I remember when Deeds was born in 2007, the whole BPA-hell broke loose! I was a wreck trying to make sure his pacifiers didn’t give him estrogen-mimiced baby boobs!

Don’t forget shortly after, the lead paint on the Thomas Trains scare! Yup, we had a couple of those in our toy chest.

You don’t want to be out of the loop when it comes to the health and safety of your loved ones (plastic in the baby formula, anyone?)!

RecallsPlus is designed to catch and report all recalls on kids products or food with undeclared allergens.

RecallsPlus is an app that that lets you proactively monitor recalls on their kids’ strollers, cribs, toys, formula, and other items for greater safety and peace of mind.

Our diverse team consists of parents and others who are focused and passionate about parenting issues — working around the clock to make sure we don’t miss catching a recall on kid’s products or food with undeclared allergens. Recalls Plus is designed and built for busy parents like you so you can focus on the important things in your life.

I downloaded RecallsPlus on my iPod touch and set it to follow undeclared allergens in foods.

I feel like I am really on top of things with RecallsPlus! I don’t know how an allergy sufferer (or the parent of one) could survive without an app like this!

Thank you for this fabulous App, RecallsPlus!

I wrote this post for SheSpeaks and RecallsPlus!

Start Mother’s Day with the indulgent new Mother’s Day flavors of Godiva Coffee.

The Dark Chocolate Raspberry blend is the MOST delicious coffee I have ever tasted! Godiva created it just for Mother’s Day and it is priced just under $10!

Try the special Dark Chocolate Raspberry or Roasted Almond Godiva Coffee Mother’s Day blend for a luxurious gift at an affordable price.

Most moms love chocolate…how would yours like some Artisanal Belgian Original Chocolate Truffles by Guylian?

These babies are handmade in Belgium…they look cute and taste divine!

I have a super awesome Mother’s Day giveaway for you!

Leave a comment on this post with your BEST and WORST food related gift you have ever received (for any occasion).

Bonus entry: Tweet with a link to this giveaway and @MomMostTraveled, and leave a link here letting me know you did so in the comments!

This giveaway is open to US residents only.

This giveaway will close on May 20th, 2012, at 11:59 pm.

One winner will be chosen at random.

Prizing is as follows:

-One winner (1) of the following products:

One – 22 piece box of Guylian Artisanal Belgian Original Chocolate Truffles

Two - 6 piece Original Chocolate Truffle Box

Four - 2 piece Original Chocolate Truffle Box

Two bags of Godiva Coffee!

Visit www.guylianbelgianchocolate.com to sign up for their Newsletter!

Check out the Guylian Facebook Page!

Have you experienced emotional abuse?

Many families cover up their hostile home environments; everything looks idyllic on the outside.

When a family member has an anger problem, others in the household walk on eggshells in attempts to avoid flaming tempers and abrasive personalities.

Through Mom Central Consulting, I got the opportunity to preview a film about one family dealing with emotional abuse issues.

Mighty Fine, premiering in select cities May 25th, follows a chapter in the life of The Fine family, exploring how the effects of an explosive parent can ripple through a family.

The film strikes a chord among those who’ve experienced the often incomprehensible behavior of an abusive parent, and demonstrates the impact of economic uncertainty on people whose mental health is already precarious.

The film, based on writer/director Debbie Goodstein’s childhood experiences, touches upon the controversial and difficult roles that anger and aggression can play in a family.

The film is set in 1970’s Brooklyn; the Fine family decides to move from Brooklyn to New Orleans in search of a better, more prosperous life.

Joe Fine (Chazz Palminteri) has love for his wife (Andie MacDowell) and daughters (Jodelle Ferland and Rainey Qualley), but their closeness to him leaves them vulnerable to his explosive rage.

The emotional abuse leaves Stella, Maddie, and Natalie to walk a wire between their love for this charismatic, generous man, and the terror of his unpredictable mood swings.

I think everyone can relate to this film on some level, even if your parents were saints, there are still times in memory where a trusted adult really lost control in your presence.

‘Like’ the Mighty Fine Facebook page!

“I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Mighty Fine and the distributor. I received access to an online showing of the film and a promotional item to thank me for participating”

I remember calling the states from a pay phone on the streets of Bangkok to tell my mother that I was pregnant with her first grandchild (in 2004).

As taxis and tuk tuks whizzed around me, all I heard from the other end of the line was an anxiety-ridden sigh.

When Skype was invented, whenever that was, it totally changed my life.

I could call the US whenever I wanted, for only one penny a minute! Or, Skype-to-Skype calls were totally free. Hot-diggity dog!

I launched my blog in 2007 while still living abroad, and was able to grow it with the help of Skype.

I was a guest on podcasts via Skype, and I even landed a job for a Manhattan PR firm while still living in Laos. We did business calls via Skype. One call in particular that left me in awe of the power of Skype was a four way conference call where one party was in South Africa, one in Asia, one in England, and one in NYC. GO SKYPE!

On a personal level, the grandparents are now able to watch their grandbabies grow up via Skype. I have one friend whose mom lives in Japan. Almost every night, she reads her NYC-dwelling grandkids a bedtime story on Skype!

When I am away from my children, we stay connected with Skype. Their dad can set up the webcam so that I can just watch them play. They are only 4 and 7 years old…I remember dreading talking to relatives on the phone at that age. But I can just watch them play and it doesn’t cramp their style. They can show me things on the web cam. In this screen shot, Deeds is using Skype loaded onto and iPod touch that I bought the kids just for that purpose:

And here he is Skyping with me on a laptop:

Have you ever video chatted your mom? You can visit Skype’s “Mom You Rock” Facebook page and send a video message to a mom in your life!

A video message is so much more personal than a preprinted greeting card. Am I right?I

You can check out the Skype Facebook Page, too!

“I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Skype. I received Skype credits to facilitate my review and a promotional item to thank me for participating.”

We know that Ashton is “back on the market” after ending his marriage to Demi Moore. On World Wide Lovers, Ashton assesses his competition in the dating pool.

Watch the video to meet Darl the fashion designer…

Nigel, the hippie…

Raj, the Bollywood director….

And Swordfish, the poetic biker…

Which one is your perfect match? I like something sweet. Like a sweet potato.

They showed me the fall edition of the Duane Reader and said the spring edition would soon be printed. I was crazy excited! Its like a hip magazine mixed with a treasure map for in store deals!

You can view an online version of the Duane Reader to see how it inspired my shop!

When I first got the Duane Reader I was really impressed with the deals it contained. I love deals and couponing, but, to be honest, I find it more difficult to coupon in New York than it was when I lived in Alabama.

Looking at a circular really helps me to think through what deals I might want when I’m actually in the store. I think planning my trip with a circular lets me get the most bang for my shopping buck!

Duane Reade really is my go-to store when I’m out and about in New York City. Case in point: I decided one day to walk from 60th street to Union Square. It took a while, and just for fun, every time I saw a natural foods store, I stopped in looking for a particular vegan snack food that I like. EVERY natural foods store I stopped in did NOT have what I was looking for.

Finally I was so hot, I stopped in a Duane Reade to get a drink. What did I see in Duane Reade? The vegan snack food.

But, back to the DUANE READER! This is what the Front Page looks like:

I made a Google + story with all the fun I had scavenger hunting with my spring edition of the Duane Reader in hand!

The Duane Reader is your treasure map to deals! I hunted them all!

It actually wasn’t a big “challenge” to find things because there was lots of signage and clues that alerted me to where each item was.

Boom! A flattering picture of deLish snack mix, a hot deal in the Duane Reader! Too bad it can’t help my unflattering FatFace in this photo.

I was excited to find that the Apt. 5 cutting boards I have been coveting are a SUPER BUY right now! Eco-friendly, and budget friendly.

It was hard to not buy ALL of the amazing food deals! I did score some 75% off Easter Candy and Easter  Baskets!

These babies came home with me!

New Yorkers, visit http://www.duanereade.com to find your closest Duane Reade!

Follow @DuaneReade on twitter: https://twitter.com/duanereade

And visit Duane Reade on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/duanereade

This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias. (#CBias) All opinions are my own.

To celebrate this Earth Day, Tide is encouraging everyone to take a load off the energy grid, their wallets and the environment by making one simple change - washing in cold water.

Switching to washing in cold water saves up to 80% of the energy used per load and Tide Coldwater detergent is specially formulated to get clothes clean when they are washed in cold water

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To spread the word, Tide and Future Friendly hosted events in New York and Los Angeles.

Even more exciting, you can have a chance to win an energy saving washer and dryer and a one year supply of Tide Coldwater in the Take A Load Off sweepstakes on the Future Friendly Facebook page. 

An April 18th,  I went to the Tide Coldwater Take A Load Off event in New York at Madison Square Park.

I was a guest of shespeaks and Tide. They sent a car to pick me up in Brooklyn and drive me to Madison Square Park. I was so excited to have a ride instead of taking public transportation, I wore the least practical shoes I own, some four inch wedges.

After a good lunch at Sagaponack, we learned amazing facts about Tide Coldwater and the environmental and financial benefits to washing laundry in cold water, and interacted with the adorably pregnant spokesperson for Tide Coldwater, Vanessa Lachey.

Did you know if everyone in the US used cold water to do laundry, the energy saved could power the Empire State Building for 444.6 years? Amazing!

The LOOK Boutique is a great place to get a manicure! It is only $7 to get a nail polish change! That is crazy cheap!

I had so much fun with my fellow Duane Reade VIP blogger ladies!

This is Melissa from The Staten Island Family. She got her hair styled in the LOOK Boutique and LOOKs totally fabulous!

Hear from more bloggers who partied with the Duane Reade Look Boutique!

VeepVeep.com

Mama Goes Natural

Kitten Lounge

My Mom Shops

Mama Goes BAM

Big G cereal has cool prizes right now! Big G Curvy Straws featuring characters  from cereals like Cinnamon Toast Crunch® (17 oz.), Lucky Charms®(16 oz.), Reese’s® Puffs (18 oz.), Honey Nut Cheerios® (17 oz.), Trix®(14.8 oz) and Cocoa Puffs® (16.5 oz).

Need more cereal to go with your milk? You can visit this link to download a printable coupon for $1.25 off of the purchase of (2) boxes of participating Big G cereal today!

www.wholegrainnation.com

I got a sweet prize pack that contains: 1 box of a participating Big G cereal 1 Curvy Straw 1 ‘spilt’ milk bowl 2 glow cups 2 tangle toys.

Want to win your own prize pack? Comment on my face book page with what cereal you think leaves behind the tastiest milk!

“Disclosure: The prize pack, information, and giveaway have been provided by General Mills through MyBlogSpark.”

Need a lady gift? You know, Mother’s Day will be here before you know it.

Also, I just had a birthday. It was great, thanks for asking.

What do you think about the gift of “flowers” that won’t die?

L’Occitane’s NEW Pivoine Délicate Collection reveals dazzling pink hues and subtle floral scents.

The Pivoine Délicate products have beautiful packaging that resembles the peony’s gorgeous pink shades and subtle scents.

The collection includes Eau de Toilette, Hand Cream, Shimmering Powder, Eau de Toilette & Lip Gloss Duo, Lip Shine, Lipstick and Lip Balm. Price: $12 to $45.

Need a thrifty, earth friendly gift? The Sili Squeeze is a reusable, silicone squeeze pouch intended for fruit and vegetable purees, yogurt and applesauce.

Unlike the expensive, single-use disposable pouches the Sili Squeeze can be used again and again!

Squeeze with Eeeze - perfect for children ages 4+.

Libre Tea products are for health conscious, eco-friendly tea drinkers who want to enjoy tea moments on the go or at home.

I use my 9oz. Original Libre tea glass EVERY single day for loose leaf tea.

The Libre tea glasses are thermal and have a glass interior, a durable poly exterior and removable tea filter.

All Libre tea glasses are BPA free and great for any beverage.

If you know a tea aficionado of any age or gender, I promise that they will be excited about Libre Tea products.

I should know, I lived in Asia. (LOGIC=FAULTLESS)

…

Do you know a lady who wants to look real purdy?

Fiafini products are vegan friendly and formulated to battle the signs of age in skin!

Delicate Cleansing Emulsion 4.0 fl oz $28.00

A lightweight daily cleanser that gently clarifies and purifies the skin, Delicate Cleansing Emulsion quickly dissolves all traces of dirt, oil and makeup from the skin while delivering powerful anti-aging benefits with Marula oil. We’ve formulated this creamy cleanser to help lift away toxins and environmental impurities that can stress or further damage sensitive skin, all while protecting against redness or irritation. Humectants help preserve skin’s natural moisture barrier and our formula will always be free of fragrance, alcohol, mineral oil, and all parabens. No animal testing.

Divine Hydration Moisturizer 1.7 fl oz $40.00

Get the divine skin of your dreams with Fiafini! A hydrating and healing moisturizer that firms, minimizes wrinkles and restores elasticity, Divine Hydration Moisturizer is the triple-targeted solution to the most common signs of aging. Formulated to be ultra-hydrating yet never heavy, this moisturizer helps soothe and calm redness with Prickly Pear, Avocado and Evening Primrose extracts, while also reducing environmental stress on the skin. Powerful antioxidants Marula oil and vitamin E fight fine lines and wrinkles, and help visibly firm and lift the skin for complete perfection. And as with all Fiafini products, our moisturizer will always be free of fragrance, alcohol, mineral oil, and all parabens. No animal testing and Vegan.

Deluxe Anti-Aging Eye Cream 0.5 fl oz $38.50

A deeply hydrating eye cream that rejuvenates, repairs, and protects delicate skin around the eyes from environmental damage and the visible signs of aging. Formulated with Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract—breakthrough apple seed stem cells that help maintain the healthy functioning and replication of new skin cells in the epidermis—this powerful cream also contains the powerful antioxidant Marula oil and clinically-proven peptides to help reverse the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and crow’s feet around the eyes both immediately and in the future. Nourishing botanical extracts of chamomile and licorice help decrease inflammation, improve circulation, and prevent puffiness and dark circles. The result? Skin is vital, vibrant, visibly lifted. Free of fragrance, alcohol, mineral oil, and all parabens. No animal testing and Vegan.

Maybe it would be kind of weird for Mother’s Day, but EdenFantasys.com has Face skincare and Body treatments as well as intimate products for women, men, and couples.

You never know what you might find!