Mommy Meryl Must Haves!

Mommies love the Wii!!

2009-08-24T06:44:00.003-07:00

If your family is like my family, you love our Wii (or your neighbor's!) - not only do you play video games, but you get fit at the same time!!

Look anywhere and you can see that fitness games have taken the market by storm and sounds like Wii is going to launch another great one this winter called Your Shape,by Ubisoft.

I have been told that what makes this game not-like-the-others is that it actually contains a camera allowing players to project their own likeness within the game! So it can correct improper positioning or help tone, slim any “problem” areas. I have also learned that there are 480 fun workouts to choose from. Sounds like this game might be giving me the luxury of having my own (virtual) personal trainer in the comfort of my own home!

Ubisoft has been developing this product with mom, actress, comedienne and author, Jenny McCarthy. Jenny responded to the product because she’s an advocate of healthy living and also leads a very busy life. Click here to see a video about how the game is supposed to work. And here is the website for the game as well!

I will look forward to posting again in November/December when I get to review the game before it comes to store near you!!

Funky Monkey Snacks Winners!!

2009-06-22T06:44:00.003-07:00

We have a winner!! Thanks soooo much to everyone who played!

Here are the winning numbers through Random Integer GeneratorHere (random.org):

Timestamp: 2009-06-22 13:43:43 UTC

Win some Funky Monkey Snacks - yummy & healthy!

2009-06-14T07:07:00.004-07:00

Ok - so how many times have you looked in your pantry and wished you could add a new, yummy, healthy snack for your kids to your stash? How often do you wish a healthy snack didn't always require you to wash it, cut it, slice it, refrigerate it, etc?

Funky Monkey Snacks to the rescue!! "Funky Monkey Snacks" are freeze dried fruit - all natural, with no added sugar, preservatives, colors or flavors. They are gluten-free, wheat-free and dairy-free. They come in four delicious flavors: Bananamon (banana and cinnamon - a personal favorite of mine), Carnaval Mix (banana, pineapple, apple, papaya and raisins), Jivealime (pineapple and lime juice) and Purple Funk (banana and acai berries). You can check out their website at http://www.funkymonkeysnacks.com/ to see all the good info on them!

Now, I have to tell you, we have tried freeze dried fruit before and it has usually been a thumbs down from Miss Allie. . .you know what Allie loved before she even tried Funky Monkey Snacks? The bright and colorful packaging and the names of them. . .we had a hit before she put the first bite in her mouth!

The first flavor Allie tried was the Bananamon (she loves to eat bananas with cinnamon sugar on them and this sounded like a good one to try) and it was a hit from the start! She had them as a snack in the car (not messy!) on the way to gymnastics and she LOVED them!! The next day I sent her with Carnaval Mix to school for a snack and she thought that was great too (Mommy Meryl thought that flavor was rather tasty as well!).

As a matter of fact, when we ran out of the sample I was so graciously sent for this review, I went to Whole Foods to stock my pantry. . .I really like that I was able to find another delicious and nutritious snack to our collection!!

I know that sometimes we are hesitant to buy something new that we have never tried before, so Funky Monkey Snacks has generously agreed to offer TWO sample packs (all four flavors in each sample pack) for TWO lucky Mommy Meryl readers to win. I guarantee that you won't be disappointed!

As with every game, there are rules:

1. Enter by checking out the Funky Monkey website and tell me what kind of flavor you think you would like most. Please don’t just say ‘choose me’, or your entry will be discarded.

2. The contest will run until Sunday, June 21 at 11:59 pm EST. The winner will be selected through random drawing, contacted by e-mail, and listed on this post. Continental US entries only, please.

3. Please leave a valid e-mail address ! If you don’t wish to leave your e-mail address, your entry will be discarded. If the winners haven't responded within 3 days, an alternate winner will be chosen by random drawing.

4. If you’d like an extra entry or two, you can either subscribe to my blog (look on the top left side bar), or mention this contest on your blog with a link back to this post - or both. Please leave an extra comment on this post for each of the extra entry options that you choose, letting me know - for a total of 3 comments if you do both extra entry options.

Party Art Review

2009-06-11T13:27:00.005-07:00

Check out my latest review here!!

Label Daddy Winner. . .

2009-01-22T22:04:00.003-07:00

We have a winner!! Thanks to everyone who played. . .!
Random Integer GeneratorHere are your random numbers

23
18
5
15
52
63
45
56
13
58
63
11
52
55
39
11
24
52
9
5
53
46
57
50
37
45
51
32
11
17
57
33
13
38
30
27
52
48
35
7
6
11
31
23
21
12
5
38
6
10
62
48
43
24
7
20
8
36
48
54
25
7
50
59
60
33
55
20
14
50
41
7
50
17
52
51
62
61
46
50
10
19
63
35
36
38
48
62
38
19
3
3
26
43
31
33
62
45
52
3
Timestamp: 2009-01-23 05:03:14 UTC

The winner is:

Kathleen said...
I like the T-shirt label in light brown, with the airplane logo. I love how you can fool around with the online software to make your own label before buying it.
January 19, 2009 6:15 PM

And please remember, if you didn't win but you want to try out Label Daddy, please go to their website and if you use the code "AZMOM" at checkout, you will receive a 10% discount.

Labels - Its All About the Sticky Stuff! Win a $30 gift card from Label Daddy!

2009-01-15T20:54:00.006-07:00

Ok - so how many times have you written your child's name in Sharpies, only to find that over time it fades? How often have you ordered "sew-on" or "iron-on" labels - only to discover its too much of pain to use and over time the "iron-on" falls off?

Label Daddy to the rescue!! These labels are not only way cool, but they work! They really, really work!! These are “aggressive” stickers that are durable and stick on clothing/fabrics/sports equipment/backpacks etc….They go through the washing machine, dryer and dishwasher beautifully. They are NOT something you can buy at OfficeMax or anywhere else. They are a specialized material that has proven to be durable and to do the job. They are made to stay on until you peel them off with your fingers.

You should check the website in the helpful hints section to see the “correct” way to apply these labels so that you can have the best results. That being said, they are not indestructible; but, they are very strong and do what they are supposed to do. In time, if rubbed against and exposed to sunscreen (alcohol based lotions or chemicals) the labels will fade a bit. Label Daddy has introduced a “lamination” option on the website which, for an extra charge, gives the labels an “extra” layer of protection against those evils. But, I have to tell you, the labels Label Daddy sent me to try out are just the basic version and they have been perfect so far!

I have put them on the outside and inside of Allie's backpack, her lunchbox and her waterbottle. Despite much use and repeated washings in the dishwasher (the waterbottle), the labels look fabulous and are sticking better than any other label I have had. And with Allie being 6.5 years old, I have spent more than my share of money on various labels for preschool, school and camp! I have found the labels that I am sticking with (no pun intended!) - Label Daddy!

And they have much much more than just name labels - they have labels for your spices, for your garbage pails, return address lables, allergy notes and really really adorable photo labels!

Now, the best part is that Label Daddy is offering all of Mommy Meryl readers a ten percent discount on anything you purchase on their website - there is no minimum order to receive that discount. All you need to do is put azmom in as the code when you check out - it is that simple.

But wait, it gets better!! Label Daddy has generously agreed to offer a $30 gift card for one of Mommy Meryl's readers to win. I guarantee that you won't be disappointed!

As with every game, there are rules:

1. Enter by checking out the Label Daddy website and tell me what kind of label (be it color or graphic or style) that you would want to try. Please don’t just say ‘choose me’, or your entry will be discarded.

2. The contest will run until Thursday, January 22nd at 11:59 pm EST. The winner will be selected through random drawing, contacted by e-mail, and listed on this post. Continential US entries only, please.

3. Please leave a valid e-mail address ! If you don’t wish to leave your e-mail address, your entry will be discarded. If the winner hasn’t responded within 3 days, an alternate winner will be chosen by random drawing.4. If you’d like an extra entry or two, you can either subscribe to my blog (look on the top left side bar), or mention this contest on your blog with a link back to this post - or both. Please leave an extra comment on this post for each of the extra entry options that you choose, letting me know - for a total of 3 comments if you do both extra entry options.

Again, if you just can't wait for the contest to be over, you can buy anything from Label Daddy at a 10 % discount when you use your code AZMOM at checkout!

I Guess I Just Miss Carrie, Big, Miranda, Samantha, & Charlotte. . .

2008-12-09T07:03:00.002-07:00

One Fifth Avenue, by Candace Bushnell, author of Sex and the City, is a lengthy and at times tedious portrayal of a cast of characters who live in an old prominent apartment building in an exclusive area of Manhattan. The rich, famous and often quirky characters are introduced randomly at the beginning of the book. Initially it's difficult to keep track of all comings and goings of the characters but as the story unwinds and their lives become intertwined and connected the readers begins to get immersed and interested in their lives. The story lines of the characters are ones you would find when writing about the rich and famous; lying, stealing, infidelity; drinking, drugs and corruption. At times the characters are likeable and the reader is anxious to find out about their lives but more often than not they're predictable and dull. I definitely had higher expectations for the book and assumed it would be as entertaining as Sex and the City but I was disappointed

Groovy Ruby - Review & Giveaway of an All Girls Band

2008-11-13T16:09:00.004-07:00

You must check out Groovy Ruby ! They are an all original rock band led by girls ranging in age from 11-13. As the website states, their sound is "The Beatles and Beach Boys collide hard with the Go-Gos.....in middle school."

In addition to the sound, one of the most amazing things to me is how this group started. In 2005 a teacher/songwriter Dean Laterra put together a group of musically talented tweens and created the band Groovy Ruby. Their first CD Cool Like That, was released in 2006. Three years later the group released their second CD Strong, Lovin’, and Fun.

I was asked by Dean to review the CD with my daughter and I have to be honest with you, I was very skeptical and wondered whether Miss Allie would like it. These days if its not Hannah Montana, Jonas Brothers, High School Musical, Aly & Aj, Mamma Mia (get my drift??), then she has no interest. Well, I have to say, Groovy Ruby is ranking right up there with Hannah Montana these days.. .this CD was lots of fun to listen to and it is a "must have" in our car and I have already downloaded the songs onto Allie's MP3 player. And while I don't really think Allie is paying attention to the meaning of the words, as a mom, the messages behind these songs are great - you can never get too much of the "the good stuff".

And guess what - Dean Laterra has generously donated a copy of Groovy Ruby's Strong Lovin’ & Fun CD for one of Mommy Meryl's readers to win. I guarantee that you won't be disappointed! As with every game, there are rules:

1. Enter by checking out the Groovy Ruby website and tell me what your favorite song from the CD is (hint - you can listen to them here). Please don’t just say ‘choose me’, or your entry will be discarded.

2. The contest will run until Wednesday, November 19th at 11:59 pm EST. The winner will be selected through random drawing, contacted by e-mail, and listed on this post. Continential US entries only, please.

3. Please leave a valid e-mail address or other way to contact you! If you don’t wish to leave your e-mail address, your entry will be discarded. . If the winner hasn’t responded within 3 days, an alternate winner will be chosen by random drawing.

4. If you’d like an extra entry or two, you can either subscribe to my blog (look on the top left side bar), or mention this contest on your blog with a link back to this post - or both. Please leave an extra comment on this post for each of the extra entry options that you choose, letting me know - for a total of 3 comments if you do both extra entry options.

If you just can't wait for the contest, you can buy the Strong Lovin’ & Fun CD by Groovy Ruby from the band’s online store, as well as on Amazon and other locations where music is sold. The list price for the CD is $15.

Sikulu and Harambe Book - A Good Samaritan Story for Kids

2008-10-27T07:22:00.003-07:00

This story is such a warm, kind story - I really enjoyed reading it! And Allie really loved it as well - which is probably more important!

Personally, there can never be too many engaging stories for kids with the message on how important being kind and nice are. What was a nice twist on this story was that included in the message about being nice to others, was a story that included lots of wonderful facts about Africa and African culture. In my opinion you got two lessons for the price of one!

In addition to the story, the book also includes lots of extra learning points about Africa, the animals and the people - what a great bonus for parents/teachers who are looking for added opportunities to enrich the reading and learning that can go along with this book! There is also a fabulous website which offers even more great information - including a reading of the story narrated by the author! This book is a great addition to any library - be it a child's library at home, your school library or your child's classroom library!

Win A Container of Shaklee Organic Super Cleaning Wipes

2008-09-23T10:39:00.011-07:00

We have a winner!! Thanks to everyone who played. . .!

Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:

47
57
33
42
24
54
61
43
14
16
61
66
18
6
63
25
64
9
31
1
17
66
71
4
42
68
62
32
3
55
22
71
63
35
36
15
57
43
9
68
13
50
12
2
38
51
32
38
3
37
57
30
69
9
25
42
23
40
4
23
35
18
34
9
59
27
40
57
42
28
63
26
38
Timestamp: 2008-09-27 16:05:27 UTC

Here is the winner:

Sharon said...
am a subscriber. THANKS again!
September 26, 2008 2:34 AM

Did you know - Some chemicals may cause hormone disruptions. Others, such as butyl cellosolve, are neurotoxins and nasal irritants. Another toxin, morpholine, can cause liver or kidney damage. Glass cleaners contain ammonia, a poison that can irritate skin, eyes, and the respiratory system. More and more I hear about all the toxins we put into our families environment when all we are doing is trying to keep things clean!

Well, I came across this great cleaning wipe that is SAFE around the kiddos and actually cleans up! I used the wipes to clean the toys after Allie and her friends played with them while eating ice cream cones one day. You know how sticky and gooey (yummy) and drippy ice cream cones can be! Well, after just a few wipes all the stickiness was gone and I didn’t worry about the wipes leaving behind any chemicals. I mean these are safe for you and the environment: Nontoxic, biodegradable, recyclable wipes and no phosphates!

So not only does it clean things up safely, it keeps the environment clean for our children’s future! Shaklee Basic H2® Organic Super Cleaning Wipes come in a plastic tub you can throw in the car or diaper bag as well. You can order it direct from my friend Doreen at http://www.shaklee.net/gardengoddess/product/00302 OR you can try to WIN one! Doreen believes that if you just try her product once you will be hooked and so she is offering 1 Mommy Meryl Must Have reader the chance to win a container of Shaklee Basic H2® Organic Super Cleaning Wipes.

Here are the Rules:
1. Contest runs from Tuesday, September 23, 2008 to 11:59pm on Friday, September 26, 2008
2. Enter by visiting www.shaklee.net/gardengoddess and then leaving a comment BACK ON THIS POST with your name and email address and tell me which Shaklee product you think looks fun/interesting/exciting to you! Or if you have used their products before, tell us which your favorite one was!
3. Earn a 2nd entry for your self by subscribing to this blog (enter your email address at the top of my sidebar) and leave me another comment telling me you did so
4. Earn a 3rd entry for yourself by blogging about this contest on your blog - leave me a comment telling me so with the url of your post
5. You must be over 18 and you must have a shipping address in the Continental United States
6. Enjoy and look forward to your cleaning venture!

And The Winner for County Bob's All Purpose Sauce Is:

2008-09-20T08:19:00.002-07:00

Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:

Timestamp: 2008-09-20 15:18:49 UTC

93 - is Samantha P

5 - is Mom Spark!!

Congrats to the winners and thank you to everyone who played!!

Country Bob's All Purpose Sauce - a Giveaway!

2008-09-16T06:43:00.003-07:00

One of the most wonderful thing about having a review blog is all the amazing products I get to discover and try out - and then share with you. Well, let me tell you, when was contacted by a representative from Country Bob's to see if I was interested in trying their All-Purpose Sauce - I jumped all over that! I am always looking for ways to spice up my steaks, chicken, etc.

I received 2 bottles of the All Purpose Sauce and a pamphlet with lots of different recipes. You can cook, grill or marinate your favorite meat (fish, steak, chicken, burgers, pork chops, etc) in it. Now, I'll be honest with you - I cook as a means to an end (I mean somehow the dinner needs to get on the table, right?)- I don't particularly enjoy it. So, while the recipes looked yummy, I opted for using the sauce in its most simplest form - as a steak and chicken sauce!!

Can I please tell you how absolutely yummy this sauce was?????

Not quite a BBQ sauce and not quite a Steak sauce - definitely its own form of tastiness!

We first used it as a Steak sauce - I always always use something for my steak (Ketchup, BBQ sauce, A1, Heinz, etc), where my hubby uses sauce on and off. I loved it - it was sooo good. My hubby liked it - but he loved it on his chicken!! He thought it was better than any ketchup or bbq sauce he has ever had on chicken!

The best part of doing this review for County Bob's All Purpose Sauce? They have generously offered 2 bottles for 2 of my reader's to win.

Here are the Rules:

1. Contest runs from Tuesday, September 16, 2008 to 11:59pm on Friday, September 19, 2008

2. Enter by leaving a comment with your name and email address

3. Earn a 2nd entry for your self by subscribing to this blog (enter your email address at the top of my sidebar) and leave me another comment telling me you did so

4. Earn a 3rd entry for yourself by blogging about this contest on your blog - leave me a comment telling me so with the url of your post

5. You must be over 18 and you must have a shipping address in the Continental United States

6. Enjoy and look forward to your next BBQ!!

Take Care of those Bites with AfterBite!

2008-09-09T12:26:00.004-07:00

After Bite Backyard Combo pack

Allie has always been one of those kids prone to getting bites - and not just teeny tiny bites - but big whooping ones! A little mosquito or spider bit on you and I looks like a red mountain has erected on Allie's leg or arm or wherever the bite may be.

I have searched high and low for something that helps - Cortisone doesn't, Calamine doesn't and Benedryl doesn't (at least on Allie). My girlfriend recently got back from visiting her family in Canada and said her mother (who works for a pharmacist) swears by it!

The mosquitoes are loving the trampoline just as much as Allie is and every day Allie has a new bite. We tried After Bite and she said its the best medicine she has ever had - not only does it seem to take away the redness and swelling faster than others, but it also takes away the itch which is the best part!!

For $5.99 you can get both regular After Bite AND After Bite for kids!! Here is the info from the website:

AfterBite® The Itch Eraser®
Kids & Backyard ~ Save on Two Kinds of Relief
Pharmacist Preferred for Instant Relief from:
Mosquitoes
Black Flies
Fleas
Ticks
Chiggers
Horse Flies
and other bites
AfterBite® is specially formulated to provide instant itch relief from insect bites and stings. For mosquitoes, black flies, ticks and more, there's nothing like it in your medicine cabinet. Be doubly prepared for bug season with the AfterBite Backyard Combo Pack. Keep AfterBite® at home, in your handbag, and in your car and camper. Don't let insect bites ruin your family fun.AfterBite Backyard™ is the original trusted Itch Eraser formula for the whole family.AfterBite Kids® is a gentle non-stinging cream with baking soda, aloe vera and tea tree oil for instant, soothing itch relief. Now you can treat even the most over-scratched bug bites without fear of stinging and whining.
Indications
temporarily protects and helps relieve minor skin irritation and itching due to insect bites, poison ivy, oak, or sumac.
Directions
dab directly on bite or sting and rub gently
if itching persists reapply again as necessary.
for a bee sting, remove stinger before treatment
Adults and children 2 years and older: apply to affected area
children under 2 years: consult a doctor
Ingredients
Active Ingredients: AfterBite Backyard: (Ammonia (counterirritant) 3.5%), AfterBite Kids: (Sodium Bicarbonate (skin protectant) 5%)Inactive Ingredients: ArterBite Backyard:, Alcohol Ethoxylate, Dimethicone, Natural Oil, Purified Water, ArterBite Kids, Aloe Vera, DEA Oleth 3 Phosphate, DEA Oleth 10 Phosphate, Emulsifying Wax, Eucalyptus Oil, Sodium Hydroxide, Tea Tree Oil, Vitamin E Acetate

Free shipping with a $25 purchase too!!!

Click here to check out AfterBite -After Bite Backyard Combo pack

Day #1 of Blogging Road Trip - A Little About Me!

2008-09-01T09:01:00.007-07:00

Welcome to Day #1 of our Blogging Road Trip - and don't forget to check out my giveaways!!
On Day #1, I am supposed to tell you a bit about myself. . . .

I'm Meryl and I'm a thirty-something stay-at-home (SAHM) but sometimes part-time working mom to a 6 year old daughter. I have been married 13 years to a wonderfully supportive husband and 2 dogs complete our family for the moment. . . I began this blog as a supplement to my website - Chit Chat for Mommies and personal blog. I have come across some really cool (and not so cool) "stuff" for families and wanted to have a special spot where I could share my Mommy Meryl Must Haves! with all of you!! I only review "stuff" that someone on my review team has actually used, worn, smelled, eaten, read, watched, etc . . .so rest assured that any review you find on here is the real thing!!

I live in Phoenix, AZ and I actually really love the summers here!! We tend to spend most of our summer in the pool - be it our pool, a friend's pool or any one of the various amazing community pools. Community pools are always a great option for a change of scenery and mommies love it because there are lots of lifeguards to watch the kids and kids love it because there are always really cool slides, diving boards and water features!

See you tomorrow for Day #2!!

I'm Going on Blogging Road Trip and Hosting Some Giveaways - Want to Play?

2008-08-31T07:33:00.005-07:00

I'm going on a Blogging Road Trip and if you want to discover some other fabulous bloggers, this is a great way to do it!! If you click on the above graphic, you will get all the details!

I am hosting some giveaways during the Blogging Road Trip and if you are interested, I would love to have you enter to win! This is what I am giving away:

1) Free advertising for a month on my website OR $10 gift certificate to Sassy Pink Boutique! If you are a retail website, the boutique is the best spot for you! If your business is not retail, but you feel you fit somewhere else on my website, that works just as well! It is a FREE members only site - so if you can't "get in", all you need to do is sign up as a member either right here, or on the home page.

2) Free advertising of a 125 x 125 graphic or text link on my Mommy Meryl blog OR $10 credit to Sassy Pink Boutique.

3) Free advertising of a 125 x 125 graphic or text link on my Mommy Meryl Must Haves! blog OR $10 credit to Sassy Pink Boutique.

How to Enter: For each prize, you must sign up as a member or subscriber of that site or blog AND CONFIRM your subscription and then leave me a comment on this post as to WHICH giveaway away you would like to be entered into (you must being a subscriber or member to that specific website or blog , please include your email address so I know how to get in touch with you! For example, if you want to enter giveaway #2, you must subscribe to Mommy Meryl Blog; if you want to enter giveaway #1, you must subscribe to my website). You can enter all 3 giveaways if you would like - you just need to become a member and/or subscribe to however many you wish to enter. If you are already a subscriber or member to the site/blog you wish to enter, just simple leave me a comment stating so! Please just leave me a separate comment for each!

Gain an Additional Entry: If you have a blog, please feel free to blog about this giveaway to earn an additional entry! Please leave me an additional comment so I can enter you a 2nd time!

Contest runs from September 1 through 11:59PM on September 5, 2008. Winners will be chosen via random.org and announced on this website on September 7, 2008. Please remember to leave your email so we can contact you!

The Joy of Pregnancy - a great read!

2008-08-28T20:42:00.003-07:00

Let me begin by simply asking, WHERE WAS THIS BOOK WHEN I WAS PREGNANT?

If you are pregnant, The Joy of Pregnancy, by Tori Kropp, R.N. is a must have for you! If you know someone pregnant, please buy this book for him or her – they will love you for it! This is a book about enjoying and celebrating pregnancy – not worrying someone with too much medical jargon of what things might or might not happen to you when you are pregnant.

In today’s world we have access to so much information – sometime we are on information overload and sometimes we read too much that we begin to get scared. This book tells you simply what you need to know without overwhelming you in an easy-to-read format.

Many of my favorite parts in this book deal with those things you needs to know but are reluctant to ask: foods and activities to stop when you are pregnant, proper sleeping posture, when to stop air travel, dealing with varicose veins, and how (and when) to break the news to friends and family. This is the kind of book that reassures a worry-wort, because the author, Tori Kropp, R.N has been there and done it all from both the medical and personal sides, and that gives this book so much more credibility.

What I love about this book is that it is divided into each month of your pregnancy (with a little bit about conception and a little bit about post-partum) so you can read it as you go along, or you can read it all at once! Each chapter has a Q & A section with questions from real pregnant women, fun facts about pregnancy and birth and a section just for Dads.

But the best part about this book was the feeling it gave me about pregnancy – there are no right or wrong ways to eat, exercise, feel and go through labor – whatever you want is perfect and just enjoy the experience. It was one of the only books about pregnancy that I have read that didn’t scare me about having a miscarriage or having an awful labor or whether or not something would be wrong with the baby.

This is an encouraging and enjoyable pregnancy book with lots of great information that absolutely captures how amazingly wonderful being pregnant can be!

About the Author: Tori Kropp, R.N. is a perinatal nurse who has delivered thousands of babies at the prestigious California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco. She is the founder of Stork Site®, a community website for expectant and new parents, which she will relaunch in January 2008 at www.storksite.net. Known as "the Dear Abby of pregnancy," Kropp has been interviewed on national television and radio and in national print publications, including CNN, The Wall Street Journal, New York Post, Washington Times, Atlanta Journal Constitution and Chicago Sun-Times. She lives in Marin County, California, with her family.

Daddy Rich Reviews a Book - Dough!

2008-08-26T12:19:00.008-07:00

I am so excited - Daddy Rich has officially posted his first review. Daddy Rich was beginning to get envious of all the wonderful perks Mommy Meryl and Miss Allie are getting via this review site. So when he saw the book Dough: A Memoir by Mort Zachter sitting on our counter the other day and asked what it was for, he was all excited and asked if he could read it. I told him absolutely on one condition - he reviews it too!!

The deal was sealed and without further ado, here is Daddy Rich's review:

The book Dough: A Memoir is a memoir by Mort Zachter, a suburban Long Island lawyer & accountant turned writer who grew up in what can be described as a working class family in a working class neighborhood in Brooklyn.

Early in the book the author indicates how “growing up he felt poor – not a homeless hungry dressed-in-rags poor, but a never-discussed sense that we simply couldn't afford better.”

The family business (a commissioned bakery started by his Russian immigrant grandparents on New York’s Lower East Side) referred to as “The Store” was run by his 2 bachelor uncles Joe & Harry. The author’s mother worked part-time at the bakery too, “never paid for her efforts, she received only whatever left over bread, cake or cookies she could carry home.” This was her duty to the family business run by her brothers.

The story takes place in 1994, the store having been closed sometime in the 1980’s after one of his Uncle’s had died. His other uncle, Harry, although still alive, was now living with the author’s parents in their 1 bedroom apartment in Brooklyn, suffering from Parkinson’s disease and dementia.

The author, struggling financially in maintaining an accounting practice by day, and going to law school at night while trying to support a wife and the expenses associated with adopting two children, was dealt an “awakening” early in the story when he accidentally found out that Uncle Harry had been sitting on a small fortune – to the tune of approximately $6 million. This is something that would never be known by the lifestyles maintained by his uncle and his parents.

As with many first generation immigrant families, certain things were just not talked about openly, and the discovery of this fortune by the author was not something that he was going to get all the answers about easily. Instead it became a process of slowly learning things about his family-yet in the end still not learning everything - about how this fortune was amassed.

The story, although a fast read, was told in a bifurcated structure that alternates between the distant and near past. This structure at times proved distracting, yet was probably necessary to effectively tell the story.

Throughout the story, the author had to reconcile in his mind how his family hid this fortune and did nothing towards helping the next generation (himself) as he struggled financially to go to Law School at night while working days at a job he didn’t like, and having to borrow money from his wife’s family to pay the expenses to adopt his children.

Although in college the author wanted to be an English major and a writer, he chose the path of accountancy and law because he knew he had to make money to not only support his family but he believed that one day he would have to support his elderly parents and uncle too.

Despite this, the story was told in a non-judgmental tone. Perhaps this is because in the end, after his uncle died, to save on estate taxes his mother renounced her claim on the money and let it pass to the author. One wonders what tone this story might have had if in the end, the uncle who died with no will, lost all the money to estate taxes and the new found family fortune was lost as quickly as it was found ?

Shop on Black Friday From Your Home and Avoid the Lines!

2008-08-21T13:24:00.003-07:00

I am so excited for Black Friday this year (in case you are allergic to shopping, Black Friday is the Friday after Thanksgiving – known as the King of all Shopping Days because the stores are filled with amazing sales) because I have discovered the answer to all of my blackfriday shopping nightmares!

This website will allow you to do buy most, if not all of your Back Friday items on-line – without ever leaving your house and fighting the lines at 5am to buy that amazing stroller or new laptop that you want.

I remember last year, I couldn't’t decide where we should get in line first - at our favorite toy store or just hit the typical discount superstore. As it turned out – both stores had tons of people in line ahead of us and we didn’t get anything too spectacular! That is why when I discovered Black Friday I knew I found an answer to all the craziness!

Now I can be on my computer, still comfy in my jammies and go shopping to my heart’s content without one ounce of stress! And in addition to saving on my purchases in my own house, I can save on gas money too and with today’s prices that will help out my holiday budgeting tremendously!

I also discovered that this site will send out email alerts every time a new Black Friday ad has been posted! I also read on their website that they have partnered with a coupon company to give us on-line coupons to make the sales even sweeter for us! Wow - how much more user-friendly can they be?

One you check out Back Friday you will see they have almost, if not all of your favorite stores – Babies R Us, Toys R Us, Best Buy, Circuit City, Disney, Staples, Macy’s, Walmart, Target, Kmart, and the list goes on and on.

A Nasal Aspirator Like No Other!

2008-08-20T22:08:00.002-07:00

Okay - so where was this when Allie was a baby? This is just amazing! My neighbor has a 6 month old baby and 20 month old baby and I got to see this in action today!

This is a battery operated nasal aspirator that includes numerous features to safely help your baby or toddler clear their stuffy nose.

I absolutely despised those rubber aspirators that I had to use when Allie was a baby. They were hard, clumsy to use and cleaning them was almost impossible. I was always throwing mine away and getting a new one because I didn’t feel it was clean enough to use again and again. Allie hated it too. Every time I would try to use it on her it was like starting World War III.

When I was discussing this with my neighbor (her 6 month old had a stuffy nose and I happened to comment on how I was so glad Allie finally figured out how to blow her nose and I didn't have to use those awful blue rubber aspirators anymore), she told me that she found this battery-operated aspirator and because of the features it has, she decided to try it. I had to see it in action and let me tell you, it is great! My neighbor has no fights wither her babies to clear their noses and no worries about whether it's sanitary and no more trying to keep a grasp on it while holding down a baby and doing what needs to be done.

It comes with the softest tips in two different sizes. No need to worry anymore about scratching the inside of your baby’s nose or trying to get your toddler's nose clear because the tip is too small.

It also plays many different children’s songs. What a nice distraction that is. My neighbor's son just lay there and listened to the music while his nose was emptied! I was simply amazed that this child actually allowed his mother to do what she needed to do without throwing a temper tantrum.

The suction is much better with this than with a manual aspirator. I was wondering if it was painful - my neighbor told me she tried it and said she didn't feel anything and her kids have never shown any signs of discomfort. It was also much faster than the typical rubber aspirator. Less fuss and strain all the way around.

The best part is it’s easy to take apart and clean. You can even put it in the dishwasher. That’s about as sanitized as you can get. You can feel comfortable knowing that no matter how many times you use it, it will always be clean and safe for you children.

If Allie was a baby/toddler, I would never be without this aspirator. It’s perfect for both children and mom! It’s safe, comfortable and gentle but gets the job done fast and easy.

A Digital Camera for Preschool Kids

2008-08-20T22:01:00.003-07:00

The perfect little camera for your preschooler to use. With easy to hold handles this digital camera will do as much if not more than Mom and Dad’s. It is able to take up to 120 photos or 5 minutes of action packed video, plus it can be hooked into your TV or home PC.

Kids these days want things that are fun and easy to use. Preschoolers are even less patient than most. Plus all kids want to have what the adults in their lives have. The digital camera for preschoolers does all that, plus saves your own digital camera from the abuse of rambunctious and curious young ones.

The way this camera is made is perfect for those little hands and eyes. The handles are easy to hold and the buttons are easy to push. The screen is large and while Allie is a little old for it now, when she first received it a few years ago, she could easily adjust any picture she wants to take to the screen.

This camera can hold up to 120 pictures or a 5 minute movie. If that’s not enough, there is also a SD card slot built right in. Not only can they take pictures and make movies but this camera can be hooked up to your TV or home computer so the kids can customize their pictures they way they want them to look. They can also watch and share their videos this way. How much fun is that!

Not only is this a great digital camera but children can also play games with it. It has three games included plus a headset that plugs right into the side of camera. The games are built in and are geared for preschool aged children. This one does a lot and can keep your child happy for more than just a few minutes.

If you have a little photographer in your family, check out this cute little camera. It durable, fun and easy for little hands to manage and control plus it's has everything your child could want in one toy. Who knows you might have the next great photographer in the making.

No Such Thing as a Perfect Mom

2008-08-20T21:55:00.002-07:00

A very witty book that explains the myths surrounding the idea of a perfect mom in a perfect world. Written by someone who has been there and done that, this book will guide you to ways in regaining your sanity and being happy with being a good mom - not a perfect mom.

Being a mom is challenging to say the least. When we put pressures on ourselves to be perfect and have a perfect family we are just asking for a disaster. No one nor no situation can be perfect. With the help of this book any mother will find that it’s ok to just be mom and that just being mom can be fun and fulfilling at the same time - even more so than being a super mom (which by the way doesn't exist.)

By reading the funny stories that explain the myths of being a good mom, we see that everyone faces the dilemmas that come to pass as a mom in today’s world. With each parenting myth we will find ways to see that this is not working and ways to fix the problem so it will work.

By creating this book and the myths that are in it, the author makes it easy to understand and identify. That in it's own makes it a great choice to help parents in need. It doesn’t stop there either. One of my favorite chapters is on how to take care of you. As mothers we think that we should put ourselves last for the better of our family. This book shows how untrue this is. In the long run doing so, can cause more damage to the whole family. Looking out for mom doesn’t mean neglecting the rest of the family. It means giving ourselves a chance to relax, reflect and just be who we are.

There are many great chapters in this book - all filled with good advice and helpful ideas to make a family work. There’s even a chapter on how to reconnect with the other parent and keep marriage sane and happy through all it takes to raise children.

If you feel you're at your wits end and don’t know exactly what to do before the big nervous breakdown or if you know someone who is there, I highly recommend getting this book. It is funny, helpful and most of all encouraging to everyone who has ever been or ever will be a parent.

Design High School Musical Tshirt - With Your Name!

2008-08-20T18:47:00.004-07:00

I just found the perfect gift for an 8 year old High School Musical fanatic - a design-your-own t-shirt! While the HSM design is our gift of choice for the moment, there are hundreds of combinations of other designs for you to choose from!

From the Disney site: The tshirt is a pre-shrunk 100% cotton shirt. Available in sizes for Kids (Only $16.95 for a single-sided basic tee), Grown-Ups (Only $19.95 for a single-sided basic tee), and also extended sizes (Only $22.95 for a single-sided basic tee). Ringers, raglans and fitted tees as well as onesies and infant tees are also available. A phrase and/or name can be added to any shirt. There is an additional charge for text added to the back of shirts. The art you choose is then imprinted into the fibers using new digital technology that chemically bonds the ink to the cotton. This results in a vibrant and durable image that's breathable and lasts longer than other printing methods!

Check it out - High School Musical You-Design-It Tee

Disney Shipping Special:

Greeting Cards and Invitations That Will Leave a Lasting Impression

2008-08-20T17:50:00.003-07:00

If you need thank you cards, birth announcements, birthday invitations or holiday cards, you need to check out Tiny Prints They provide you with many options to create whatever you need and desire. Tiny Prints has lots of fabulous design options to choose from that will guarantee to meet all tastes and budgets!

I received quite a few samples and I was extremely impressed with the quality of the products. I was shocked to see how reasonable the prices were for such high quality – both in appearance as well as the feel of the card.

If you do not see a design that fits your needs, all you have to do it email them and let them know. They are more than willing to create a custom piece of work that will fit any of your special occasions. The quality of the paper used is outstanding, the prices are affordable, and the customer service is top notch.

It is clear that Tiny Prints love what they do and find great joy in helping parents find the perfect design and paper that inspires and leaves a lasting impression.

Tiny Prints is offering Mommy Meryl readers a discount!

Use Tiny Prints coupon code TPBR136508 to receive 10% off your next order of stationery, invitations and photo cards. Expires 12/31/2008

Let's Get Ready for 1st Grade & Kindergarten - Books for and by parents, teachers & kids!

2008-08-15T14:17:00.005-07:00

Boy am I glad that Stacey Kannenberg discovered my Mommy Meryl blog! Because if she hadn't I don't know if Allie & I would have discovered these two fabulous books - Let's Get Ready for Kindergarten! and Let's Get Ready for First Grade! Allie and I just loved both of these books!

This is what Allie & Mommy Meryl love most about these books:

The price is right - $15/book - and this is a book you can keep and use over and over again
You can use a dry erase marker or crayon on this book for lots of repeat enjoyment
The colors and font on the cover as well as in the book grab the attention of kids almost immediately
While I do think 2 is a tad young to start the Kindergarten book, I do know some kids are ready earlier to begin learning letters (that just wasn't Allie) and so I don't have a problem with the starting age. Otherwise, the age recommendations are perfect for both books.
Allie can work on the book alone if she chooses, or I can help make certain activities more challenging
The size of the book is perfect for most kids to hold very comfortably

I truly believe that a child's success in education is not achieved by their school activities alone - but what happens at home. Both of these books are great tools for any household to have and the authors give you great guidance in how to make the most of these books! I could not be happier to own them and share them with all of my Mommy friends!

The Kindergarten book focuses on: letters, pronounciation, shapes, colors, numbers, counting, money, seasons, opposites, body parts, telling time, learning the calendar, learning your address and phone number, simple story-telling.

The First Grade book focuses on: vowels, consonants, prefixes, suffixes, word families, punctuation, capitalization, measuring, graphing, simple math, geometric shapes, advanced counting, food groups, money, solar system.

Please check out Cedar Valley Publishing Website to learn more about the books, the awards they have won and the creators behind these books. I am so excited for you to own these books, Stacey Kannenberg is offering 20% to all of my Mommy Meryl readers. Just use the discount code CEDAR (in all caps) at their website.

Trust me, these are both Mommy Meryl Must Haves!

Origins Ginger Products are my Weakness. . .

2008-08-06T23:45:00.004-07:00

I happen to love Origins - but I am passionate about their entire Ginger product line. I was first introduced to them years ago - and it was love at first smell! And not only do I love the ginger scent, but I love how each product feels when I put it on. And I love to layer the products - my favorite routine is to shower with the body wash, put on the body cream and finish with the gloss or the fragrance spray.

I'm not going to bore you with the details of what they are made with, but let me assure you that if my house was on fire, after my family members, my Ginger collection would be the first thing I would grab!

Now, I have to be honest with you, indulging in these products is like adding a 2nd mortgage to your budget - but if you only use it sparingly and on special occasions, you will appreciate the decadent way your day begins and it will last you a long time - hopefully alleviating the guilt that goes along with purchasing it. I know as Mommies we tend to live on a budget and spend on our kids first - but trust me, if you haven't tried this, go into your local Origins store and ask for a sample. Even if you don't buy it for yourself - tell your hubby/significant other/friend that it would be a perfect gift for you. . .c'mon, you deserve to be good to yourself!

An added bonus if your pregnant - the ginger scent did wonders for calming my nausea when I was pregnant. All I had to do was catch a whiff of the ginger scent and it was better than saltines!