still managed to call and talk to my own mom to say, "I love you," as well as to finish and publish this blogpost.
The holiday that celebrates all mothers may officially be today (and over in some parts of the U.S. by now), but I don't think too many moms would disagree with me that Mother's Day for us is really every day. What's more is that just about all of us, I'm willing to bet, wouldn't want to have it any other way. Here is the first in a series of posts spotlighting MommyBlogExpert 's 2010 picks for gifts that mothers everywhere will love any day of the year not just for Mother's Day. Other posts in the weeks to come will showcase things moms and kids can enjoy together to make more memories both indoors and outside.
What mommy doesn't wish she could spend more quality time with her kids? Here are but a few of the many great gift ideas that will truly engage mom and the whole family, starting in the heart of the home: the kitchen...a place where almost everyone has at least a special memory or two of spending time with mom.
Create some more happy moments with your own kids year-round with any of these novel ideas
Create some more happy moments with your own kids year-round with any of these novel ideas
- Kuhn Rikon Cookie & Cupcake Decorating Set
- Bean Appetit
- Naturally Nora
- Soups - A Kosher Collection
- From My Mama's Kitchen
- Handstand Kids Chinese Cookbook
- Enlightened Chocolate
Kuhn Rikon Cookie & Cupcake Decorating set, made in Switzerland, comes 5 plastic, washable decorating bottles & caps in 2 different sizes, 5 stainless-steel decorating tips, 1 Frosting Spatula. is the perfect starter kit for the mom who likes to cook with her kids. This product comes boxed with all the tools needed to beautify cookies, cupcakes, and other decorative foods that are perfectly sized for moms and children to have fun creating together. Directions for use are included. Available at FactoryDirect2You and other specialty and online retailers. $25
Bean Appetit: Hip & Healthy Ways to Have Fun With Food, by Shannon Payette Seip and Kelly Parthen, makes it fun and healthy for moms and their kids to play with their food -- together! Based on some of the most popular items from Bean Sprouts, the authors' healthy kids' cafe and cooking school. With its unique Bean Appetit Flour Blend that incorporates wheat flour, unbleached all-purpose flour, wheat germ, and flax meal, to its Pot Sticker Pinwheels made with pot sticker wrappers, chicken, avocado, veggies, and herbs, it's no wonder that this book received the 2010 Mom's Choice Award. $14.99
The Naturally Nora line of all natural cake, frosting, and brownie mixes are the brain child of mom Nora Schultz, mom of two and former Campbell Soup Company executive. These all contain no transfats or artificial ingredients. The Naturally Nora Sunny Yellow Cake Mix, for example, contains only 8 ingredients which is only half the things that go into a similar box of Betty Crocker's cake mix. But healthy doesn't necessarily have to be boring because Nora's assortment is not only better for kids it comes in fun and colorful varieties such as Alot'a Dots and all the brand's offerings are kosher. Naturally Nora comes in packaging that utilizes recycled materials and vegetable-based inks and is available in a growing number of stores.
Soup - A Kosher Collection by Pam Reiss, not only features easy how-tos for the basics, such as classic Chicken Soup, but also guides novice cooks in making extraordinary specialties like Strawberry Sambuca Soup and many other exotic recipes that evoke memories of her world travels. In Soup, which also features some stunning photographs, she draws from her on-the-job experience with the family catering business, offering varied menu of soup course choices ranging from Pear Soup with Feta, Pecans, and Balsamic Reduction, to a homemade Bread and Tomato Soup that you and your kids can cook up and enjoy eating together. In fact, all the recipes found within this cookbook sound equally good and healthy and are certain to delight anyone who loves good, hearty soups so this has appeal reaching far beyond only those of us who eat strictly kosher. So I plan on making one new Reiss recipe weekly with my kids taking turns cooking with me. With 125 different recipes including 51 vegetarian, 36 dairy, 4 fish, and 34 meat soups, we'll be trying new soups for years and you can expect to see some more posts on my family's reactions to some of these in the months ahead. Available on Amazon. M. Evans and Company, Softcover, $24.95
From My Mama's Kitchen, by Johnny Tan, is another book rooted in family cultural history. What's different about it is that it's not a cookbook as there are just a few recipes at the back of its pages like the Praline Yam Casserole that I am going to have to make for my family. Mostly, it is a book about lessons for living so this might be fun for moms to read aloud to older kids or have them read it to you. This is the Tan's collage of recollections of wisdom received from his nine "moms," beginning with the one who adopted him at birth in Malaysia and raised him on Nonya dishes --a fusion cuisine that blends two distinct cultures: Malays and the Chinese of Malaysia. The remembrances progress with other mother-like figures who cross Tan's path after coming to the U.S., beginning with his Southern Belle "mom," who served as a host family for foreign university students, and continuing with a variety of others ranging from his foster Italian "mom," Cajun "mom," and German "mom" to his Texan Earthly "mom" and several others.
Handstand Kids Chinese Cookbook, by Yvette Garfield, is a fun and educational book that teaches children about Chinese culture and includes recipes to make some related ethnic dishes. Illustrated with a cast of characters that also appear in Garfield's Italian cookbook for kids, it intertwines a vocabulary section where various kitchen tools and common ingredients are pictured and spelled out in both English and Chinese characters. Each recipe included in the spiral bound book is rated 1, 2, 3, or 4 sets of chopsticks to indicate level of difficulty, with "1 set of chopsticks" meaning that kids can do most of the steps involved by themselves and "4 sets of chopsticks" signifying that an adult needs to help with the entire recipe.
This book, which comes packaged in a cute giant Chinese take out box, also includes a set of plastic reusable chop sticks for your child. Suited for kids, ages 3 - 12, my own tween daughters loved making the Belly Full of Beef and Broccoli and also eating this tasty dish; our family looks forward to cooking up some of the other healthy Chinese entrees soon. Available direct from Handstand Kids as well as at specialty stores and major booksellers. Handstand Kids, Hardcover Spiral-Bound, $25
Enlightened Chocolate, by Camilla Saulsbury, is a fabulous cookbook for chocolate fans of all ages. This arrived to my desk with post-it-notes from the book's publicist marking some of the fun recipes moms and kids will might enjoy whipping up together. Just a few of the yummy recipes to tempt your family's taste buds are Jumbo Brownie Rounds (a brownie & cookie in one), Dark Chocolate Panini made with a crusty store-bought peasant bread, and two childhood classics that kids & adults will both adore: Chocolate Pudding and Chocolate Fudge Ice Cream. Lest you think this cookbook is only for making unhealthy sweets, I want to assure you that the desserts all have lower calories and less fat than their typical counterparts do. Even better, there is a whole section on savory chocolate ideas such as Black Bean Soup which has canned pumpkin as well as unsweetened, non-Dutch process cocoa power blended into it. The recipes toward the end of the book are among my favorites, also calling for cocoa powder including Baked Beans and 4-Bean Salad. I have a feeling these dishes are going to be as enjoyable to cook with my kids as they are for us to eat, so I look forward to testing some of them out and will get back to you later with the results. From Cumberland House Publishing, Hardcover, $22.95
FTC Disclosure: For this gift idea blogpost, Mommy Blog Expert received the products from companies mentioned for test, review and/or to giveaway to this blog's readers. MommyBlogExpert was neither paid nor received other compensation from any company mentioned in this post.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Mother's Day Bonding for Tweens Teens
Crafts
Mom and Daughter: Bake, Craft Together
Mother's Day is traditionally the time when kids make arts and crafts at school to surprise their moms on the big day. As a mom of triplets (almost 13) and big brother one year older, like many other mommies, I've accumulated quite a collection of gifts made with love by my kids.
But, just because the children are older, doesn't mean that we can't make something fun together here at home. So, while the cupcakes are baking on Mother's Day, my girls, their friends, their friends' moms, and I will make these cute cupcake cards. Individual paper cupcakes can easily be turned into refrigerator magnets) for a special lady of their choice.
Shush.... my girls are going to craft cards for their grandmother (who is also my own mother).
Whether your kids are toddlers or teens, you're never too young or too old to make do something artsy craftsy. Best of all, making something for a special mom helps bond you with your children. I'm anticipating that tweens, teens, and their moms are really going to enjoy spending some quality time together.
Friday, May 7, 2010
FREE Sampling Mother's Day Buffet Event This Weekend, May 8 - 9, at All Harry & David Retail Stores
May 8 - 9, 11 am - 4 pm
Complimentary Sampling Buffet & Shopping Event
Featuring gourmet makings of breakfast in bed for Moms
At the Harry & David Location Nearest You
FTC Disclosure: MommyBlogExpert did not receive any payment or other compensation associated with this post. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Cutting Edge Fashion For Today's New Moms Who Nurse
by Janis Brett Elspas
MommyBlogExpert
MommyBlogExpert
Savings Special for MommyBlogExpert Readers: Save $10 on any Zulily purchase of $30 or more with coupon Code MOMEXPERT10
This week I attended the very hip launch party in L.A. of a new Random House book, Bump It Up: Transform Your Pregnancy Into the Ultimate Style Statement by style expert Amy Tara Koch which I hope to be reviewing shortly. This title is all about how to look gorgeously glowing during your entire pregnancy and even after, too, until your beauty bump goes away.
After her delivery, let us not forget, that a new nursing mom wants to be just as fashionable and unfrumpy as when she was pregnant and this stylish nursing bra tank top from GlamourMom in Apple Green is the perfect solution. A wonderful gift for today's new mommy for yourself or to give someone you know. It's on sale for a limited time exclusively on Zulily right now -- original $34, now $22.99 until May 11.
The perfect nursing tank. This easy-to-wear top offers complete tummy coverage. The built-in soft-cup frame has an elastic shelf for total support. Light mesh liner holds nursing pads in place. Offers one-handed access and adjustable straps. Stylish clasps sit flush to the fabric for a non-bulky look. This tank top can be worn as an under-layer or by itself. Available in various sizes and a rainbow of other cool colors for summer.
• 92% cotton/8% elastane
• Machine wash
• Imported
• 92% cotton/8% elastane
• Machine wash
• Imported
Zulily runs special savings events constantly featuring a delectable assortment of comparable other brands for kids & moms, too, with each sale limited to 72 hours in duration. The best part is that MommyBlogExpert readers get $10 off purchases of $30 or more whether you purchase any brand that Zulily sells.
What is Zulily, anyway?
Zulily.com is an online marketplace where you can buy top-quality apparel, gear and other goodies for moms, babies and kids (both boys and girls). Members can save up to 70% off retail prices—not to mention discover all the exciting new brands showcasing their products here. Only members can shop Zulily sales, but membership is FREE and sign up is fast and easy. After you register, be sure to invite your friends to join, too, as well as to visit this MommyBlogExpert blogpost to access the savings code they'll need to get $10 off purchases of $30 or more. As the Zulily shopping community grows, so will their ability to offer you even better prices and selection. Based in Seattle, Washington, Zulily.com was formed by retail and e-commerce veterans. They're dedicated to bringing their members great finds at great prices, as well as giving emerging brands a place to showcase their products.
$10 off Zulily.com purchase of $30 or more when you use code MOMEXPERT10 at checkout. Note: this special MommyBlogExpert coupon code offer expires May 14, 2010
FTC Disclosure: MommyBlogExpert is a guest blogger for Zulily's Blog. However, MommyBlogExpert did not receive any products, payment or other compensation associated with this post. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.
Zulily.com is an online marketplace where you can buy top-quality apparel, gear and other goodies for moms, babies and kids (both boys and girls). Members can save up to 70% off retail prices—not to mention discover all the exciting new brands showcasing their products here. Only members can shop Zulily sales, but membership is FREE and sign up is fast and easy. After you register, be sure to invite your friends to join, too, as well as to visit this MommyBlogExpert blogpost to access the savings code they'll need to get $10 off purchases of $30 or more. As the Zulily shopping community grows, so will their ability to offer you even better prices and selection. Based in Seattle, Washington, Zulily.com was formed by retail and e-commerce veterans. They're dedicated to bringing their members great finds at great prices, as well as giving emerging brands a place to showcase their products.
$10 off Zulily.com purchase of $30 or more when you use code MOMEXPERT10 at checkout. Note: this special MommyBlogExpert coupon code offer expires May 14, 2010
FTC Disclosure: MommyBlogExpert is a guest blogger for Zulily's Blog. However, MommyBlogExpert did not receive any products, payment or other compensation associated with this post. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.
FREE Movie Musicals for Families & Kids in Beverly Hills, California May through August
by Janis Brett Elspas
If you're lucky be in Southern California this May through August then you'll want to know about this series of Free Movie Musicals to be shown on the second Saturday of every month between now and August. Starts Saturday, May 8th
FREE 2010 Classical Musical Movies
to Be Screened in Beverly Hills, California include
- Chicago (2003, Rated PG-13) on May 8th
- The Music Man (1962, Rated G) on June 12th
- Paint Your Wagon (1969, Rated PG-13) on July 10th
- Singin' in the Rain (1952, Rated G) on August 14th
A note to Parents from MommyBlogExpert : Two of these movies are Rated G and two are PG-13, so all 4 films may or may not be appropriate for your kids, depending on their age(s).
Event Details
Beverly Hills Public Library, 2nd Floor Auditorium
444 N. Rexford Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
For More Info: 310-288-2244 Bhpl.org
No Reservations Required
Free 2 hour parking available
Sponsored by:
Friends of the Beverly Hills Public Library.
FTC Disclosure: This blogpost is published as a community service. MommyBlogExpert did not receive any payment or other compensation associated with this post. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Digital Frame Review Connects Generations
Technology
Digital Frame Connecting Grandmothers, Moms, Kids
WIN a CEIVA Pro80 Digital Frame with One Year Picture Plan, A Prize Package Valued at More Than $200 -- ENTER CONTEST at Bottom of this Post! HURRY, Ends May 20, 2010

MBE partnered with CEIVA for this post
Maybe last year you adult sons and daughters sent your moms some flowers or your own young kids might have made something by hand for you at school. This season, dare to be different and possibly more sentimental, too. Why not give something this Mother's Day that can truly bridge the generations, can be enjoyed thousands of miles away -- no matter the time zone, and also may be used the other 364 days on the calendar?
This CEIVA product was selected in 2009 for the Most Memorable Gifts for Hanukkah and for the Best Christmas Presents Showcase. Pictured here is my 12 year-old daughter who sometimes guest blogs here as Mini MommyBlogExpert proudly showing off the frame she blinged out with the sparkling stick-on crystals that CEIVA sent us along with this frame for review. Above is a photo showing the product and package of crystals still in its box when they arrived, before she decorated the frame.
Don't worry, this post may be going up days before the holiday but there's just about a zero percent chance Grandma is even going to find out about it before it arrives on her doorstep because she's never read my blog. It's not that my Mom isn't interested in her daughter's writing -- it is because she has never had nor ever wants to use a computer.
That is exactly the beauty of giving this thoughtful gift: it is EASY to use, there's no need for a PC, and setting it up requires no technical expertise. Quite simply, this CEIVA Digital Frame is perfect for bridging the wired and unwired generations together -- small kids and adult children alike.
Don't worry, this post may be going up days before the holiday but there's just about a zero percent chance Grandma is even going to find out about it before it arrives on her doorstep because she's never read my blog. It's not that my Mom isn't interested in her daughter's writing -- it is because she has never had nor ever wants to use a computer.
That is exactly the beauty of giving this thoughtful gift: it is EASY to use, there's no need for a PC, and setting it up requires no technical expertise. Quite simply, this CEIVA Digital Frame is perfect for bridging the wired and unwired generations together -- small kids and adult children alike.
With this electronic dream, I can transmit photos of the grandchildren from my laptop directly to my mother's frame once she has connected it herself to her regular phone line and plugged it all into a standard electrical wall outlet. That means once it is set up I'll be able to electronically send big 5x7 color photos to her frame's screen while I'm away on vacation with my own family any where in the world we may go and also from my home computer even though we live hundreds of miles apart from each another.
How CEIVA Pro80 Works
With the CEIVA Pro80 purchase options available as 1, 2 or 3 digital frames packaged with an equal number of one year picture delivery plans included, there is even the possibility to send frames to BOTH sets of your kids' grandparents or even to more relatives living some distance from one another.
As of the date this post was published, a Mother's Day sale currently being offered includes one CEIVA Pro80 Digital Frame for $147.99, including a one year picture plan -- together regularly priced at more than $200) plus a free gift of a dazzle crystal kit valued at $19.95. CEIVA Pro80 MultiPacks are on sale as well, with two and three frames currently priced respectively at $269.99 and $359.99.
At a small additional cost, you can personalize these frames in a myriad of ways still further, with more than one thousand skins and a variety of other frame, matte, and finish options.
The CEIVA Pro80 Digital Frame as well as other digital frames and accessories are available directly from the manufacturer's online store. Select CEIVA products and accessories may also be purchased in-store from major retailers and Amazon.
HURRY, Contest ends at 11:59 pm PDT on May 20, 2010.
FTC Disclosure: MommyBlogExpert received the CEIVA Pro80 Digital Frame as well as the dazzle crystal kit from the manufacturer for this review. For this MommyBlogExpert giveaway contest an additional Pro80 Digital Frame is being provided by CEIVA to be given away to one lucky contest winner. MommyBlogExpert did not receive any payment or other compensation associated with this post or giveaway contest. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.
At a small additional cost, you can personalize these frames in a myriad of ways still further, with more than one thousand skins and a variety of other frame, matte, and finish options.
The CEIVA Pro80 Digital Frame as well as other digital frames and accessories are available directly from the manufacturer's online store. Select CEIVA products and accessories may also be purchased in-store from major retailers and Amazon.
CEIVA Giveaway Contest
WIN a CEIVA Pro80 Digital Frame including one year picture plan service, together valued at more than $200. Winner must be a legal resident of the U.S. to win and there is a limit of one main entry per person; extra entries are limited to one of each type.
WIN a CEIVA Pro80 Digital Frame including one year picture plan service, together valued at more than $200. Winner must be a legal resident of the U.S. to win and there is a limit of one main entry per person; extra entries are limited to one of each type.
For the Main Entry - Just 2 Required Steps
To enter this MommyBlogExpert Book giveaway, simply
1. Leave a comment below this post, being sure to include your Twitter, Facebook, or email contact info in case you are the winner
AND
2. Follow @MommyBlogExpert on Twitter
For Extra Entries - Do any or all of the following (Optional)
1. Follow @CEIVA on Twitter
2. Like MommyBlogExpert on Facebook
3. Tweet the following message exactly up to 3 times per day:
CEIVA Digital Frame GIVEAWAY Valued at $200+ ENTER to WIN
http://tinyurl.com/2akpawd RT
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