Softness Worth Sharing

This time of year brings with it old traditions and new memories. Sometimes these come along with the holidays and sometimes they are the less obvious opportunities for tradition. Like most people with children, every winter brings one or more periods of time that everyone gets sick. When one child gets sick, the rest soon follow. We do all we can to prevent these illnesses, but somehow the germs always find their way in. One of my go-to methods for treating my children when they come down with colds or the flu is with my mom's recipe for homemade chicken soup. She used to make it for me when I was younger (now my dad does) when I got sick, and now I make it for my own family. Another wonderful memory I have comes from my father. Whenever I got sick, he would make a comfy resting place for me on the couch. He'd make sure I had the remote in hand or a favorite movie playing, and he'd bring me a little TV tray and set it up in front of me. On the TV tray he'd bring me a drink, maybe a snack, and always some Kleenex for my sniffles. Again, this is something I do for my kids. I always keep an extra box of Kleenex in stock for unexpected illnesses and for allergies. Our family favorite is the kind with aloe. Kleenex has a nice opportunity to share some comfort with your loved ones in a simple way. You can visit their site and send a Kleenex Share Pack. Try it out!

I hope everyone has an illness free holiday season!

This post is compensated and in collaboration with Latina Bloggers Connect and Kleenex.

mommy party sponsored by pregnancy 2.0

Last weekend I had the opportunity to host a Mommy Party sponsored by Pregnancy 2.0. I received a bunch of awesome products from Britax, BabyPlus, Xlear, and Snuggle Buddies. I was able to give away a lot of free products (full size samples) and even some awesome baby gear.

Britax has been my favorite brand of baby gear since my oldest was born. So, for 7 years, I have always looked to their products first, because they have consistently performed as the highest rated when it comes to safety. What could be more important?

The following products were provided by Britax:

B-Agile Stroller
Product Features-

• One had quick fold with automatic chassis lock
• Click & Go integrated adapter system works with BRITAX CHAPERONE and B-SAFE infant car seats Travel System Compatible with other major infant car seat brands, including Graco, Chicco, and Peg Perego, when used with BRITAX infant car seat adapter (sold separately)
• Lightweight aluminum frame (16.5 lbs total weight)
• No re-thread, adjustable, five-point harness and head pad with reflective binding
• Infinite seat recline positions
• Large under seat storage and additional pocket with zipper
• Linked parking brake locks both rear wheels
• Three-wheel design provides improved steering and maneuverability
• All-Wheel Suspension provides for a smooth ride
• Frame designed for stride clearance
• Large canopy with ventilation window
• Included Accessories: BRITAX CLICK & GO infant car seat receivers
• MSRP (USD) $249.99

(Info from Britax.com - more info and specs available on their website)

B-Safe Infant Car Seat

Product Features-

• Side Impact Protection distributes crash forces, shields from vehicle intrusion, and contains the head and body
• Tangle-Free, Five-Point Harness distributes crash forces across the strongest parts of the body and provides a secure fit
• Energy-Absorbing Foam Liner absorbs and distributes crash forces
• Four Harness Heights and Two Buckle Positions for your growing child
• Removable Comfort Pillow, shoulder pads, and belly pad provide extra comfort
• Stroller Compatible Design Integrated CLICK & GO adapter system works with BRITAX B-Series strollers.
• Lightweight and travel-friendly for vehicle and stroller compatibility
• Adjustable Base has five positions for proper seat angle and positioning
• 30-pound Weight Capacity for safety and comfort through the first years
• Large Multiple Position Canopy blocks wind, rain, and harmful UV rays from baby's sensitive skin
• Ergonomic Carry-Handle designed to contour to forearm to allow for more comfortable carrying of child in car seat
• Premium Lower LATCH Connectors for a quick and simple installation featuring a push button for easy release
• Built-in Lock-Offs ensure a snug lap and shoulder belt installation with minimal effort
• Front Harness Adjuster provides effortless front adjustment when loosening the harness system
• Easy-to-Read Level Indicators provide quick reference for proper angle of recline
• Easy-to-Install Seat-to-Base Design self-guides car seat into proper locked position
• Easy-to-Install Base with LATCH Connector Storage (Included)
• Certified for Aircraft Travel
• MSRP (USD) $179.99

Baby Carrier

Product Features-

(From Britax.com) The BRITAX BABY CARRIER has been designed to provide the highest level of long-wearing comfort for both you and your growing baby. The BRITAX BABY CARRIER features the CarryLong System, which reduces the risk of back and shoulder strain during extended wear by distributing weight across the shoulders, back and hips.

Not only does the BRITAX BABY CARRIER offer superior levels of comfort, but it is versatile as well. The ergonomic carrier allows you to face your baby inward towards you or outward to face the world, and accommodates infants from eight pounds to toddlers up to 32 pounds.

• CarryLong System with padded waist belt and shoulder straps, distributes weight across shoulders, back and hips for maximum extended wear comfort
• Weight Capacity accommodates infants from 8 pounds to toddlers up to 32 pounds
• Removable Infant Insert ensures a comfortable, natural sitting position for smaller babies
• Multiple Carrying Positions offer parent versatility to face baby inward or outward
• Padded Leg Openings protect baby’s legs
• Open and Contoured Design for breathability and temperature management
• Simple Slip On & Off Design makes use quick and effortless
• One-Handed Buckles and Snaps allow you to get your child in and out of the carrier easily
• Harness Straps adjust from front of carrier for proper customized fit
• Easy-Adjust Waist Belt accommodates 22 inches to 56 inches for the perfect fit
• Excess Belt Storage Bands eliminate loose straps
• Machine Washable for easy cleaning
• 100% Cotton Machine Washable Bib (included) protects carrier from stains
• Adjustable Head Support provides head and neck stability for younger infants
• Leg Loops reduce the size of leg openings for 8-11 pound infants for secure fit
• Secure Harness and Pouch Design ensures that baby will stay securely within the carrier
• Exceeds all ASTM F2236-09a and CPSIA requirements
• JPMA certified
• MSRP (USD) $129.99

The following products were provided by Xlear: 

Kid's Spry Tooth Gel with Dispenser Pacifier

All- Natural, Safe to Swallow for age 3 months and up

This product contains xylitol with helps to clean and soothe infant gums and teeth. You dentist can give you more information on the benefits of xylitol. The dispensing pacifier makes it easy to administer to your baby. 

Kid's Xlear Saline Nasal Spray

With xylitol, safe for all ages, no side effects

This product soothes and moisturizes sinus and nasal passages for your little one. When given, it helps to wash away pollutants and airborne contaminants. This product is all-natural and drug free.

Spry Chewing Gum

Dental Defense System, Sugarfree, contains all-natural xylitol

Ask your dentist about more information about including xylitol in your dental regimen and about its benefits.

Spry also provided a diaper bag. For more information on these products visit their website at xlear.com.

The following products were provided by Snuggle Buddies:

Little Monkey and Mary Jane Bunny Snuggle Buddies

These Snuggle Buddies are super-soft and a perfect choice for a security blanket and toy combination. There are different colors and characters to choose from. Check out their website at Snugglebuddyonline.com.

The following product was provided by BabyPlus:

BabyPlus Prenatal Education System

(From Babyplus.com) BabyPlus is an audio device that introduces patterns of sound to prenatal children in the only language they understand – the maternal heartbeat. As a baby discriminates the simple rhythmic sounds of BabyPlus from those of the mother, learning begins.

  Babies at birth and infancy

• More readily nurse
• Have increased ability to self-sooth
• Are more interactive and responsive, and
• Are more relaxed and alert at birth.

And later in life, these children demonstrate

• Earlier developmental milestones
• Improved school readiness and intellectual abilities
• Greater curiosity and independence, and
• Longer attention spans.

I received this system and I have to say I'm impressed with the research and the promise of the product. This prenatal education system is intended to be used from about 16 weeks on through pregnancy. I am too far along to use it as were the guests in attendance, so I will be giving this product away soon! It has a suggested retail value of $149.00. To learn more about the prenatal education system, please visit Babyplus.com.
As you can see, this was one amazing product lineup. The most awesome part is that all of this was sponsored 100% by these awesome companies and I was told I would be able to keep or giveaway the Britax products, the Snuggle Buddies, and the BabyPlus system to few lucky attendees. The giftbags for every attendee included many valuable coupons, full-sized product samples of all the Xlear products, and a lot of informational brochures on these products for parents or soon-to-be parents to learn more. 



Here are a few pics of the party:

One of the mamas showing her love for Britax.

Testing out the Britax B-Safe car seat.

A BIG THANK YOU to the sponsors of this Mommy Party, and a thank you to my guests!

all things baby: the vaccine book review and giveaway

Gone are the days when all parents stick to the norm and do as they are told when it comes to their children. Some still do, but nowadays lots of parents are interested in knowing as much as they can and making informed decisions when it comes to their children. I discussed this in a previous post of mine: What Every New Parent Should Know. Statistically, this is my most viewed post on this site. What this tells me is that a majority of people who have come across this humble blog of mine are hungry for information when it comes to their children. This is awesome news. In an effort to keep the momentum going, I decided to review The Vaccine Book, written by one of the most respected and well-known pediatricians, perhaps ever, Dr. Robert Sears. In addition to offering a review, I am giving away a new copy to one lucky reader as part of my All Things Baby Event. Even if you don't win the giveaway, I encourage everyone to research the topic of vaccines and vaccine safety because there is a wealth of information available.

My review:
The most positive thing I have to say about this book is that the doctor clearly states his intention of writing such an important and well-researched book. Yes, he is a doctor, so many would believe that his bias rests with pro-vaccine groups. But this book isn't meant to serve as a pro vs anti-vaccine group media. Instead, it is meant to offer clear information that many parents are eager to know before they even make the decision of being pro or anti-vaccines. What more can we ask for as parents?

The book includes the vaccine schedule recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and many other references. The first twelve chapters covers each of the 12 vaccines currently being recommended. Each vaccine is covered in detail, as far as a definition, how common it is, when it is given, how it is made, the ingredients and any controversial concerns with them, possible side effects, and common reasons for giving and/or not giving the vaccine to your children. He discusses available options for each vaccine, in detail, and gives his personal opinion on each disease and his experience, if any, in his practice of medicine. There is a lot of information to consider for each vaccine and each disease, and I was pleasantly surprised that there were so many details and options to consider.

The additional chapters discuss combination vaccines, travel vaccines, other special situations, and even adult vaccines. There are comprehensive chapters on vaccine safety research, side effects, the available research on vaccines and autism, more information on ingredients, alternative vaccine schedules, and there is even additional information regarding vaccines in Canada.

This book offers so much information in one place, and is a great start to your own personal research if you are interested in doing any. Personally, I am. If any of you are interested in doing the same, check this book out. Also, don't forget to enter the giveaway for your chance at a free copy.



a Rafflecopter giveaway

all things baby event!!

I'm excited to announce the All Things Baby Event here on Everything Goes With Pink!

I'm in my last trimester of pregnancy, and things are really getting close now! I can't believe that in the next several weeks we will have our baby girl #4! Needless to say, I have been there and done that with several maternity, breastfeeding and baby products over the last seven years! I decided to share my experiences with some of the best products I have used, will continue to use, and have decided to try for baby girl #4. The All Things Baby Event will include reviews, giveaways, and more, all while trying to still provide informative posts and guest posts about this experience.

I hope you are as excited as I am, whether you're still pregnant or adjusting to life with a baby. It's all a learning experience, even for me still. Let's share our journey, learn a few things, and experience some awesome products along the way!

Tomorrow will be the first giveaway for this event! Be sure to check back tomorrow to enter.

Look for this button on future posts included in the event!

*For companies or individuals looking to sponsor this giveaway, please see my contact/media kit page.

scotch-brite botanical review

I did some cleaning this morning, just like most days, so I thought I'd offer a free product review for anyone who cares about that sort of thing. Chances are, if you're responsible for the shopping in your household, you might. I have been trying to find ways of going "green", like a lot of people these days. While I have been called a tree hugger in my day, my biggest concern is actually just having a safe household for my growing girls. With this in mind, I decided to purchase Scotch-Brite Botanical Disinfecting Wipes.

mommy party sponsored by Oral-B Stages

On Friday, we had another mommy party! This was a Winnie the Pooh Movie Night sponsored by Oral-B Stages. All of the kids had such a good time. They really enjoyed the new Winnie the Pooh Movie and the products they received, all courtesy of Oral-B. These were the items that were sent to me for the party and that I gave out to the attendees:

• Oral-B Stage I Brushes
• Oral-B Stage II Brushes
• Oral-B Stages Pastes
• (11) Bottles of Disney Lavender Wash
• Disney’s Winnie the Pooh Movie DVD
• Balloons
• Popcorn for guests
• Guest Gift Bags

The kids had a blast playing with the balloons and dancing to the songs in the movie. We made this a pajama movie party, with tons of blankets, pillows, a bean bag, and big stuffed animals. We served some refreshments just like we were at the movies. After the movie, we handed out the gift bags and everyone was so excited to get the cool products. The moms were thrilled to get some awesome new products that they knew they could use, and the kids loved the Disney characters that were on all of their new stuff. My kids are still playing with the flash card set that was included in the package. They are even more excited about brushing their teeth than they were before.

All the attendees and I want to thank Mommy Parties, and especially Oral-B for providing a night full of fun and a chance to try out these awesome products!

Take a look at a few pics from our party:

 

The AWESOME party pack provided by Oral-B Stages. 

 Relaxing and watching the movie after playing with all the balloons.

Even the 1 yr olds loved the movie.

 He loves the baby wash.

 Perfect handsome model.

 She loves it all!

Thank you to everyone who came, and I hope you all enjoyed yourself. I'm really looking forward to our next party!

*Disclaimer: I was selected by MomSelect and Mega Bloks to host this party. I received free product to keep and to give to my guests in exchange for my post. I was not compensated in any other way and all opinions are 100% mine.

first book review and giveaway!!

This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to the winner, Jenny "Lemke" Anwar! Please check your email for notification and send your address back within 48 hours. 

Thank you to everyone who joined the giveaway! Stick around because I will be having more cool giveaways in the coming weeks! 

Giveaway winner was chosen by http://random.org 





 

I'm happy to finally host my first giveaway here on Pink. My first item is a book and it's just in time for the Christmas Holiday! This book was sent to me from Colleen's Book Nook.  The item is Christmas Baking for Children from Usborne, written by Fiona Patchett and beautifully illustrated by Nancy Leschnikoff.

This book has 47 pages to guide you through a great Christmas baking experience. The illustrations will appeal to both young and old alike. It is written so that kids can follow along easily, but it is so much fun that any adult who enjoys baking will love it, too. It has a baking skills section to start you off in the right direction, and then jumps right into the recipes. There are recipes for cookies, shortbread, brownies, cupcakes and more. It also has sections devoted to toppings and fillings, decorating ideas, and wrapping ideas if you decide to give out your treats as a gift.

The illustrations are very cute. The cookies and other treats look delicious! Any child would love to help create or receive these special Christmas desserts and any adult can follow the easily written directions. This book is good for beginners, like me, but anyone can gain inspiration from the beautiful pictures of the finished products.

A few notable recipes include:

• White Chocolate Brownies
• Chocolate Christmas Cake
• Stained Glass Window Cookies
• Shortbread

I will be leaving the giveaway open until Friday at 12pm PST - so that I can mail it out that afternoon and you can get it with plenty of time for some Christmas Baking!

First here are a few rules:

This giveaway is open to residents of the US and Canada only. 

The winning entry will be verified.

The winner will be chosen via Random.org

The winner has 48 hours to respond to notification email or a new winner will be chosen.

This giveaway is open from posting time until Dec 9, 12pm PST.

 

And finally, here is how you can enter! Enter as many times as you'd like.

• One Entry - Follow on one of the following: Google Friend Connect, GooglePlus, Subscribe to RSS, or Subscribe by email. Come back and leave a comment telling me which one you chose. (You can find all subscription options on the sidebar of the blog.)
• One Entry - "Like" Everything Goes With Pink on Facebook and come back to leave a comment telling me that you did. 
• One Entry - Follow me on Twitter. Come back and leave a comment telling me that you did. 
• One Entry - Facebook Share this giveaway (via FB icon below this post). Leave a comment that you did. 
• One Entry - Tweet about this giveaway (via Twitter icon below this post). Leave a comment that you did. 

Good luck to everyone entering. I am looking forward to offering more cool products that I think everyone will like. I will be definitely trying to mix it up for all the readers! I will post the winner on Dec 9th, shortly after the deadline.

megabloks mommy party

I finally got to host my first mommy party, sponsored by MegaBloks. It really turned out to be a lot of fun for the kids, and the parents, too. MegaBloks sent 10 goody bags for the kids who came to our play date. The kids were so excited to be able to take home their very own set, and the parents all had a great time helping them play! We had just enough block sets for each child who came, it worked out perfectly.

party time!

I keep adding more things to my plate week after week, but I just can't help but take up some of these opportunities. As I've mentioned before, I was selected to host a MommyParty. The first one will be the Mega Bloks party coming up this weekend (still have room for about 2 kids). I have also been selected for two more which will take place over the next few weeks as well. If you live in Bakersfield and are interested in participating, you can let me know by commenting on my facebook page or here in the comment section. So, why would you want to attend these parties? What exactly are they? Well, these parties offer an opportunity for you to learn more about a few exciting brands, take part in some cool activities for you or your children, walk away with your own free products, coupons, and the opportunity to take part in the giveaways that each individual party will have. All it costs you is a little time. I hold these parties at my house, with no more than 10 people, so it is a relaxed atmosphere. You will not be asked to buy anything. These are the details of the upcoming parties, which I need people for:

...coming soon to pink...

I'm loving the whole blogging gig. Sure, I might not be making cash from it, but it has already opened up some doors for me and I have already gotten some very cool opportunities that show me the future only gets brighter from here. I have some fun stuff coming up so I thought I'd share. Maybe this list will help me to remember everything too, because this pregnancy brain has me living in a fog most of the time!

• MegaBloks MommyParty - 11/18

• Pregnancy 2.0 MommyParty - TBD

• Learning Link Technologies   Giveaway valued at $600

• DIY Holiday Season Series

These things have me so excited. In the next few weeks I'll be looking for attendees for my Pregnancy 2.0 MommyParty where I'll have some awesome products from Britax and BabyPlus with something very cool to give away from them! I will also be starting my review for a breakthrough educational product from Learning Link Technologies where I will able able to give one away to a reader, and I'll be unveiling our radical Christmas plans and subsequently starting a cool, yet totally doable, DIY holiday gift series for anyone interested. I might even throw in a few giveaways for those items too!

I have been really busy with holidays, party planning and just the general mom duties so I was kind of lagging on the frequency of my posts but stay tuned because the next few months should be fun and you might be able to win something for yourself!

Stay updated by liking my page on Facebook or following me on Twitter!

good news

This post is for my Bakersfield peeps:

When I wake up in the morning, I usually grab my phone to check the time. If the sun is up and my eyes are adjusting normally, I usually check my email inbox in case there is anything interesting. This time, there was!

I received confirmation from a group called Mommy Parties that I was selected to host a Mega Bloks Party! They will be sending me a party pack so I can host a small party for up to 10 kids. The kids will be invited to come to my house and try out a few new products from Mega Bloks. I will be sending home some special gifts, there will be a cool raffle, and we will be doing some really fun activities. I am really excited to be able to do this, I think it will be a lot of fun!

I plan to do this party in a few weeks, in November. The kids I will be looking for will be preschool aged, at least one year old, but not yet starting Kindergarten. If you are interested, or know someone who might be, please stop by my Facebook Page to submit your information. You can also visit my page, "Like" it, and then use the "Share" feature in the bottom left hand corner to share the news with someone who has a child that might be interested. I will take information until this Sunday, and announce the lucky kids on Monday. It's gonna be funnnn!