The Full Mommy

Bamboo Hugs Hooded Towel

2009-07-06T00:00:00.002-04:00

My daughter began outgrowing all of the cute little hooded towels that she received as a baby. It was time to find something a little bigger, and not so babyish.

I also wanted to explore more eco-friendly options. Cotton production is very hard on the environment...it uses a lot of water and a lot of pesticides. Organic cotton is a better option. Pair that with bamboo, and you really have a winner.

Did you know that bamboo is anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, and anti-fungal? It's also hypoallergenic and acts as a UV barrier.

Bamboo Hugs can be used as a towel, a blanket, and even a stroller liner. They are double layered and are made with 70% organic bamboo and 30% organic cotton.

The people at Bamboo Hugs sent us a Kitty hooded towel. At 43 by 29 inches, it is larger than some of our hooded towels that we received as shower gifts. They also carry baby sets (30 by 28) and big kid sizes (28 by 50).

Not only can you use this towel to dry off after a bath, but it is also great for covering up after swimming.

Bamboo Hugs are available from their website and at a few select retailers.

DISCOUNT: Use code "fullmommy" for 15% off your online order.

WIN IT!
Giveaway Title: BAMBOO HUGS
Prize: Choice of one Bamboo Hugs Product
Number of Winners: One
Entry Question: What's the first name of one of the two Bamboo Hugs ladies? (Hint: read "Our Tale" on the Bamboo Hugs website.)
Enter By: July 13, 2009
Entry Form: Click here
Winners will be notified by e-mail. Please read the official rules for entering our giveaways.

This was written by Leighann who can be read at Multi-Minding Mom where she dishes about family, food, foraging, frivolity, and more!

The Newest Hero: Little Capers Tank Dress

2009-07-05T00:00:00.011-04:00

How many times am I going to gush about Little Caper's super hero clothes for kids? Well, every time they come out with a new product, I fall in love again.

So now we are up to I think 5 of their shirts. My youngest has started wearing the oldest's outgrown t-shirts with detachable capes. My older one has one shirt that still fits and has been wearing the Big Cape as often as she needs to save the day.

When I saw the latest addition to the super hero lineup, I KNEW my daughter would love it.

Introducing the Tank Dress. Because yes, girls are great super heroes too. In fact, my daughter can save the world and attend a swanky tea party in one fell swoop!

The tank dress comes in Lightning Hero and Pegasus Hero in sizes 2, 4, and 6. It features the same glittery detachable capes as the shirts and the dress itself is 100% cotton.

The tank dresses sell for $38, but if it gets worn even half as much as our other Little Capers shirts, it will be worth it.

They also have two new styles of short-sleeved tees: Blue Dragon Hero and Orange Dragon Hero.

I have been so satisfied with the Little Capers shirts, that I am sure that they made this dress to the same high quality standard. Our first purchase, the Red Star Hero shirt has been washed dozens of times and is now being worn by our second child. It has maintained it's dark color and the decal still looks great (I wash it inside out).

Read my reviews of the original Little Capers tees and the Big Capes.

DISCOUNT: Use the discount code "Super20" for 20% off anything from Little Capers. The code is good until 7/12/09.

This was written by Leighann who can be read at Multi-Minding Mom where she dishes about family, food, foraging, frivolity, and more!

(Little Capers has sent me complimentary items for review, but I first fell in love with the company when I ordered a caped shirt 2 1/2 years ago when my daughter decided at the last minute to be a super hero for Halloween. I have purchased countless Little Capers as gifts, which always wow.)

Revolution Foods: Organic Snacks for the Lunchbox

2009-07-04T00:00:00.018-04:00

When possible, I try to buy organic foods free of high fructose corn syrup and other overly processed ingredients for my kids. This isn't always possible, but I try.

I was recently at Toys 'R Us and was surprised by their addition of a grocery section featuring several of my favorite brands of snacks and prepared meals. And what is more, they were at better prices than my neighborhood grocer.

I picked up a few of these and a few of those for our family to try. A couple of my kids' new favorites are from Revolution Foods.

The Revolution Foods product line includes the Jammy Sammy, Mashups, PopAlongs, Fruit Snacks, Peanut Butter, and Jam & Jelly.

We went camping this weekend and the Mashups were one of the snacks I packed. My daughter loves these...all the flavors. They are 100% mashed fruit with no added sugar. They are kind of like applesauce and are packaged in a pouch with a screw top. Kids can just suck them right out. They aren't messy, so kids can even eat them in the car on road trips. I know these are going to be a staple in her lunch box this coming school year. Toys 'R Us sells these individually or in boxes of four.

The Jammy Sammy came to my rescue recently. We had to take our two-year-old to an appointment in another town that spanned the lunch hour. I didn't know what I was going to do because we wouldn't have time to stop for lunch. I packed grapes, pretzels, milk, and a Jammy Sammy for him. He sat at a little table in the waiting room and ate this mini PB&J while we waited for our appointment. I liked that it was easy to pack and wasn't messy.

We gave the Cheesy Cheese PopAlongs a try, but my daughter found them to be a bit dry. If you like rice cakes, I think you will like these, too.

From the company:
Our organic lunchbox snacks and sandwich builders make it easy to nourish your kids with yummy balanced nutrition. We like to think of it as Lunchbox Simplicity. Simple for parents to pack, simple for kids to eat and a simple way to maintain a healthy diet at school or at home.

Find Revolution Foods in stores such as Whole Foods and Toys 'R Us and online at retailers such as Amazon. I've been stocking up with each visit to TRU. And check them out on Facebook and Twitter.

WIN IT!
Giveaway Title: REVOLUTION FOODS
Prize: One ox of Jammy Sammy's and a Revolution Foods kid's tee
Number of Winners: one
Enter By: July 11, 2009
Entry Question: What percentage of Revolution Foods' net profits go to school lunch programs?
Entry Form: Click here
Extra Entries: Become a fan of Revolution Foods on Facebook and/or follow them on Twitter (fill out the entry form for each action for up to three entries total).
Winners will be notified by e-mail. Please read the official rules for entering our giveaways.

This was written by Leighann who can be read at Multi-Minding Mom where she dishes about family, food, foraging, frivolity, and more!

(Revolution Foods sent me a few Jammy Sammies and a pouch of PopAlongs, but I've been purchasing the Sammies and Mashups for our family for a couple of months now. They are a regular staple in our pantry.)

Sprig Toys: Sprig Hollow

2009-07-03T00:00:00.018-04:00

I am a big fan of green toys. I like providing my children with non-toxic toys and I try to make purchasing decisions that are good for the environment.

Last year I reviewed the Sprig Toys Adventure Series vehicles. I said in the review that I liked the concept of the kid-powered vehicles, but that if you are very sensitive to wood scents, they may not be the right toys for your home. Even though the "wood scent" is natural and from, well, actual wood, in the end I realized that my sinuses thought it was an allergen. I passed the trucks along to someone else who has used them ever since. My son did love pushing the truck around because the handle was the perfect height for him.

Since the company's launch, they have come out with two new lines: Eco-Trucks and Sprig Hollow. My son would probably love the Eco-Trucks, which include an Excavator, a Loader, and a Dump Truck.

Sprig Toys asked me if I would like to receive the Sprig Hollow toys for review. I agreed when I saw the picture because I thought they looked cute. And since they are outdoor toys, the scent wouldn't get to me. (They could also be used indoors, if you wish.)

This line includes Bee and Butterfly's Farm, Dragonfly's Heliscoopter,, and DuneBug's Sand Truck.

The concept is pretty cool: you can put together the parts to form a truck or a helicopter, or you can use the individual pieces as sieves, scoops, etc.

Unfortunately, there is no way to lock the pieces together to keep them in their "whole" form. I have to say that I have pieces strewn across the back yard. Which isn't a huge deal, because there are lots of outdoor toys strewn about. But I think they would be better if they somehow snapped together.

I love the idea of the farm. But the funnel will not stay put. It falls off every single time I put it back on. And I am not sure what the point of the holes are. I thought it was to place the little bug figures in them, but they don't fit.

The biggest hit is the little figures. They are two pieces, the body and the wings/head which pop in through the back of the body. My daughter plays with these quite a bit and likes to change which face is on which body and if it is up or down. She says they are her garden fairies.

Having been in the heat and sun for a good month or two now, some of the darker pieces are a bit sun-faded. But even being exposed to the elements non-stop, they are no worse for the wear.

So my major criticisms are that the farm doesn't really "do" anything and that I would like to see the parts make a whole that would actually stay whole. That being said, my children play with the scoops, sieves, and the truck body in their normal play. The pieces have been incorporated into our general outdoor toys pile and get played with. A lot.

A child's opinion about the functionality and fun factor of a toy may be completely different than an adult's intellectual analysis. And I love the concept of the Sprig Toys company since they are creating toys from sawdust and recycled milk jugs. That's pretty darn cool.

I can't wait to see what Sprig Toys comes up with next. And I would bet that the Eco-Trucks are great. They look chunky enough for smaller hands to really grab and push around. And they are no more expensive than any non-green trucks like this in the toy aisle.

For a different take on Sprig's line of outdoor toys, read what Z Recommends has to say. They think they are fab.

This was written by Leighann who can be read at Multi-Minding Mom where she dishes about family, food, foraging, frivolity, and more!

BioME 5 Organic Kids' Apparel: Animal Alphabet Tee's Your Child Will Be Wild About

2009-07-02T00:00:00.007-04:00

I love personalized items for kids because they seems to get such a kick out of seeing their own name on, well, anything. I know that when my daughter was first learning her letters and learned which letter started her own name, she would grin every time she saw it in alphabet books and anywhere in the world it would show up (her initial is an uncommon one). "Look, there's my letter!" she would exclaim.

And if you've been reading The Full Mommy for any length of time, you know I am particularly fond of everything eco-friendly. But sometimes it's difficult to find cute, organic clothing that kids will actually be wild about.

Enter BioME 5. This is a line of organic cotton kids tee shirts that kids will identify with. Why? Because they come in 26 different styles, one for each letter of the alphabet. The big initial includes a subtle photo of an animal that begins with the same letter. The name of the animal is spelled out upside-down from a kid's eye view (when a child looks down towards the hemline, he can see the letters).

I like the gender-neutral muted color palette that the line offers. And I appreciate that some animals are the ones that we typically see in ABC books ("X" is xenops, not x-ray fish).

They come in long and short-sleeves and in toddler sizes 2T, 4T, and 6T. They also offer infant onesies. Too cute!

And not only are the shirts eco-friendly, but they come in biodegradable packaging!

My daughter has been wearing her shirt often and it has withstood several washings. Now I will just have to find a younger kid with the same uncommon initial to hand it down to when she outgrows it. Or maybe I will be eco-friendly and turn it into a bag or pillow.

You can purchase BioME 5 organic clothing from their website and from select retailers.

DISCOUNT: Receive a 20% discount at the bioME 5 site with coupon code FULLMOM good through 8/1/09. All long-sleeve tees are just $12!!!!! And check out their great shipping options! All orders over $25 are free within the US and all international orders over $50 are free!

This was written by Leighann who can be read at Multi-Minding Mom where she dishes about family, food, foraging, frivolity, and more! Her BioME 5 shirt would have a lion.

Trek Trikester: A Trike That Will Grow With Your Child

2009-07-01T00:00:00.052-04:00

My daughter has a great tricycle that we have had for a couple of years now. Her older cousin has the same one. Since our son is now old enough to try his hand (or feet) at pedaling around the patio, we tried to talk my sister-in-law into handing down their trike. She said that he still rides it. He'll be seven this summer.

So what trike is so great that even a seven-year-old won't give it up?

The Trek Trikester.

Our daughter's Trikester (and her cousin's) is the previous style made by Trek. It is so sturdy and solid and we knew when we bought it that it was built to last. Hers is pink, but we tricked it out with some skull stickers and added a basket to haul things around.

What's so great about it? Solid steel construction, a wide wheel base that makes it very stable, lots of seat positions that allow a wide range of child heights (she's almost 5 and we haven't maxed it out yet), and a great back deck.

You know what's so cool about the back deck? For one, her little brother hops on back and holds on tight around her waist and she gives him a ride. And on more than one occasion we've been blocks from home when she has suddenly and urgently needed to go potty. My husband and I have both stepped up, grabbed the handlebars, and pushed her quickly home. That's right, it is so strong that it holds up to the weight of both a child and adult. At the same time.

So back to my son.

We received the new model of Trek Trikester for my son to test drive. There are a few changes between my daughter's model and this one.

Whereas the old model has an open front fender, the new model has a plastic one (my only criticism...I was surprised that they used plastic on an otherwise extremely solid trike).

The rear deck is designed a little different, but it still withstands the weight of an adult.

And the seat has changed. The new model has more of a banana seat (did that just show my age?) which you won't have to adjust as your child grows (no need for adjustment is a plus). The seat is also pretty cushy and easy to get on and off of.

The steel frame makes it sturdy. But another great feature is the rubber wheels. I hate plastic wheels!

My son is still learning to ride. He's been pushing it more than pedaling, but he'll get the hang of it. My daughter, though, would like to make it her own. She claims it's lightning quick. And I have to say it has definite zoom factor. She races up and down our drive at about mach 8.

Trek says "the Trikester fits a wide range of youngsters and allows the fun to continue as they grow. The one-size, padded saddle allows for a variety of leg lengths while the durable construction means junior can enjoy the ride for years." I totally agree.

The Trikester comes in two color combinations: Pearl White/Candy Blue and Pearl White/Metallic Pink. And these colors are hot!

You may balk at the price when you hear it. But I can tell you that this is not some piece of junk that is going to fall apart. In fact, I have seen the older model sell quickly time and again at garage sales for $50-75. (The older style was about $150 new.) My husband always says it's better to buy quality and only buy once. Considering we have had ours three years and we may get another three years out of it, and then sell it, well, you do the math, I personally think it's worth it. I would much rather buy a quality trike that has longevity than lesser quality trikes that sell for $50-$75 that won't make it one season.

We have been riding ours hard and after almost 3 years it barely looks used. Her Trikester gets garage space even if both of our cars don't! In fact, she rides it more often than she rides her bike because she can maneuver it on our patio since it has a small turning radius. And if you have multiple children, this is definitely hand-me-down-worthy.

Now if only I could outfit my son's new Trikester with a basket. I can't seem to find one that isn't pink with flowers. 'Cause kid's gotta haul things, you know.

Watch this short video to see both the old and new styles of Trek Trikester.

This was written by Leighann who can be read at Multi-Minding Mom where she dishes about family, food, foraging, frivolity, and more!

(We are thankful to Trek for supplying our family with the new model to test drive.)

Book Review: Predators and Child Molesters

2009-06-30T00:00:00.001-04:00

Yes, it's a far cry from DVDs and shampoo, but when I was asked to review Robin Sax's new book, Predators and Child Molesters: What Every Parent Needs to Know to Keep Kids SAFE, I thought it was important to do it. Just a day or so earlier, I'd had an awkward conversation with my children about why it's not a good idea to take off your underwear outside (!).

I received the book, and didn't read it for a few weeks. Because really, who wants to read a book about sexual molestation and abuse? I certainly didn't; but now that I have, I'm glad I did. I'm not going to say it didn't freak me out. It did. There is so much to worry about; so much that could go wrong. It's part of the territory of having children, of course.

But having more information is one of the only ways to relieve fears and to keep them from consuming us. Being proactive is far better than keeping my head in the sand. And with her calm, matter-of-fact tone, Robin Sax supplies lots of important details without being overly alarmist.

A second subtitle of the book is "A Sex Crimes DA Answers 100 of the Most Commonly Asked Questions." Perhaps that's why this book feels more like two books--one on prevention and one on what happens when a crime is committed. Since (and here I thank my lucky stars and every other star in the sky) only the first part applies to me, I wished there were more of it, and less of the rest. On the other hand, if I suspected abuse or if my child actually reported it, the second part of this book would be extremely valuable. It oulines very specifically what happens after a crime is committed, how it is investigated and prosecuted, and so on.

In terms of how to protect our kids, Sax is blunt about risks but also offers concrete advice about reducing them. The book contains an excellent chart listing important teaching points ("your body is your own," "trust your instincts") and how to discuss them with children of different ages. There is of course plenty of information on keeping kids safe online too.

The six sections of the book are:

Recognizing the predators
Talking to kids about risks and recognizing potential problems
Recognizing abuse
Reporting sexual abuse
Going to court
Healing and moving on

This book isn't easy to read. But sometimes, being a parent isn't easy.

WIN IT
Giveaway Title: ROBIN SAX
Prize: Predators and Child Molesters by Robin Sax; paperback (one copy is autographed)
Number of Winners: 2
Entry Question: In what city does Robin Sax work as a district attorney?
Enter By: July 10
Entry Form: Click here
Winners will be notified by e-mail.
Please read the official rules for entering our giveaways.

Reviewer Mayberry Mom's daughter recently asked when she could have a computer and a TV in her bedroom. The answer was "Never."

Knock Knock Mood Alert Notepad Giveaway

2009-06-29T00:00:00.002-04:00

Keeping up with my new theme of decluttering, I'm giving away a notepad I received for review months ago and have {buries head in shame} recently uncovered: a Mood Alert Notepad from the witty folks at Knock Knock.

Those Knock Knock peeps are funny, yet practical. Check it out, they even have a category of what to buy annoying people.

After the stressful year we've had, you'd think a hormonal gal like me would be giving her husband daily mood updates to keep things running smoothly. In fact, each sheet notes the pad offers "better living through fair warning."

For example, with a Mood Alert sheet, I could let my guy know that my day was "exhausting" and I feel like "rethinking life" and that if he knew what was good for him he'd "make dinner." (Though please know they Mood Alert pad allows for happy moods, too.)

Whether the Blue Bird of Happiness or your youngest child just pooped all over your clean car or you're floating Cloud Nine, you'll have fun with this pad.

WIN IT!
Giveaway Title: KNOCK KNOCK
Prize: Knock Knock Mood Alert Notepad
Number of Winners: 1
Entry Question: How do you turn your frown upside down after a hard day?
Enter By: 11 PM CST on July 3, 2009
Entry Form: Click here
Winners will be notified by e-mail.
Please read the official rules for entering our giveaways.

Kim Moldofsky blogs at Hormone-colored Days and shares tips on marketing to mombloggers at Positive Impact, Inc.

Show Your Patriotism with Build-A-Bear

2009-06-28T00:00:00.000-04:00

Build-A-Bear has a cute idea to commemorate the 4th of July. Introducing: The Patriotic Pup.

This cute little guy (or girl depending on the accessories and clothing) retails for $16. You can find it at the Build-A-Bear stores and at their online store.

I knew that kids were really into the Build-A-Bear phenonmenon. But it wasn't until my daughter and I went into one of their shops that I saw how fun it is to make your own bear, or pup, or dinosaur (we were at a dinosaur exhibit at a museum). My daughter had a great time picking out the perfect outfit and helping make her triceratops, compete with hair bows!

Want to create a special stuffed animal with your child? We are happy to have a gift card to give away to one lucky reader.

WIN IT!
Giveaway Title: JULY BEAR
Prize: $25 Gift Certificate to Build-A-Bear
Number of Winners: One
Entry Question: How will you spend the 4th?
Enter By: July 4, 2009
Entry Form: Click here
Winners will be notified by e-mail. Please read the official rules for entering our giveaways.

This was written by Leighann who can be read at Multi-Minding Mom where she dishes about family, food, foraging, frivolity, and more!

Smucker's Ice Cream Toppings

2009-06-27T00:00:00.000-04:00

The Fourth of July is approaching and what's more American than apple pie?

How about cooling off on a hot summer day with a big bowl of ice cream. Make it All-American with Smucker's Limited Edition Apple Cinnamon ice cream topping. It really does taste like apple pie, minus the crust (which I don't like in the first place).

Are you a fan of hot fudge? I like dark chocolate so I was happy to give the Special Recipe Dark Chocolate a taste test. True to a lot of dark chocolates, it's a bit bitter. And it is good both hot or cold. I thought it was very thick and fudgy.

If you are looking to add variety to your ice cream this summer, give these Smucker's flavors a try.

The only negative (other than the fact that I really shouldn't be eating huge bowls of ice cream), is that both are made with high fructose corn syrup, something our family usually tries to avoid.

Here are three suggestions from Smucker's on ways to eat these toppings:

Treat yourself to the flavor of apple pie à la mode by spooning Smucker’s Apple Cinnamon topping, made with delicious chunks of apples and aromatic cinnamon, over a bowl of vanilla ice cream.
Smucker’s Magic Shell Vanilla Cupcake flavor topping tastes like a vanilla cupcake with rainbow sprinkles. Serve over chocolate ice cream with bananas, peanut butter and whipped cream for a unique take on a banana split.
Drizzle Smucker’s Special Recipe Dark Chocolate topping over a slice of cheesecake and top with strawberries for a decadent treat.

Visit Your Vanilla is Showing for more flavors and ideas.

This was written by Leighann who can be read at Multi-Minding Mom where she dishes about family, food, foraging, frivolity, and more! She just can't go a week without a frozen treat.

In the Tub: Fairy Tales Hair Care

2009-06-26T01:00:00.000-04:00

On about the 6th or 7th day of kindergarten, we got the dreaded notice: "Your child has been exposed to head lice ... " Naturally, I freaked. Then I got on the phone to complain to my mother. She told me that at her hair salon, the stylists swore by Rosemary Repel shampoo from Fairy Tales Hair Care. You better believe I got online in a New York minute and ordered some.

We've been using it ever since (almost two years now) and we've had nary a louse in our house. Coincidence? Who knows. You can't prove a negative. But my kids are in school or group care every day, so I'm not willing to take the risk and give this stuff up. Besides, it smells amazing. It is pricey, so we don't use it every day. Maybe once a week or so, or more often if we get one of those scary Lice Notices. I also subscribe to the Fairy Tales e-newsletter, and it always comes with discount codes.

Fairy Tales products use organic ingredients, and are not tested on animals. Plus, did I mention about the smell? You will want to sniff your children's heads for hours at a time.

Mayberry Mom swears her head was not itching as she wrote this. She also once had a great babysitter named Rosemary.

In the Tub: Get Squeaky Clean With Sparklehearts Natural Beauty

2009-06-25T01:00:00.003-04:00

I am something of a product junkie. I LOVE new stuff, which makes perfect sense since I write about all kinds of new, interesting things here.

So I jumped at the chance to test out Sparklehearts's Bubbling Blooms body wash. Sparklehearts's target market is young girls. I have such a girl in my home; she will be 6 years old soon (a fact she reminds me of almost daily).

From the Sparklehearts press release: Most girls would wince in disgust if you told them their favorite body wash contained a chemical that is produced by boiling bugs (called carmine.) And, most parents would wince in disgust if you told them their daughter’s body lotion contained sulfates, phthalates and dozens of toxins and chemicals. Enter Sparklehearts, a line of natural, safe and fun beauty products that are girl- and parent-approved.

As you can tell from the illustration, the packaging (100% recycled plastic, by the way) is very cute and uber-girlie. My daughter was very excited, "Ooooo, Mommy, it's so pretty! I want to take a bath right now!" So she did, never mind it was 3:00 in the afternoon.

You wouldn't think that a body wash made without any petroleum products would lather. Well, think again, because the Bubbling Blooms body wash makes a ton of bubbles. I used it as a bubble bath (a couple of squirts under running water was all I needed). The sweet, natural fragrance is not perfumey or overpowering, like other body washes. And it nicely lingered on my daughter's skin after she was dried and jammied.

By the way, my 8-year-old son liked the body wash as well and really liked the fact that Sparklehearts's products are good to the environment. He liked that the body wash "smelled like flowers but doesn't make ME smell like a flower. I am a boy, not a flower."

Sparklehearts products are made from 99.6% natural ingredients that are completely “skinemy”-free, that means no harmful toxins or unpleasant ingredients. Instead, they use essential oils, violet extract, coconut, Shea butter, and green tea extract in their products. So, they not only feel and smell great, but because they’re all-natural they’re actually better for the body.

The kind folk at Sparklehearts are offering a 20% discount on any order to The Full Mommy readers. Just use the code Blog20. AND one lucky winner will get to choose any product from the full Sparklehearts line which not only includes the body wash but shampoo, conditioner, detangler and lotion as well (lucky duck). Oh, and if you do place an order for 3 or more items, you get free shipping.

You better believe I'll be placing my order right now.

WIN IT!
Giveaway Title: SPARKLEHEARTS
Prize: 1 Free Item of Your Choice from Sparklehearts
Number of Winners: 1
Entry Question: Name another product from Sparklehearts
Enter By: July 2, 2009
Entry Form: Click here
Winners will be notified by e-mail. Please read the official rules for entering our giveaways.

This was written by Missy who can be read at Misc & Co. where she writes about family, books, music, sewing and whatever else strikes her fancy.

In the Tub: JASON Kids Only!

2009-06-25T00:02:00.000-04:00

Recently, I was at Toys 'R Us and came across the Jason Kids Only! line of personal care products. I was about to do a little research about the products and company, when as luck would have it, I was asked if I wanted to give a few of the products a try.

The product lineup includes Daily Detangling Shampoo and Conditioner, Extra Gentle Shampoo and Conditioner, Berry Burst and Tropical Twist Bath Gels, Berry Burst and Tropical Twist Foaming Soaps, and Strawberry and Orange Toothpaste.

My kids have sensitive skin so I am always looking for non-toxic personal care products that won't irritate them. My daughter LOVED the foaming soap and reached for it every time she needed to wash her hands. The foam was very thick and didn't slip off her hands too quickly as she rubbed them together.

I have two confessions to make. First, I put the Bath Gel in our swim bag and used it myself when I showered after swimming. Second, I love the smell of the Berry Burst Foaming Soap and kept washing my hands with it. I usually go for unscented products (I have very sensitive sinuses), but I loved the Berry Burst scent. It almost had a citrus note in it. We were all very sad when the bottle ran out! (Note to self: add it to the shopping list.)

The Jason Kids Only! products are (from the company):

Paraben and Sulfate Free
Wheat and Gluten Free
Tear and Phthalate Free
Fluoride and Glycol Free
Mineral Oil, Lanolin and Petrolatum Free

In addition to the kids line, Jason makes products for the grown-ups in the family. They also make the Sunbrella line of sunblock, which is PABA-free, alcohol-free and water resistant.

Look for the Kids Only! line at their website, on Amazon.com, and at retailers such as Toys 'R Us. Prices range from $5.49 to $8.99.

This was written by Leighann who can be read at Multi-Minding Mom where she dishes about family, food, foraging, frivolity, and more!

Our New Beauty Regime

2009-06-24T00:01:00.006-04:00

Two of The Full Mommy contributors had the opportunity to try out a new skin care product and they are both in love.

To read what they had to say, read their reviews at Btowne Reviews and Multi-Minding Mom Reviews.

You can also find out how you can get this product for free.

Alice.com: Or, finally I can get my beloved detergent shipped to me at a good price

2009-06-24T00:00:00.014-04:00

&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

Who is Alice, you ask. She's my personal shopper.

That's right, I was so stoked when I learned that Alice.com carries my beloved Seventh Generation Free & Clear laundry detergent at a great price.

Here's my problem. I love this detergent, but I can't always find it when I run out. Target sells it for $14.99 for the 100-ounce bottle, but the shelf is almost always empty. The local natural food stores always have it in stock...at $22 a bottle! Pure craziness.

Alice has it for $7.99 for a 50-ounce bottle. That's 50 whole loads of laundry in my HE washer.

Alice offers free shipping on your first purchase and after that there's free shipping if you purchase just 6 items, any six items.

And they carry more than laundry detergent. They have everything from toilet paper to toothpaste to pantry food items. And even diapers!

You can even sign up to have items shipped to you on a schedule.

They offer automatic coupons, which is good for me since if I actually clip a coupon, I usually forget to bring it to the store.

Use this link and you will get a $10 credit once you spend $50 on your account.

Catch ya later, I'm off to buy some laundry detergent.

This was written by Leighann who can be read at Multi-Minding Mom where she dishes about family, food, foraging, frivolity, and more! She is very picky about the detergent she buys.

(I have not used this service yet, just thought it was something you might like to hear about.)

In the Tub: Lil Rinser Splash Guard

2009-06-23T00:00:00.022-04:00

Do your children put up a fight when it's time to rinse the shampoo from their hair? I know my daughter does!

Lil Rinser sent me one of their splash guards to try out on my children.

My two-year-old doesn't mind getting water dumped over his head and he's way too wiggly to try to use Lil Rinser to rinse his head. I didn't attempt to use the product on him more than a few times because he doesn't really need it.

My daughter fusses about getting her hair rinsed. Maybe because she is five and set in her ways, but she didn't care for the Lil Rinser. She would much rather hold a washcloth over her eyes. I think the product is a good concept and would be very helpful once a child is used to using it. I like that you hold it to their head with the handle, leaving the other hand free for rinsing. And if your child hates getting water in her eyes, it's worth a try.

(From the company:)

Lil Rinser creates a watertight seal, whose soft rim contours gently to fit a child’s head.
Adults merely need to press it gently against the child’s forehead and above the ears to create the water tight seal and then pour an unlimited amount of water onto the child’s head while holding the Lil Rinser gently against the child’s forehead.
The soft rim channels the water away from the face and over the head and hair.
A convenient and comfortable soft grip handle allows parents to hold the Lil Rinser in place.
Lil Rinser was created by two dads.

Lil Rinser retails for $15. Check out their website for more information and watch the YouTube video to see it in action. You can even purchase Lil Rinser Splashguard on Amazon where parents have rated it highly.

WIN IT!
Giveaway Title: LIL RINSER
Prize: Lil Rinser Splash Guard
Number of Winners: One
Entry Question: In how many color combinations does the Lil Rinser come? (Hint: look at the picture on the "how" page.)
Enter By: June 30, 2009
Entry Form: Click here
Winners will be notified by e-mail. Please read the official rules for entering our giveaways.

This was written by Leighann who can be read at Multi-Minding Mom where she dishes about family, food, foraging, frivolity, and more!

In the Tub: California Baby Super Sensitive Bubble Bath

2009-06-22T00:00:00.017-04:00

Who doesn't love a good bubble bath? I can tell you that I have a sensitive skin daughter who prefers baths with bubbles two to one.

But I am so leery of the bubbles that we had as kids. You know, the ones in the pink bottle. Scary stuff. And remember how they warned for years about little girls taking bubble baths?

Well we have found a few kinds of bubble bath that don't totally freak me out.

The California Baby Super Sensitive Bubble Bath is fragrance free (good for me as the bath giver since I am sensitive to fragrances). It is a no tears and non-toxic formula and is made with decyl polyglucose, aloe vera, and vitamin e. It does not contain nut oils, gluten, soy, oat, or dairy and has no parabens, sodium benzoate, benzoic acid, benzyl alcohol, or phenoxyethanol.

Even if you are an adult with sensitive skin and want an indulgence, you could give this a try.

California Baby makes other formulations of bubble bath if you aren't looking for fragrance-free.

The verdict: It really is a great bubble bath for those with sensitive skin or who don't like scented products.

I thought the bubble wand was a bit of a gimmick and the design of the cap made it difficult to measure.

If you don't need a scent-free product, also consider Burt's Bees Baby Bee Bubble Bath. The bubbles last a little bit longer than the California Baby and is slightly less expensive.

$14 from California Baby. I have also found it at Target alongside other baby bath products.

JCPenney Father's Day Slob to Suave Giveaway

2009-06-16T00:00:00.012-04:00

Do you know a dad who's wardrobe needs a little updating? Maybe it's your own dad, your brother, or even the father of your children. While women tend to keep up with the trends, some men can get a little stuck in a rut.

JCPenney has great summer fashions for your guy from brands like American Living, St. John's Bay, Stafford, and J. Ferrar.

JCPenney let me pick out a few things for my husband. Don't get me wrong, he's a dapper fellow. But he tends to wear the same polo-type shirts and shorts when he's not at work. I wanted to get him some clothes that were just a little but more hip and a bit younger (he recently hit the big 4-0).

BEFORE

I selected the St. John's Bay Exploration Cargo Shorts, those pockets are great for holding the Flip Camera at the zoo or park. I also like these St. John's Bay flat front shorts, because let's face it, pleating is not flattering on anyone.

AFTER

My husband likes collared shirts, so I picked out a St. John's Bay Short Sleeves Poplin Shirt with a subtle print.

I think this will be a great outfit for barbecues with friends because it is a bit more refined than shorts and a tee, yet will be comfortable on hot summer days.

When we went to the store, they were having such great sales that we actually purchased two pairs of the cargo shorts, two button down shirts, and two polos. Our receipt showed that we saved over 50% off our total purchase.

Do you want to turn your guy from slob to suave? We've got your chance to win a $100 gift card from JCPenney. Just head on over and pick out the perfect updated outfit for your favorite dad. Then leave a comment here telling us what you would buy. There are even chances for extra entries.

WIN IT!
Prize: $100 JCPenney Gift Card
Number of Winners: one
Entry Question: Head over to www.jcp.com and then leave a comment here on any outfit that would make your favorite dad look suave (Be specific). (Make sure your e-mail is public in your profile or leave it in the comment or you will not be eligible to win.)
Enter By: June 25, 2009
Winners will be notified by e-mail. Please read the official rules for entering our giveaways.

EXTRA ENTRY METHODS
For each of these extra entry methods, leave a separate comment below.
Twitter: Tweet about the giveaway. Make sure to link back to it and include @fullmommy.
Blog: Blog about the giveaway linking back here. Leave the link to your specific post in the comment. (http://www.thefullmommy.com/2009/06/jcpenney-fathers-day-slob-to-suave.html)
Subscribe: Subscribe in a reader and leave a comment below with the feed reader that you use.
Button: Add our button to your blog or website and leave a comment with the link.

This was written by Leighann who can be read at Multi-Minding Mom where she dishes about family, food, foraging, frivolity, and more!

Books, Books and More Picture Books!

2009-06-15T00:00:00.014-04:00

Are you looking for some new picture books to read to your child? Here are a few that just might interest you.

Far Far Away!: This is a retelling of the classic issue where a child gets fed up, runs away, and realizes that life is better back home. (Though who's idea is it to plant the seed that running away is even an option for kids?) This little pig feels wronged when he can't get what he wants at the grocer. Deciding to run away, far away, he and his mom begin making a list of all the things he will need on his trip. When the list becomes long (and his mom finishes baking a cake), he decides maybe he should just stay home. Home, where he has everything he needs already.

Bridget Fidget and The Most Perfect Pet: My daughter's favorite "animal" is the unicorn, so you better believe she would love a book in which the main character wants a real one of her own. When a rather LARGE box appears one day, she goes to great lengths to see what's inside: (excess packing material!) and a little box. After irritating her parents with mess and noise, she finally sees what kind of pet the pet store surely must have sent her. A little disappointed, she finds a tiny little surprise that is just as good as a pet unicorn.

Pete & Pickles: This book is a little dark. It opens with Pete at the gravesite of his wife (though younger kids might not get this unless you point it out or explain). Then he begins dreaming of drowning. He is awoken during a storm to find Pickles, an elephant, in his home. Pete helps Pickles evade the circus keepers and they become the unlikeliest of friends. That is until Pete snaps at Pickles and demands she leave. In the end, the Pete realizes that he cannot live without her friendship. Like I said, this story is a bit on the dark side and may not be appropriate for younger children, especially if you haven't talked about death and mourning to them.

Me With You: This is a sweet book that might be good to purchase for a father or grandfather from your child for Father's Day. I know I had special things that I did only with my grandfather and we even had our own inside jokes. Me With You is the story of a father (or grandfather's) unconditional love for the child and shows how the father-figure is there for the little one whenever she needs him.

This was written by Leighann who can be read at Multi-Minding Mom. Her family has more books than the public library!

123 Chicago Board Book

2009-06-14T00:00:00.000-04:00

Here's a twist on the traditional count-to-ten board book: 123 Chicago.

Maybe you are from Chicago or will be taking a trip there soon. This book features all of the things you think of when you think Chicago. From the Sear's Tower, el-train, deep dish pizza, and hot dogs, to Navy Pier, turn the pages as you show your young child the sights of the city.

What's neat about this book is that the final pages include full descriptions of each icon or place, in English and Spanish.

In addition to 123 Chicago Duopress also offers 123 California, 123 Texas, 123 New York, and 123 USA (perfect for the upcoming 4th of July holiday).

This was written by Leighann who can be read at Multi-Minding Mom where she dishes about family, food, foraging, frivolity, and more!

I Double Dare You!

2009-06-13T00:00:00.006-04:00

One of my friends was having their third child. The first two were boys and this third was to be a girl. I figured with the third child they already had most of the necessities, so I decided to purchase a book I had heard of for their baby shower gift.

I got them The Daring Book for Girls. I figured that the first-time-dad-to-a-girl might learn a few things about the culture that is little girlhood and the mom would get a refresher course.

With my own daughter I find myself trying to remember the little chants and games I did as a girl.

Both The Daring Book for Girls and the recently released sequel The Double-Daring Book for Girls, not only teach us things that are great for girls to know, but also a lot of general knowledge that is great for any child (or adult) to know.

I personally want my daughter to learn to throw a good spiral!

Many of the activities in the book are a little old for my five-year-old.

Read our review of the original Daring Book for Girls or purchase the sequel the The Double-Daring Book for Girls on Amazon or wherever books are sold. You can read more at the Daring Book For Girls website.

Here's a video showing a few of the activities the book has to show you:

This was written by Leighann who can be read at Multi-Minding Mom where she dishes about family, food, foraging, frivolity, and more!

Thomas & Friends Talking Railway

2009-06-12T00:00:00.006-04:00

I've told you before that my son is obsessed with Thomas.

Take this morning. I plucked him from his bed and the first thing he did was start rambling about Thomas and Toby and the "eye Sodor." (Island of Sodor)

His recent birthday party was Thomas-themed. Of course. That was a no-brainer.

Among his gifts were a few of the new Talking Railway engines.

Learning Curve sent us the Talking Railway Cranky the Crane to try out. What sets this crane and the engines apart from the traditional Thomas & Friends engines? The crane recognizes the engines and Sir Topham Hatt says things specifically for that engine.

For instance, when Rosie comes along, Sir Topham Hatt says, "Rosie, work with Salty today." And of course on cue my son goes and finds Salty and sticks the two together.

You'll know the engines that get customized messages because they have gold magnets instead of silver. They also have a symbol on the bottom.

But even the regular engines work. Sir Topham Hatt delivers messages such as "You're right on time today."

I was a little afraid that my two-year-old would break the crank right away. He's not exactly gentle with all of his toys. But it has held up to him cranking, and over cranking. He likes to not only lift the cargo with the crank, but also the engines, swinging them around and putting them back down.

Here's a short video showing the Talking Railway in action:

Other items in the Talking Railway series include the Stop and Greet Signal, Brendam Barrel Co., Morgan's Mine, and a whole host of engines.

This was written by Leighann who can be read at Multi-Minding Mom. Instead of a coffee table, their living room has a train table.

KidCards

2009-06-10T00:01:00.004-04:00

My daughter is always making cards. She likes to make invitations and thank you's. I usually just take a piece of printer paper and fold it in half for her to draw and write on. But here's the problem: I don't have envelopes that fit.

Problem solved: KidCards are sets of cards that allow children the creativity of either coloring in a pre-printed design or creating their own pictures within themed frames. And the best part? Matching envelopes!

KidCards sent me the Volume 2: Freehand Drawing Frames. These cards have a themed frame on the cover and children can draw whatever picture they like inside the frame. The set includes birthday, thank you, get well, congrats and friendship designs.

I think it's important for children to learn to express gratitude and these cards are a great tool for helping children express themselves to the ones they care about. Now when my daughter wants to send someone a card, she can use one of her KidCards to get her message across. I can pop it in the envelope and off it goes.

Each set includes 20 Cards per book and sells for $14.99. They also have holiday sets and sets for teachers.

DISCOUNT: Go to www.kidcards.org, click on Buy Online, then enter the Penny Promotion Code "Blogger Bonus" in the box when purchasing 2 or more books, you will get the crayon set AND watercolor paint set for 1 Penny.

WIN IT!
Giveaway Title: KIDCARDS
Prize: One set of KidCards (choice of volume 1, volume 2, or Christmas)
Number of Winners: one (US addresses only)
Entry Question: Visit the KidCards website and tell us the theme of one of the teacher volumes (hint, there are three different themes, two of which are holidays).
Enter By: June 17, 2009
Entry Form: Click here
Winners will be notified by e-mail. Please read the official rules for entering our giveaways.

This was written by Leighann who can be read at Multi-Minding Mom where she dishes about family, food, foraging, frivolity, and more! She has a daughter how is always making cards for people.

Payless, Not More, for Zoe & Zac Eco-Friendly Shoes

2009-06-10T00:00:00.006-04:00

I know, I know. Sometimes you have to choose between economical and eco-friendly. But not when it comes to shoes.

Payless Shoe Stores has introduced a line of eco-friendly shoes and accessories for women and girls. And guess what...they are all priced at under $30! That's right, Zoe & Zac shoes from Payless are under 30 bucks. Good for the environment and your wallet.

The line of shoes includes wedges, sandals, oxfords, and flats. What makes them eco-friendly? Zoe & Zac shoes are made with: (from their website)

Organic cotton grown without chemicals and pesticides
Hemp grown with little or no polluting pesticides
Jute, which is a glossy and strong plant fiber grown with little or no pesticides and fertilizers
Recycled rubber
Glues that are water-based and non-toxic
Nicke-free hardware is used on eyelets for laces and buckles
Faux leather and faux suede manufactured with reduced heavy metals
Elastic from recycled plastic bottles
Tagua nuts are "vegetable ivory" from the tagua palm tree

Payless sent my daughter and I each a pair from the new line in time to wear for Mother's Day. And I about died at how cute they were! We both had our own pair of matching ballet flats. The Snapdragon Ballet Flats feature little flowers and a bow and are my favorite color: lavender. They are under $20 on sale for women and $17 for girls.

Most ballet flats offer little support, so I can't compare them to, say, my Birkenstocks. But as ballet flats go, these are high in cuteness and I really appreciate the effort Payless is making with their Zoe & Zac line. I'll have to try on a pair of their eco-friendly tennies next time I'm in the store.

This was written by Leighann who can be read at Multi-Minding Mom where she dishes about family, food, foraging, frivolity, and more!

momAgenda Keeps You Sane Despite Crazy Schedules

2009-06-09T05:36:00.008-04:00

My oldest son has band practice on Wednesday and Friday mornings, except when there's a concert, and then it's every morning. My youngest son has choir practice on Sundays, but sometimes also Thursdays. Hubs has a meeting the first Wednesday evening of every month. I've got class on Thursday nights, Saturdays are soccer and birthday parties....

You know the drill. When you're a mom, you've got a lot to keep track of. And though I'm pretty good with tracking dates in my head, I can't keep it all straight if it's not written down. Yes, written. I like having a paper-based organizer, one that I can carry with me and is harder to misplace than a cell phone or an iPod (both of which disappear routinely).

So I was thrilled with the chance to try out a momAgenda Day Planner. They sent me a momAgenda Desktop in fuchsia (to match my blog, natch).

My Day Planner has a durable, stain-resistant cover (how did they know I needed this?) and can be customized. Inside, in addition to calendar functions, there are lists of mom-oriented websites, travel resources and holidays through 2011.

The calendar itself runs from August 2009 to December 2010. There are two calendar sections- monthly and weekly. The weekly section is what makes momAgenda so unique and mom-friendly.

As each week is broken out, there's a section for Mom's daily activities and then four separate spaces for other family members. I love how this is laid out. I can tell at a glance who has what activity on which day. It also includes a small space at the bottom for dinner, so maybe this will prompt me to do the meal-planning I've been talking about doing for years. Oh, and it's got a pretty ribbon for bookmarking, which means I won't need to tear off the corners to find the right week as I do with my current planner.

There are two additional sections. The first one helps track everything from favorite wines to entertaining resources. The second section, "Mom Essentials" tracks more practical information like medical information, phone numbers (for when you lose your cell phone) and favorite websites. The Essentials section can be removed and placed in next year's planner.

When it comes to organization and planning my time, I need all the help I can get. I'm looking forward to using Desktop Agenda.

Written by Kim Moldofsky, who writes at Hormone-colored Days and Positive Impact, Inc.