2011 June — MomStart

Sports Illustrated 3D Sports Blast

June 10, 2011 By Momstart 3 Comments

Sometimes it’s just better when it’s eye popping. Now there are 3D televisions, and there have been 3D movies, and rarer (but out there for a long time) are 3D books. Kids just seem to like 3D, or my kids do at least.

The editors of Sports Illustrated Kids magazine have come out with the book Sports Illustrated Kids: 3D Sports Blast just in time for another Father’s Day gift for my sons to share with their dad. All my boys love sports … especially the biggest one – daddy. Now, together (on those rainy Seattle days) they can curl up and read together while enjoying sports.

The hardcover 3D Sport Blast (released on May 10) is 80-pages and contains over 50 unique photographs from veteran Sports Illustrated photographer David E. Klutho. All shots were taken using state-of-the part 3D technology and will please sports fans of all ages. Wearing the included 3D glasses the reader will experience surfing, BMX, fishing, the NBA, and more — up close and personal.

Sports Illustrated KIDS In Your Face 3D: 3D Sports Blast (Sports Illustrated Kids: in Your Face 3d Book) also includes articles on how NBA forward Lebron James measures up against monster trucks, gives readers a look at MLB pitcher Tim “The Freak” Lincecum, and why Colts quarterback Peyton Manning has never missed a start, among other great excerpts.

You can have a copy mailed to you from Amazon for only $13.57 saving you some cash from the retail price of $19.95.

Your children can keep up with the latest in sports on the Sports Illustrated Kids website which offers a save environment for your child to explore the sports they love most.

Disclosure – A product was provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the writing of this review; however, opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation.

About Summer:

Summer is the President of our Local MOMS Club chapter, she is the mother of two adorable active boys, and is always thinking of ways to help others. She is a friend, a wife, and always busy as all mommies are. She is very active on Facebook, addicted to Geocaching and very interested in organic and green living.

Filed Under: review Tagged With: 3D, review, Sports Blast, Sports Illustrated

Search Engine for Saving Money Sale Locator

June 10, 2011 By Momstart 2 Comments

Searching, Searching, Searching, I’m always looking for something. Be it in the house, the car, I wouldn’t be able to find my own hands if they weren’t attached to me. I’m also always looking for things on-line, I use my search engine as a spell checker, find coupons and now, to find where the local sales are in stores.

You all know how much I like to save money while shopping. I love combining coupons with sales at the stores to maximize my savings, but if you are a couponer like me, you know it takes time to track down the sales let alone save up the coupons for it. I have to track down all the store ads and compare them to each other and match them up. Well imagine having a search engine that finds the sales for you cutting out a major step in saving money.

Meet the sale search engine SaleLocator. SaleLocator is a shopping and sales search engine that optimizes the shopping experience and makes consumer’s lives easier. SaleLocator is also available on the iPhone as an on the go Sale Locator app for saving money.

Checking out the local sales, I can see that SaleLocator helps bargain hunters find the best ongoing sales near them including an average of 225,000 local retail sales daily. I even noticed that certain malls are mentioned for having items on sale. After clicking on the link to one of my favorite local malls, I can then see what each store has on sale right now.

So it is exactly like having the local ads right at my fingertips. I can plan out my trip to the mall and have an idea on which stores I’m going to drop into for the bargains and when towing around kids with me everywhere I go, having a game plan will save me a lot of time and headaches. If searching by store isn’t enough for you, you can also find local sales by keyword and in nearly 20 popular categories including Clothing & Apparel, Baby & Toddler, Toys & Games, Furniture, Health & Beauty, Sports & Fitness and much much more. Plus you never have to miss a sale event. All you have to do to stay in the know is sign up for daily, weekly or monthly email sales alerts and share sales via Facebook, Twitter and email.

Follow SaleLocator on Facebook and on Twitter @salelocatorcom to learn about new sales and new SaleLocator features.

This is part of a sponsored campaign with Mom Bloggers Club on behalf of Sale Locator.

Filed Under: Announcement, savings Tagged With: sale locator, Save money, search engine

Giveaway Jingle Link Up Your #Giveaway Here

June 9, 2011 By Momstart 2 Comments

You’ve got a giveaway, I want to know about it! Oh, and if you list your giveaway on Mom Start facebook page then I will try to remember to tweet it out to all of my twitter followers. At 9200 followers and growing all the time! Cool? I hope so!

boy with ballons

I’ve got a few giveaways you might want to check out too!

Filed Under: linky Tagged With: giveaway jingle, giveaway link up, Giveaway Listing

Geocaching: Refer a Friend Help Groundspeak Give to DonorsChoose.org

June 9, 2011 By Momstart 3 Comments

Louise has told you all that I’m involved with Geocaching. If you don’t know geocaching is a high-tech outdoor treasure hunting game that’s a great way to explore the world with friends, family or on your own. Participants use GPS-enabled devices to locate hidden containers called geocaches. There are over one million caches hidden internationally – so you have no excuse not to give geocahching a try because I know there’s a cache near you, just waiting to be found (visit Geocaching.com to search for geocaches near you)! As a member of Groundspeak, the organization which coordinates geocaching, I get a weekly newsletter; this week’s newsletter touched my heart and I wanted to pass it on.

This is Karla. She is a student at a low income elementary school in Texas and is a member of Tech-Click, the school’s after-school technology club.
In 2009, Groundspeak provided 3 GPS devices to Tech-Click through DonorsChoose.org, an online charity that connects teachers with donors to fulfill classroom needs [Mom Start has written about Donor’s Choice in past posts].
These 3 GPS devices allowed Karla and others in her club to learn about latitude, longitude, spatial concepts and more. Now, you can help others like Karla learn about GPS technology. I’m doing my part by simply telling MomStart readers, my Facebook friends, and Twitter trackers about geocaching.

From June 1- 30, 2011, for each new member that is referred to Geocaching.com, Groundspeak will donate $1 to DonorsChoose.org. The more people referred, the more money Groundspeak will donate to classrooms in need — up to a total of $10,000 USD!
Check out the Groundspeak blog refer a friend to read more. It has some details such as after being referred you MUST fill out the “referred by” field on the account creation page. You also MUST log at least ONE geocache between June 1-30, 2011.
For regular updates on the number of referrals obtained by Groundspeak, stay tuned to their blog (Latitude 47) and check out the Geocaching Facebook page.

Lastly, but not lastly, thank you for helping to provide students like Karla with the tools they need to have engaging learning experiences. So consider this your formal invitation: Summer (Username: OleksyFamily) invites you to become a Geocaching.com member. IT’S FREE (for a Basic membership)!

About Summer:

Filed Under: personal Tagged With: Donorschoose.org, geocaching, groundspeak

Sibu Beauty: Buckthorn Daytime Facial Lotion Review

June 9, 2011 By Momstart 2 Comments

The extreme will be starting soon. All that sun. I’m taking about summertime. No matter what the season, however, you have to take care of your skin! Sibu Beauty sent me some sea buckthorn daytime facial lotion. By applying daily to clean skin you’ll gain moisture and protection.

The Sibu Beauty facial cream has omega 7 fatty acid which helps build collagen production by creating a barrier with helps moisturize, rejuvenate, repair and protect your skin. The lotion has a refreshing citrus scent, and is a light, non-greasy cream.

I like using Sibu Beauty sea buckthorn daytime facial lotion. I love the scent and feel refreshed as I apply it. I use two pumps each application and this bottle is going a long way. I need to be better about daily use as it doesn’t take long to apply. I need to take the time for myself and just let my boys sit for 30 seconds as I pump, pump, apply.

Even Dr. Oz wants me to use it! There’s my “prescription” for me, and it’s a prescription for you too; take time for yourself.

The facts I love: it’s paraben-free and cruelty-free. Subi Beauty’s Sea Buckthorn daytime facial lotion contains NO dairy, NO yeast, NO wheat, NO gluten, NO sodium, and NO preservatives. You can look good and feel good when using Sibu Beauty. Sibu Beauty is dedicated to making a difference not only in your health but for better changes in our planet by using easily recycled plastic, partnering with the Forest Stewardship Council, using fair trade harvesting practices in Tibet and by participating in philanthropic outreach.

So what is inside Sibu Beauty’s 100% natural facial lotion? Ingredients: Water, Sea Buckthorn Seed Oil, Glycerin (Vegetable), Sodium Levulinate, Sodium Anisate, Polyglyceryl-10 Pentastearate, Behenyl Alcohol, Sodium Steroyl Lactylate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Olive Oil Unsaponifiables, Meadowfoam Seed Oil, Shea Butter, Sea Buckthorn Fruit Oil, Orange Essential Oil, Lemon Essential Oil, Aloe Barbadensis leaf juice powder, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Xanthan Gum, Panthenol, Sodium Phytate

Sibu can also help you with revitalizing & renewing using their liquid supplement, cleanse & detox with facial soap, and offer cellular support with softgel supplements.

You can also keep up with Sibu Beauty on their site, via the Sibu Beauty blog, Like Sibu Beauty on Facebook, and track them on Twitter @Sibu_Beauty.

About Summer:

Filed Under: review, Summer Tagged With: Cosmetics, Facial lotion, lotion, review, sea buckthorn, Sibu Beauty

Tasty Treat Thursday Mexi-Dip Recipe

June 9, 2011 By Momstart 4 Comments

For this tasty treat I’m taking the salty approach. This is yummy snack and is great for parties, picnics and play dates. I got this recipe from my mom who got it from a friend, so I don’t know the origin. Thought I’d pass it on thought; especially in this season when there is always something going on and you always need to bring something but you don’t always have the time. This takes only about 10 minutes to get together.

You just have to be sure you have everything you need on hand. I always pick up the ingredients when they’re on sale and buy them in bulk. I try to get the mexi-corn and green chilies for only $1 per can. The rest of the ingredients I try to have on hand as a rule of thumb as find I need them for other recipes in my files. The chips I buy when I know I’m going to be making the dip and that’s where the biggest chunk-of-change comes into play when making this salty snack. I also prefer to use the “Scoops” chips as opposed to other tortilla chips as you can REALLY get the dip!

You can make this dip ahead of time and bring it out when needed. Making the Mexi-Dip ahead of time also allows the flavors to marry more than making and serving immediately. However, both are quite appetizing. Enjoy!

Mexi-Dip Recipe

INGREDIENTS
3 can mexi-corn, drained
8oz sour cream
¾ cup mayonnaise
1 bunch green onions
8oz Mexican shredded cheese
2 – 4oz cans chopped green chilies

DIRECTIONS
Combine all ingredients and mix with spoon. Store in the refrigerator.

About Summer:

Filed Under: recipe, Summer Tagged With: Mexi dip, recipe, Tasty Treat Thursday

Fun Stuff 4 Babies Daddy Diaper Changing Toolbox

June 8, 2011 By Momstart 150 Comments

When you’re getting ready to have a baby you read every book you can, think about every possibility and get all the products you think you could possibly need and you still find that you are not prepared. There is nothing that will prepare you for the madness that comes with a newborn. Even me telling you this, won’t prepare you, but you’ll find that it’s worth every minute of it. And, there are things out there that will make you smile and gifts for the dad to be to remind him how appreciated he is.

The Daddy Diaper Changing Toolbox from Fun Stuff 4 Babies is a great Father to be gift. Fun Stuff 4 Babies is a family owned business. Chris Hartsfield is the Creator of Fun Stuff 4 Babies but the entire family was involved in developing the Daddy Diaper Changing Toolbox. He gathered information from his parents, his 6 and 4 year old boys, and he even asked the mother -in-law for assistance in assembling the initial product. Chris and Julie (his wife) couldn’t have done it without the support from their family. Their mission is to develop products that encourage and acknowledge Dad´s involvement in raising children and I couldn’t agree more. Dad’s are a huge contributor to the whole process. I wouldn’t be where I was today without such a loving and supportive husband who dotes on his children. Their New Dad Gifts did so well last year, that they were featured on NBC’s TODAY Show last Father’s Day.

The Daddy Diaper Changing Toolbox arms New Dads with everything they would need for their very first diaper change as well as provides them with a chuckle. And in the middle of the night changing a diaper, a chuckle is just what you need.

Inside the Daddy Diaper Change Toolbox:

Mask –toxic fume filter for when it doesn’t smell like roses.
Goggles –for protection against your own mini version of Old Faithful.
Protective Poop Poncho –need we say more???
Tongs –Several inches of steel separation between you and the little warm wrapped gift.
Turkey Baster –for precision hiney washing.
Ear/Nose Plugs –use with care.
Pacifier — scream plug.
Baby Wipes — for cleaning baby bottom and various parts.
Diaper for Newborn — cute as a kitten until it gets wet then it looks and smells like a sewer rat.
Bio Hazard Bag and Rubber Gloves –for quarantine containment of the nuclear meltdown.
Emergency Formula Container– doubles as a PeePee cover for WeWe.
Hand Wipes– to clean up afterward. (For Dad’s use only).
Picture Frame — this is your badge of honor
**Optional Step by Step Dad Humor Directions included with Inventory item checklist

Baby showers are usually all about the mom. If that dad actually participates he gets to watch mom open a ton of gifts for the baby at a very girly shower. This inspired Chris to design the Daddy Diaper Changing Toolbox the box that changed it all. The Daddy Diaper Changing Toolbox provides dad with things he uses all the time in a new light. I mean imagine looking at Thanksgiving dinner and thinking about how tempted you were to actually use that Turkey Baster from the Daddy Diaper Changing Toolbox to was your child’s hiney. The Daddy Diaper Changing Toolbox is a perfect blend of fun and functionality for the Expectant Father or New Dad.

This giveaway has ended. Congratulations to Linda.

Filed Under: giveaway Tagged With: Daddy Diaper Changing Toolbox, Father's Day Gift Guide, Father's Day giveaway, Fun Stuff 4 Babies, giveaway

Keeping It all Organized: Munchkin Diaper Change Pouch

June 8, 2011 By Momstart 2 Comments

As a new mom, I feel like diaper bags are kind of like strollers. It’s really hard to find “the one”…that one bag that does it all. Well, I have to say that thanks to Munchkin, I have a product that helps me turn most any bag into a good one!

The Munchkin Diaper Change Pouch comes with an easy to fold and unfold changing mat, a small zip container for wipes, and room for 3 or 4 diapers. It has a magnetic close that holds securely and a handy wrist strap that makes it easy to hook onto the stroller or even just carry on its own. The pouch is made out of a material that is SUPER easy to wipe clean (a very important plus when we’re talking about anything related to diaper changing). The changing pad is considered “oversized” and my pretty “tall” 11-month-old fits nicely, so I agree.

I go back and forth between a few different “diaper bags” depending on how long we’re going to be out, will we need to eat, etc. Having the Munchkin Diaper Pouch has helped make that transition so much easier. It can fit into my purse (admittedly not a small one), into our smaller messenger bag, or into the huge gone for an entire day type of bag. It’s very easy to move from one bag to the next.

My only complaint about this set is the zipper on the wipes pouch. The very first time I went to zip it up, it broke. It is designed to work just like a small zipper. Instead, I now have to very carefully line the edges up and seal it like a plastic baggy. I didn’t contact Munchkin about this, so they may have offered a solution. It’s not too big of a deal for me though because I tend to carry a big supply of wipes wherever we go since they can be used for anything. I can still seal the Munchkin wipes pouch if needed, so it still works.

I’ve really enjoyed having the Munchkin Diaper Pouch. It has made changing on the go a lot easier and enjoyable (if diaper changing can ever be considered “enjoyable”). This is a super helpful tool for any mom and a great gift for new moms or at a baby shower. It’s available at most stores and is reasonably priced. Although Munchkin has several authorized online sellers, I couldn’t find this exact product on any of their sites. I found it on Amazon though and I know I have seen it when I’ve been out and about. It also seems like Munchkin has a different version of the same product. You can see it here. Maybe I’ll have to test that one out too!

About Ashley:

Ashley has a background in teaching Kindergarten and working with children K through 8th grade. She is now a SAHM and a very active member of our local MOMS Club chapter. She writes her own blog at Momicles.

Filed Under: review Tagged With: diaper change pouch, munchkin, organizational ideas

Spinach & Artichoke Pinwheels Recipe

June 8, 2011 By Momstart 5 Comments

When it comes to entertaining and parties, growing up I went to a ton of them. I’m part of a huge family, each parent I have and I have four of them, has like four or five brothers and sisters so we have LOTS of family which means we need lots of food. One really cool tip I learned from my step mom is how to make pinwheels. She uses a different cream cheese recipe than the one I’m using today, but this just came to me today.

The tortilla rolls pictured above have the New Light Spinach and Artichoke Soft Spreadable Cheese from Alouette. The new soft spreadable cheese is so easy to use when you don’t have time to make something from scratch. Cheese Details:

- 50 percent less fat and 30 percent less calories than regular spreadable cheese
- 100% all natural and a delicious lighter alternative to hummus
- Gluten-Free
- What’s more, artichokes contain more than 14 vitamins & minerals and are a great source of dietary fiber, magnesium and Vitamin C
- Spinach is loaded with phytonutrients and flavonoids that provide powerful antioxidant protection

Or Make Your Own:

Spinach & Artichoke Pinwheels Recipe:

Spinach & Artichoke Pinwheels Recipe

Recipe Type: Appetiser

Author: Louise Bishop

Prep time: 10 mins

Cook time: 25 mins

Total time: 35 mins

Serves: 15

Ingredients

1 14 ounce can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
1/2 10 ounce package frozen chopped spinach, thawed
1/2 cup sour cream (feel free to use low fat to save on calories)
1/4 cup mayonnaise (feel free to use low fat to save on calories)
1/4 cup cream cheese
1/4 cup grated Romano cheese
1/4 teaspoon minced garlic

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees
Mix all the ingredients, place in a glass baking dish, cover with foil
Cook for about 25 minutes or until bubbly
Let Cool for 20 minutes
Spoon healthy amounts onto the tortilla and spread it out
Then roll up the tortillas
Cut Tortillas into 1 inch rolls and place them flat on a serving dish

Google Recipe View Microformatting by Easy Recipe

Filed Under: recipe Tagged With: alouette cheese, Food, recipe, Spinach & Artichoke Pinwheels

Photos For Father’s Day Kodak Kiosks

June 8, 2011 By Momstart Leave a Comment

Oh my goodness, things are super crazy in my house. I have three trips coming up and I get back from all my travels on Father’s Day. When am I going to shop and what am I going to get him? Are you in the same boat and in need of some ideas for Father’s Day? How about a photo creation?

Now, don’t get all, he’s a man he needs a power tool on me ok. I know that sometimes the best gift is when you’ve captured a special moment of one of the kids and put it in a frame. In fact, I think that’s the best gift I gave my husband so far. One year we I took the kids and we had photos of them done. I didn’t tell my husband a thing, I printed out a photo and put it in the frame. He still has that gift in his office at work. How often does a gift last over a year?

So put a photo in a frame, or make a photo book. From June 6 until June 19, Kodak Kiosks at participating retailers (Target and CVS) are offering a BOGO promotion on 8×10 photo books. Which makes it easier to get one for the “grand” dads and neither one gets left out.

If you’re anything like me, more than likely you’ll have the plan to make a photo book and then get to Target without your photos. Oh, I’m always forgetting something. Well, Kodak has make life simple, simply log onto your Facebook account directly from the Kodak Kiosk and use any of the images from your account. The Kodak Kiosk also lets you create other great gifts for any occasion, such as a PYNK frame or a Personal Greeting Card. A one-stop personalized gift shop!

Be sure to visit Kodak.com to and use the Kodak Kiosk locator to find a participating retailer near you!

This is part of a sponsored campaign with Mom Bloggers Club on behalf of Kodak.

Filed Under: Announcement Tagged With: Father's Day Gift Guide, Kodak, Kodak Kiosk, photo book

Sports Illustrated 3D Sports Blast

Search Engine for Saving Money Sale Locator

Giveaway Jingle Link Up Your #Giveaway Here

Geocaching: Refer a Friend Help Groundspeak Give to DonorsChoose.org

Sibu Beauty: Buckthorn Daytime Facial Lotion Review

Tasty Treat Thursday Mexi-Dip Recipe

Fun Stuff 4 Babies Daddy Diaper Changing Toolbox

Keeping It all Organized: Munchkin Diaper Change Pouch

Spinach & Artichoke Pinwheels Recipe

Photos For Father’s Day Kodak Kiosks

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