Fruit2O Essentials Review and Giveaway

I am a big water drinker. Soda, juice, sports drinks...nothing really appeals to me as much as a big glass of ice water. I have tried flavored waters in the past without being all that impressed, so when I was given the opportunity to review Fruit2O Essentials, I agreed figuring that I would probably just be taking a sip here and there and giving the rest to my husband and kids.

While I wasn't impressed by all the flavors, I will say that Fruit2O is definitely the best flavored water drink I have tried. The Peach Mango was my personal favorite. None of the flavors had an icky after taste like a lot of the flavored waters can.

Fruit2O Essentials is a zero-calorie fortified water that offers the vitamins, minerals and fiber in the amounts equal to two servings of fruit. It comes in six flavors including Strawberry Kiwi, Cranberry Raspberry, Citrus, Peach Mango, Blueberry Pomegranate and Cherry Acai.

Want to try it for yourself? Along with giving me a sample to try, MomSelect has offered to give one of you a sample of Fruit2O to try for yourself! Just leave a comment on this post saying which flavor of Fruit2O you'd most like to try by July 14, 2010 and I will post a winner on July 15th!

I'd like to thank MomSelect for the opportunity to do this review!

(No payment or compensation other that the product samples described above was received for this post.)

Fisher Price Infant Products Review

We recently received the Laugh & Learn™ Fun With Friends™ Musical Table and the Laugh & Learn™ Smart Bounce & Spin Pony™ to review from Fisher Price. The kids were so excited to get to try out these awesome toys. They started playing with the Musical Table before I even got it out of the package!


The table has four different stations and four different modes. The first station is a little laptop where kids can learn about letters and listen to the ABCs.

The second station is a telephone where kids can practice numbers or just play pretend.



The third station is a little book that the table reads to them as they turn the pages.


The final station is a piano.
Here is some info about the Laugh and Learn Musical Table from the Fisher Price website:

Busy, busy … there’s SO much to do, with four corners full of learning fun! Each has an entire interactive learning center with lights and a friendly character who invites baby to play, encouraging movement and exploration all around the table.

Baby can learn letters, numbers, counting, first words, colors, shapes, opposites, animals and much more—in English and Spanish! Musical fun includes sing-along songs, tunes, real instrument sounds and a variety of music styles.

The Imagination mode brings imitative play to life with real-life sounds, piano keys, phone tones and more. Lots of activities, lots of songs, and even bilingual learning in an age-appropriate way! Requires 3 AA batteries.

Table measures approx. 18½” W x 18½” L x 15" H when fully assembled.

The other toy we received is the Laugh and Learn Smart Bounce and Spin Pony. This is a pretty neat toy. The kids can use it as a kind of rocking horse to play on or, you can plug in the wireless TV connection and they can play with it like an interactive video game.
Here is some info about the Smart Bounce and Spin Pony from the Fisher Price website:

Active learning begins with a bounce! This friendly pony bounces, spins, and rewards baby with lots of music and sounds, even without the TV. And when you set up the wireless TV connection, baby’s actions make big things happen on screen!

The learning continues through three levels as baby grows. Saddle up to enjoy lots of game play, animation, music, sounds, friendly characters, tons of sing-along songs, and a long trail of exciting things to learn. Requires 3 AAA and 3 C batteries.

Maximum Weight: 44 lbs. (20 kg)
Developmental Guidelines: For children able to get on and off unassisted.

Three grow-with-me levels of interactive learning with your TV!

12M+ Level 1: Action/Reaction
With every bounce or spin of the roller, baby makes something happen! Hear songs, learn about animals and their sounds, first words, greetings and more.

Teaches:

• Cause and effect


• Familiar objects


• Animals


• Animal sounds


• First words


• Greetings

18M+ Level 2: Learn and Play
As baby grows, so does the learning! Discover letters, numbers, shapes and colors in a fun and engaging way.

Teaches:

• Letters, A - Z


• Numbers, 1 – 10


• Objects


• Animals


• Opposites


• Colors


• Shapes


• Peek-a-boo play

24M+ Level 3: Active Learning
Lots of games, lots of active learning! For example: make the pony “jump fences” as you count along and collect rewards.

Teaches:

• Game play


• Word recognition


• Counting


• 
  
Actions and words

• Kinds of weather


• 
  
Comparisons

• Following directions

Developmental Guidelines:

For children able to get on and off unassisted.

Fisher Price also has a great coupon available right now. Click here to receive $20 off a $100 purchase of any Laugh & Learn^™ and Go Baby Go!^™ toys.

I'd like to thank MomSelect for the opportunity to do this review.

Sun Burst Laundry Detergent Review and Giveaway (Closed)

Thanks to the great folks over at MomSelect, I was recently given the opportunity to try a bottle Sun Burst Liquid Laundry Detergent in the Clean and Fresh Scent. With my two messy little girls and no washing machine in our apartment, we are always looking for ways to make doing laundry a little easier! The fact that this detergent is 2x concentrated means it is in a smaller bottle! Gotta love that when you have to haul it downstairs and half way across the apartment complex to wash clothes!

But, of course, portability is not the only important thing to a mom of two icky, sticky toddlers. Does it get the clothes clean and does it smell good? Yes, to both! I like the smell because it wasn't too overpowering, but it was also not so subtle that you couldn't tell the clothes had even been washed! And, it did at least as good a job getting out stains as other detergents we've used.


Well, MomSelect not only hooked me up with a bottle of detergent to try, they also gave me five coupons for a free bottle of detergent to give out to you! Head over to the Sun Detergents website and leave me a comment with your favorite scent for a chance to win! I will have to girls draw names on August 31st to pick the winners! Good luck!

Thank you MomSelect for the opportunity to do this review!

Cirque du Soleil: Saltimbanco Review

As I have mentioned before, the great folks at MomSelect gave me the chance to review the show Cirque du Soleil: Saltimbanco here in Gainesville. Well, the show was last Thursday, so me, Lily, and our friends, Kim and Madison, got dolled up and headed to check it out.


It was really an awesome performance! I think the kids may have been a bit young for it still (they're three), and the bleacher seating was not the most comfortable (although, it was nice and close), but the show was amazing. There was a bit of "adult" humor that, had the girls been a little older, I would have been more concerned about. The whole show was in French which I didn't realize until Kim told me she had checked out the website (but duh, right?). They did not allow cameras in the show, so check out the Saltimbanco site for some pictures of the acts (you can also watch a trailer on the site that will give you an idea of some of the performances). Also, here is some info about the show and the meaning of the title from the Saltimbanco site.

About the Show:
" Saltimbanco -from the Italian "saltare in banco", which literally means "to jump on a bench"-explores the urban experience in all its myriad forms: the people who live there, their idiosyncrasies and likenesses, families and groups, the hustle and bustle of the street and the towering heights of skyscrapers. Between whirlwind and lull, prowess and poetry, Saltimbanco takes spectators on an allegorical and acrobatic journey into the heart of the city.

Saltimbanco is a Cirque du Soleil signature show inspired by the urban fabric of the metropolis and its colorful inhabitants. Decidedly baroque in its visual vocabulary, the show's eclectic cast of characters draws spectators into a fanciful, dreamlike world, an imaginary city where diversity is a cause for hope."

There was beautiful singing, fun dancing, and incredible acrobatics. The costumes were bright and just a lot of fun. Everyone involved in the show seemed to really enjoy what they were doing and they tried to include the audience as much as they could. One poor gentleman got called on stage to participate in a 5 minute long mime skit. He was a great sport about it and the audience thought it was hilarious. We had a blast (well, Kim and I did)! I would definitely recommend heading to check this out, but maybe leave the little ones at home!

I'd like to thank MomSelect for the opportunity for this great review!

Florastor Kids Review

I was recently given the opportunity to try out Florastor Kids. This is a probiotic for kids to help them maintain the normal balance of microorganisms in the digestive system. An upset in the balance of these microbiota, or flora, can cause intestinal problems, including diarrhea and abdominal discomfort, which can range from moderate to severe. Florastor® Kids is a clinically-tested, natural, yeast-based probiotic that aids in the growth of good microbiota in the intestines, while destroying and removing pathogenic (bad or disease-causing) microbiota to help maintain or restore optimal intestinal health. Florastor Kids is the number-one probiotic worldwide. It has recently been added to the ConsumerLab.com List of Approved Quality Products. It is unique because it can be safely given to babies and children from the age of two months. It also comes in a simple powder form that can be dissolved in beverages or soft foods! The active ingredient in Florastor Kids, Saccharomyces boulardii lyo, has been clinically tested for more than 50 years. It helps to eliminate or prevent diarrhea by promoting the growth of good microbiota, helping to remove pathogens from the intestines and neutralizing bacterial toxins. Florastor Kids also strengthens the digestive tract’s ability to help fight infection by releasing polyamines (organic compounds that stimulate cell growth) to help repair the mucous membranes of the intestinal walls, stimulating the production of immunoglobulins (proteins that function as antibodies), and increasing short-chain fatty acids to help nutrient absorption. It is perfeect for treating antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD), acute gastroenteritis, traveler’s diarrhea, clostridium difficile (C. diff, which is a severe, possibly fatal infection of the colon that can occur after healthy microbiota are wiped out by the use of strong antibiotics, allowing a pathogenic bacteria to thrive; currently being seen more often, as C. diff is on the rise). As with anything, of course, ask your pediatrician before giving this to your child. Studies that support Florastor Kids’ efficacy and safety can be viewed at www.sboulardii.com.

I was really looking forward to trying this out because my youngest daughter gets diareahha quite often and there is not much we can do to help her out. Luckily, my sample of Florastor Kids arrived during one of these bouts and we were able to give it a try. After just two packets, she was back to normal. And, it was super easy to use! I just put it in some juice, applesauce, or yogurt and she doesn't even know she's getting it! I would definitly reccommend this to anyone with a little who is having some minor digestive issues.

You can find Florastor Kids in most retail chain pharmacies, and at independent pharmacies. Visit www.florastor.com to find out where to purchase Florastor Kids in your area. It is commonly found in the anti-diarrheal/stomach aid section, and can also be obtained by asking the pharmacist (many stores keep Florastor Kids behind the counter). It can also be purchased online at www.drugstore.com or www.newtimrx.com/florastor.html.

Here is an iterview with a board-certified pediatrician explainging the benefits of Florastor Kids:

Q&A with James Sears, M.D.: Tiny Tummy Troubles and Florastor® Kids

Pediatric diarrhea can be extremely stressful for parents, especially in babies and toddlers. Adult anti-diarrheal medications are not recommended for young children, which often leaves parents with only “watchful waiting” as an option.

Probiotics are a new health buzzword, and can be a drug-free method of helping to manage children’s intestinal issues. However, it’s important to do your homework. Because probiotics are supplements and therefore not subject to government regulation, it’s important to look for a probiotic that has sound scientific testing behind it, and that is appropriate for your child’s issues.

Dr. James Sears, board-certified pediatrician, author and co-host of the CBS-TV show “The Doctors,” has recommended Florastor Kids to patients for years, first of all because he’s seen its efficacy in pediatric diarrhea, and because it’s backed by scientific studies.

Dr. Sears answers some common questions about Florastor® Kids below:

Q: What are the most common causes of pediatric diarrhea?
A. Like most things in pediatrics, diarrhea is usually caused by a virus. The most common diarrhea-causing viruses are Rotavirus and Norovirus, but most parents just call them “stomach flu”. Kids can also get diarrhea as a side effect of antibiotics.

Q: How should a parent handle food and drink for a child with diarrhea?
A: The key to treating diarrhea is to keep your child hydrated and nourished. Breastmilk, formula, or electrolyte solutions are best for this, also, easy to digest foods will help keep the tummy happy. Cow’s milk can make diarrhea worse, so lay off this for a few days.

Q: At what point should a child with diarrhea be taken to the emergency room?
A If your child is losing more fluid than he can take in, he runs the risk of becoming dehydrated. This is especially true if he is also vomiting. It’s often the second day of illness when a child will become dehydrated, so watch for decreased urine output – number of wet diapers is less, or trips to the bathroom are less. If your child becomes lethargic, this is also a reason to call the doctor.

Q: Do you recommend probiotics for kids?
A: I’ve been recommending probiotics for years, and it’s now a recognized treatment for kids when they have diarrhea. When kids get diarrhea, a probiotic can help replenish the “good” bacteria that is supposed to be living in the intestine – which will improve their digestion.

Q: What is Florastor Kids?
A: Florastor Kids is a natural probiotic that supports the presence of beneficial (“good”) microbiota in the intestines, which helps keep pathogenic (“bad” or “disease-causing”) microbiota (like bacteria and viruses) from attacking the gut.

Q: What is the active ingredient in Florastor Kids and how does it work?
A: The active ingredient in Florastor Kids is a freeze-dried form of yeast called Saccharomyces boulardii lyo. It helps promote the growth of good microbiota, while attracting and removing pathogens from the intestines.

Q: Have any clinical tests been done to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of Florastor Kids?
A: Yes. The active ingredient in Florastor Kids, Saccharomyces boulardii lyo, has been studied in more than 40 clinical trials. Studies have been published in top medical journals, including the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) and Gastroenterology magazine.

Q: How do the effects of Florastor Kids differ from those of bacteria-based probiotics, such as acidophilus?
A: One of the key differences in a yeast-based probiotic, such as Florastor Kids, is that it can not be killed by antibiotics, and it, in turn, protects the body’s own flora during the course of antibiotic treatment to guard against antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Antibiotic-associated diarrhea occurs when antibiotics disturb the natural balance of “good” and “bad” microbiota in the intestinal tract, causing harmful bacteria to grow far beyond their normal numbers. The result is often frequent, watery bowel movements.

Q: Which kids could benefit from Florastor Kids?
A: Florastor Kids has been proven effective in managing a wide variety of intestinal problems, but is often used to help with:
Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea (AAD)
Acute gastroenteritis (general, sudden onset diarrhea)
Traveler’s diarrhea
Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (C. diff)
Chronic inflammatory intestinal conditions, such as Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn’s

Q: Why would a parent choose to treat a bout of diarrhea with Florastor Kids as opposed to an anti-diarrheal product?
A: Anti-diarrheal medications such as loperamide (Imodium) are typically not recommended for young children. Florastor Kids helps remove toxins from the intestines and at the same time bolsters the body’s defense against the pathogens.

Q: How should Florastor Kids be taken?
A: Florastor Kids is a fruit-flavored powder that comes in packets. The powder can be mixed into water, milk, juice or soft foods (such as applesauce), and should be taken twice a day.

Q: How long can Florastor Kids be taken?
A: There is no reason that Florastor Kids can not be taken every day, but it is most often taken once symptoms start, and until symptoms stop. It is recommended to start taking the same day as antibiotic treatment and stopping it once the course of antibiotics is complete. For those wishing to protect themselves from traveler’s diarrhea, it is recommended that Florastor Kids be taken starting four days before the trip starts, and finishing four days after the trip ends.

Q: Who should not take Florastor Kids?
A: Children under two months of age, as well as those with yeast allergies and central venous catheters.

Q: Does Florastor Kids need to be refrigerated?
A: No. Florastor Kids’ freeze-drying process means that the product does not need to be refrigerated, making it ideal for travel.

Q: I went to a few pharmacies in my area and could not find Florastor Kids on the shelves. What can I do?
A: Try asking the pharmacist. Even though it does not require a prescription, many pharmacists may keep it behind the counter so that they can explain its benefits, particularly if they recommend taking it with antibiotics. On www.florastor.com there is a list of local and online pharmacies that stock Florastor Kids.

I'd like to thank Momselect for the opportunity to do this review!

Cirque du Soleil: Saltimbanco from MomSelect

Well, I don't know how many of you have heard of MomSelect, but I wanted to let you know briefly what it is and why I am so excited to share information about it with you! Here is the overview from the MomSelect website:

"Moms are the most powerful consumer group in the world. Companies each day try to connect with you with marketing messages, product information and brand promises. Some do it well while others fall short.

For over a decade, BSM Media has been working to help companies speak to moms about products and brands in a relevant and valuable manner. It has been the passion of Maria Bailey, BSM Media's CEO and author of "Marketing to Moms," to educate companies on the buying power of mothers, the intelligence that they apply to purchasing products and solutions they seek for their family via value, price, safety, health and enrichment. Today she and her team work with the biggest brands around the globe to deliver marketing programs that respect, honor and leverage relationships with real-life moms.

The best marketing relationships are a two way street -- a two way dialogue. Mom Select is a platform that allows mothers to choose to participate in marketing programs and creates a place for you to let us know about marketing opportunities in your community. Our mission is to create a bridge between moms and brands.

BSM Media offers a variety of ways to engage with companies. They are fun, educational and empowering and allow you to share free samples with friends, host in home parties or review the newest products for moms. Best of all, YOU get to choose the programs!"

Well, I signed up with MomSelect as a Mom Blogger a few months ago. I got a lot of e-mails with discount codes and some offering free tickets to shows, none of which were in our area...until, I recieved an e-mail last week offering tickets to Cirque du Soleil: Saltimbanco which is coming to the O'Connell Center in May! I was obviously thrilled to recieve the tickets and, MomSelect sent me a link to put up for all my readers who are interested in going to recieve dicounted tickets! Yay! I will let you all know how the show was in May! Thanks so much to MomSelect for giving me this opportunity!

Skin MD Natural SPF 15 Shielding Lotion Review

I was recently given the opportunity to try out Skin MD Natural SPF 15 Shielding Lotion. I've got to say, I wasn't super excited about it at first. I figured it was just another lotion. After trying it, however, I was really impressed! This lotion is not your run-of-the-mill oily, sit on top of the skin lotion. It repairs and restores skin. It’s quick drying and acts as a coat to protect. I also can’t believe how fast it dries. It doesn't leave any sort of oily feeling on your skin. Everything just feels light and silky after you use it. But, it also seems to really hydrate! Since the weather has gotten colder, my feet have been really dry and cracking (yuck, I know), but Skin MD made them feel immediately better! It was nice, too, because it didn't make them feel slick or sticky like most lotion can. I could put socks on almost right after applying the lotion and there was no icky wet feeling. I would definitly recommend this to anyone with dry skin. It can also be used as a face moisturizer. I didn't personally try the product this way, but I think it would likely not be very heavy feeling like a lot of moisturizers can. It is also nice because a very small amount of the lotion goes a long war. I used probably a dime sized amount on both of my feet, legs, arms, and hands!

Here’s what Skin MD has to say about the lotion, “A Shielding Lotion is far more effective as a dry skin care treatment than mere moisturizing lotions or protective creams. If you suffer from dry skin, you know that just using a moisturizing lotion doesn’t solve the problem.

Skin MD Natural™ is promptly absorbed, without the slightest hint of any greasy or oily feeling or residue, transforming the outer layer of skin into a hydrating invisible shield.

Glycerin has been the standard against which all humectants are measured. Until now no other humectant’s drew in as much moisture from the air as glycerin. But the proprietary formulation in Skin MD Natural™ has a moisturizing factor of at least 6 times greater than glycerin.
Skin MD Natural™ utilizes the finest effective natural skin care ingredients for dry skin treatment along with the latest advances in dry skin care technology to hydrate and protect the skin.

This is an entirely new concept in skin care requiring a new classification: “Shielding Lotion". A shielding lotion keeps moisture-robbing irritants away from the skin while the proprietary “super” humectants hydrate the skin throughout the day.

An accumulated effect of Skin MD Natural is fully realized after only a few days of daily use. Depending on how dry your skin is the first few days may require reapplications after only a few hours. Usually, after a few days of continuous use, only one or two daily applications are necessary for complete dry skin care “.

So, if you are looking for cure to dry, chapped skin, give Skin MD a try!