A blog for moms with family fun, reviews, giveaways and more...

McDonald’s Flavors of Summer Experience in NYC #McDFirstTaste

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

I had the great privilege of attending the McDonald's Flavors of Summer First Taste Event in NYC earlier this week. It's been quite a few years since I have visited NYC, so visiting the city alone was a big deal for me. McDonald's was a gracious host to the 20 bloggers invited to the event. We stayed at the beautiful Empire Hotel, perfectly located between Lincoln Center and Central Park. My Jr Suite at Empire Hotel My first night in NYC, McDonald's gathered us all together for an amazing dining experience at the Culinary Loft in Soho. The bloggers got to help Chef Dave Martin (Top Chef) prepare an amazing berry infused dinner. We met McDonald's new Chef Jessica Drakulich who also happens … [Read more...]

What Does Normal Feel Like?

iStock_000009024892XSmall

If you've ever suffered from depression, you might have found yourself at some point wondering what normal feels like. After being depressed for a while it can be difficult to remember. A clinical approach to gauge normal is by using a check list similar to those a Psychiatrist would use to evaluate your mood. Some of the questions might include: How are you sleeping? How is your appetite? Are you able to concentrate and do things like read a book? What is your energy level? Do you have any motivation? I think normal holds a different feeling for everyone. For you normal might simply be that you are free from depression and anxiety. Keeping a mood journal may help determine … [Read more...]

Crest and Oral-B Pro-Health Clinical Test Drive Results #CrestSponsored

crest

It's been a few weeks since I started the Crest and Oral-B Pro-Health Test Drive and I would like to take a moment to share my results with you now. My expectation going into this test drive was that in as little as two weeks I would have the same fresh, clean feeling as after a dental cleaning. I am happy to report that the Pro-Health Clinical products have exceeded my expectations. I received the following Crest and Oral-B Pro-Health Clinical line of products to use. Crest Pro-Health Clinical Plaque Control Toothpaste is clinically proven to help keep plaque from coming back, by killing germs and slowing down their ability to generate new plaque. Crest Pro-Health Clinical … [Read more...]

Spring Allergies Survival Guide

springallergies

Spring of 2012 is anticipated as being the worst allergy season on record. This is terrible news for allergy sufferers. Fortunately, there some things that can help you to survive Spring allergy season. First, know your pollen count. Your local pollen count can be found by visiting pollen.com. Pollen count is typically highest between 5 and 10 AM. When your pollen count is high, if possible stay indoors and run the air conditioning. Staying indoors isn't always practical. If you have to be outside there are some things you can do to keep the pollen away from your face. 1. Wear a mask. 2. Large sun glasses will act as a barrier and help to keep pollen away from your eyes. 3. … [Read more...]

Do You Know If Your Child Has Strong Bones?

Do you know if your child has strong bones? This question has had me doing a lot of thinking recently about my family's diet and health, in particular their bone health. I had the opportunity to write a guest post on this topic over at Jen and Barb, Mom Life which is a site dedicated to sharing original online videos all about being in the trenches of motherhood. The topic this week is bone health and whether or not your child is getting enough calcium in their diet. Check out this great video where Jen and Barb discuss the ABC's of bone health with bone health expert and author Dr. Diane L. Schneider. Sponsored by TruMoo Do you know if your child has strong bones? I'd love for … [Read more...]

Caring For Sensitive Skin #CBias

basis

As far back as I can remember, I have had sensitive skin. I have vivid memories of taking tar baths as a child for my eczema. My mom spent hours trying to sooth my irritated skin with an oatmeal bath. Fortunately my skin problems are no longer so severe, but I still have to be very careful about what products I use. Caring for sensitive skin has become second nature, as I have learned what to look for in skincare products and which ingredients to watch out for. When you have to be a careful shopper like me, the health and beauty department can be a bit overwhelming. There are so many products to choose from. This glance down the skincare aisle at my local Walmart shows just how many … [Read more...]

When Should My Sick Child Stay Home?

Digital-oral-thermometer-001

When should my sick child stay home? This is a difficult question that parents are often faced with. We have employers who are not always understanding that little Johnny is sick and you need to stay home with him. You may be worried that your child will fall too far behind in school. It can be difficult deciding whether to keep a sick child home or send him to school or daycare. Here are some basic guidelines to help you decide if your sick child should stay home: Fever - If your child has a fever that is 100.4 degrees orally or 99.4 degrees rectally, you should keep him or her home. Fever is commonly a symptom of viral infections. A child should be fever free, without medication, … [Read more...]

Baby Etiquette Tips to Prevent the Spread of RSV

Mother kissing newborn

I became a mom at a very young age. I think my own insecurities made me overly protective of my baby. Looking back, maybe I wasn't being overly protective after all. There are some real threats to young infants, who are very susceptible to infection in the early weeks of their lives. Contracting something as simple as the common cold can pose a real danger for young babies. One of the biggest threats to new babies is a very common virus called respiratory syncytial virus, also known as RSV. I wasn't aware of this dangerous virus when I had an infant at home, but knowing this am really glad that I was so cautious. RSV is of great concern because it spreads very easily. The virus can … [Read more...]

Tropicana Pure Premium: Brings Back Childhood Memories

TropPurePremiumLogo

I grew up in a rural part of central Florida where Tropicana Pure Premium Orange Juice oranges are grown. There were orange groves everywhere. The smell from the sweet orange blossoms was intoxicating. Nothing beats fresh squeezed juice from Florida oranges. I can almost smell and taste it now! Still having some friends and family in the business of growing oranges, I understand how hard these growers work. The great great care and pride they put into their work, to give us quality, delicious orange juice. Did you know that oranges have been grown in Florida since the 1560s, approximately 147 years before any other U.S. state? Growing oranges is serious business in … [Read more...]

Two Weeks to A Healthier Smile With Crest and Oral-B Pro-Health Clinical #CrestSponsored

Crest and Oral-B Pro-Health Clinical product group image

I'm looking forward to having a healthier smile in two weeks, thanks to the Crest and Oral-B Pro-Health Clinical Test Drive that I am participating in. Don't you love the fresh, clean feeling in your mouth after a dental cleaning? I certainly do and regrettably it is all but a distant memory at this point. Can Crest and Oral-B Pro-Health Clinical products give my teeth that just cleaned feeling again? I'll let you know, because starting tomorrow I will be using Crest Pro-Health Clinical Plaque Control Toothpaste, Crest Pro-Health Clinical Rinse, Oral-B Glide Pro Health Clinical Protection Floss, and an Oral-B Pro-Health Clinical Pro-Flex Toothbrush as part of my twice daily oral … [Read more...]