Scootin' Away`

The minute we get a warm or even remotely warmer day here in New England, my daughter and I are outside soaking up the vitamin D and fresh air. Our favorite way to play is with the Kickboard USA
Maxi Kick Scooter. My daughter loves playing with this award-winning scooter.
The lime maxi kick scooter is the newest, high-performance, 3-wheel scooter, award-winning, Swiss-designed scooter for kids ages 6+, by micro, Switzerland.

The lime maxi kick scooter won the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold and Platinum Seal Award for 2009 and was featured on NBC’s “Today Show” as part of a feature on The Best Toys for Summer. The lime maxi kick scooter also was named 'Best Scooter for Kids' by ToyReport.org.The lime maxi kick scooter'a 3-wheel scooter design features the unique lean-and-steer mechanism, offering the feeling of ‘surfing the sidewalks’.
The maxi takes street surfing to the next level with its adjustable pilot stick handle, allowing advanced riders to curve and carve like never before.
Mastering the unique pilot stick steering option takes little practice but provides optimal performance and handling unmatched by other products.
The maxi is also available with an adjustable T-bar steering option that handles just like the mini kick.
The maxi kick’s reinforced fiberglass construction provides exceptional durability for everyday use while remaining amazingly lightweight.
The rear ‘spoon’ brake and double-rear wheels add stability and performance.
Micro Mobility Ltd. asked kids ages 5-11 what they wanted in a scooter when designing the new maxi. Smooth-gliding, with extreme-like handling and performance is what they asked for. The maxi delivers - it is smoother, cooler, tougher!

The turn radius is remarkable on this, and my daughter begs to use it indoors when the weather is not cooperating. Kickboard USA makes a scooter for kids of all ages (yes, parents even you!). We live on a busy street, so I love the control the Maxi gives my daughter. She loves the smooth ride and the feeling of being in control. I may never get her on a bike again. She loves scootin' away all day long.

Hyland's Giveaway

When I first gave birth I was astounded at the numerous reports of the negative effects of children's medications. I vowed then and there to use homeopathic remedies whenever possible. Hyland's Homeopathy was founded by George Hyland in 1903. Hyland's has a large selection of homeopathic remedies. My "medicine" cabinet is chock-full of their products and with good reason.

The active ingredients in Hyland’s homeopathic medicines work by stimulating the most effective healing force known - the body's own natural defenses - and are therefore not heavy or overpowering. The medicines are virtually free of side effects and can be taken by nearly anyone at any time, from infants to the elderly, including anyone taking prescription medications.

We have used Calm's Forte to help our little one get a good night's sleep.
We could not have lived without Hyland's Teething Gel and Colic Tablets. We even used their diaper ointment and it worked naturally to get rid of painful rashes.
The entire family takes the Vitamin C before and after traveling to build our immune systems.

Now Hyland's has come up with a natural way to soothe coughs for babies. The new Cough Syrup tastes super sweet and yummy and is the only thing my toddler will take to soothe her tickling cough. It is all-natural and helps babies get their much-needed rest rather than being up all night coughing.

You can win your own bottle of Hyland's Baby Cough Syrup. Here's How:

Giveaway Rules:
This contest is only open to US readers. You must be 18 years or older to enter. You must be a Product Mommy follower. All entries must be received by 11:59pm on April 26, 2012. Please include your email address in each entry. Winners will be chosen at random. I will notify the winners on April 27, 2012 via email (please respond within 48 hours) and your Hyland's Baby Cough Syrip will be sent to you directly from Hyland's Homeopathic Remedies.

How to Enter: You must be a Product Mommy follower.


Extra Entries:
You must do the "How to Enter" first and be sure you leave a "comment" for each extra entry and tell me which one you did. Don't forget your email address too.
1.Become a fan of Hyland's on Facebook
2.Become a fan of Hyland's on Twitter
3.Become a fan of Product Mommy on Facebook
4.Become a fan of Product Mommy on Twitter
5.Subscribe to Product Mommy by email (top left of blog page)
6, Twitter about this contest (and leave a link to the Tweet)
7. Post this giveaway on Facebook (and leave a link)

For Your Comfort

Bumps and bruises are a part of childhood, but as a momma, I still cringe when she gets them. Sometimes these ailments need a little more than a kiss or some ice, and that is where Grampa's Garden products save the day. Grampa's Garden has a huge selection of warm packs, cold packs and aromatherapy items that are there to soothe any ailment. We are absolutely in love with the Bunny Wrap. We can use it as a warm pack or a cold pack. It is super cute and irresistible. Bunny Wrap helps to quiet the tears and soothe the soul. I use it to soothe my sore shoulders, and it gets rid of bellyaches fast too! I love the natural soothing scent of cinnamon too! The unique design allows it to be used all over wherever you may have a "boo-boo". I used it as a mask the other day, which gave my daughter a real laugh.

If your child has sensory issues, be sure to check out the weighted animals and blankets.

Grampa's Garden is blooming with so many items you will not be able to choose just one.

SeaSnax Giveaway!

My biggest issue with eating happens at night. I mindlessly cram things into my mouth and then feel guilty the next morning. I try to set a good example with what I eat and drink, so my daughter can develop healthy habits. I love a good crunch and good flavor. Enter SeaSnax. These delicious seaweed snacks come in many flavors and are simply delicious!

SeaSnax is a nutrient-packed roasted seaweed snack which is vegan, gluten free and Non-GMO Project verified. It is made using 100% olive oil and just a pinch of sea salt. This vegetable of the sea is all natural with no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.

SeaSnax are made from nori and porphyra (red algae, which have many nutrients.

seaweed draws an extraordinary wealth of micronutrients from the sea, including iodine, calcium, sodium, magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc, copper, and selenium. (In fact, seaweed has a large proportion of iodine compared to dietary minimum requirements. While actual amounts per product vary, the average sheet of nori is estimated to provide 70% of the recommended daily intake of iodine.) Red algae also contains vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin B12.seaweed lipids also have a higher proportion of essential fatty acids (EFAs) than land plants. Red algae have a high EPA content, a substance mostly found in animals, especially fish. While the amount of EPA and DHA in a sheet of nori varies with the level of nutrients in the ocean while the algae grows, one sheet of nori contains about 0.5 grams of Omega-3 fatty acids.(from http://whole9life.com/2011/07/steal-this-snack-seasnax-strangely-addictive/)

Best part of all, kids love SeaSnax! Over a recent school vacation, I was fighting my nephews and daughter (I lost) to leave my SeaSnax alone. One nephew would not believe it when I told him it was seaweed. Nighttime snacking is actually beneficial to me now that I have these tasty delights at my disposal.

Want to win you own SeaSnax? I thought so! SeaSnax is offering on lucky Product Mommy winner a choice of either a Grab-and-Go 12/pk in your flavor choice, or a 4 pack of the full-sized sheets.

Here's How:
Giveaway Rules:
This contest is only open to US readers. You must be 18 years or older to enter. You must be a Product Mommy follower. All entries must be received by 11:59pm on April 8, 2012. Please include your email address in each entry. Winners will be chosen at random. I will notify the winners on April 9, 2012 via email (please respond within 48 hours) and your the SeaSnax of your choice (either Grab and Go 12/pk or 4 pack of the sheets) will be sent to you directly from SeaSnax.

How to Enter: You must be a Product Mommy follower.


Extra Entries:
You must do the "How to Enter" first and be sure you leave a "comment" for each extra entry and tell me which one you did. Don't forget your email address too.
1.Become a fan of SeaSnax on Facebook
2.Become a fan of SeaSnax on Twitter
3.Become a fan of Product Mommy on Facebook
4.Become a fan of Product Mommy on Twitter
5.Subscribe to Product Mommy by email (top left of blog page)
6, Twitter about this contest (and leave a link to the Tweet)
7. Post this giveaway on Facebook (and leave a link)

Teaching Responsibility

Children are always asking us to buy them something, or give them something. I was starting to see my daughter become really spoiled. I wanted her to know what earning money meant. Sure, she is young, but it is never too soon to learn. That was how I found the FisherKids Responsibility Station. It is the ingenius creation of a mom and dad who believe that responsible kids will become responsible adults. Their motto is "If I fish for you, you eat for a day. If I teach you to fish, you eat for a lifetime." See, I told you, genius! The FisherKids Responsibility Station comes with:

16" X 16" metal pegboard and hanging hardware (the pegboard allows you to hang it freely to a stud, so you place the hanging hardware in any hole of the pegboard!)
pegboard hooks
a weekly responsibility magnet and marker (this is not just chores; this is what is to be done to be an active part of the family team; there are many things we do just to help out the team, not because we will be paid for it! This is an essential lesson of the fisherkids system.)
paycheck notepad (this is enough for one year's worth of use and each week is noted with a different quote about family, responsibility, teaching, learning, wealth, charity, or saving. the goal is that families use these quotes as topics around the dinner table for some unrivaled family discussion!)
chore chooser bin
chore sticks (these are blank on one end for you to fill out the chores necessary around your house. the other end is hot-stamped with "thank you" so we are teaching the important lesson of mutual respect.)
3 vinyl money bags: give it (teal), save it (orange), spend it (yellow) (this is where the fiscal responsibility lessons occur; what is done with the money once it is honestly earned.)
parent's guide

I started by thinking about what I wanted my daughter to do in our home. Because she is little, we started with putting away her own toys and washing hands, and using a spray water bottle to help dust (a tip from the parent's guide!). She gets money for each day and chooses which money bag to put it in. It has taught her to earn some of the items she wants, and how to save for bigger things. It is also teaching her to give to a charity of her choice. This year we are saving to buy gifts for a local family in need. She is also learning to read out the chores on the stick, and there is nothing she likes better than choosing her own chore. A child is never to young to learn about helping out and giving to receive. During this holiday season, why not let your little one help out and get to purchase small gifts for family or give to a charity?

Vitamin Friends Save the Day

I always have the best intentions when feeding my daughter. I want her to have a healthy, well-balanced diet. I sometimes fail on this mission, so in order to make sure she gets the proper nutrition, I use vitamins. As a kid, I never took vitamins because I could not stand the taste. Thank goodness, we have come a long way. Vitamin Friends makes taking vitamins a treat and not a chore. They have something for everyone. Vitamin Friends has Calcium, vitamin D, Multi-vitamin, probiotic, vitamin C, Omega and Propolis & Echinacea supplements. There are sugar-free options and the gummie vitamins are gluten,egg, nut, wheat, corn, eggs, transfat, gelatin, preservative, artificial color, flavor and sweetener FREE! More importantly the taste of all of the different vitamins are so delicious your child will literally ask for them.

My daughter, things the ProbaYo Yogurt Bears are candy. I had to explain she could only have a certain amount per day. This from the same child I previously had to chase down to get to take anything.

I recently felt a cold coming on so I popped some of the PropoBear Propolis & Echinacea gummies. They were super yummy and they helped my body fight off the infection.

Vitamin Friends are the tough super-hero vitamins and supplements you kids need. They are the best friends a kid could have.

One Lucky Duck

One Lucky Duck.com is an online boutique where you’ll find the best raw vegan snacks, that are handmade in small batches at NYC’s best raw vegan restaurant, Pure Food and Wine. I have been dying to go to Pure Food and Wine, so getting their treats sent to my door is the next best thing. One Lucky Duck.com offers you everything from ingredients, supplements and everything you need for and organic lifestyle.

One Lucky Duck.com was founded in July 2005 by Sarma Melngailis, the co-creator of the raw,
vegan and organic Manhattan restaurant Pure Food and Wine, and co-author of Raw
Food Real World (Harper Collins, July 2005) and Living Raw Food (Harper
Collins, May 2009). Sarma started One Lucky Duck to help bring the raw, vegan and
organic lifestyle out of the underground and into the mainstream.

We got a few of the raw food goodies. The Striped Cinnamon Squares put old sugar cookies to shame. They are delicious and use nutritious raw almond flour and other raw ingredients so you never feel guilty eating them.


The Blonde Macaroons and the Chocolate Macaroons are so light and delicious that they have sparked a family debate over which is the best. I am torn between both sides.

If you are just thinking about going raw, or want a way to have a yummy healthy treat, you have to check out the goodies at One Lucky Duck.com. You will feel like one lucky foodie!

Navitas Naturals

I am always looking for ways to add more healthy foods to our lives. You all know about our love of smoothies and seeds etc. I am also trying to work with more "green companies" to provide us with the products we use. Navitas Naturals is a company based in Marin County, California that provides certified organic functional foods. The “Navitas” in the name is the Latin word for energy. The foods are all free of additives, trans fats and are always as pure as can be. Navitas Naturals says:

Our company is committed to socially and environmentally responsible business practices. We source our premium functional foods through direct partnerships with farming communities around the world. An essential part of our mission is to create economic opportunities among indigenous people in developing countries, and our support of native agriculture helps expand development of global organic farming practices.

We got a few products to try. We loved every single one. The Goldenberries are nutritionally packed with anti-inflammatory bioflavonoids, vitamins A and C, and protein. They are 100% pure are certified organic, kosher, gluten-free, vegan, and raw. They do not contain any added sugar or preservatives. My daughter loved the sweet and sour taste. We did not even get the chance to bake with them because she ate them right out of the bag for snack.

The Maqui Powder, made from ground Maqui berries offers more antioxidants than any discovered fruit.

Recent studies have demonstrated the nutrition in maqui berries can support a wide variety of bodily functions, including brain performance, heart health, liver strength, anticancer activity and – as the Machupe Indians likely know – overall longevity.

We added ours to smoothies, and even sprinkled on to oatmeal for a tart delicious treat!

We also are known to have a little bit of sweet tooth (just a little one), so the Organic Superfood Chocolate Kit . The kit came with cacao butter, cacao powder and even cacao nibs: a synergistic combination of exciting power ingredients that's packed with antioxidants, phytonutrients, vitamins, essential minerals, and is sugar and dairy free. We decided to use a chocolate mold we had for crafts. My daughter was very into helping to melt the cacao butter and mixing in the powder. I loved the delicious crunch added by the cacao nibs. Hands down, this one was a winner!

We now have a new "go-to" for healthy treats.

Inspired by Finn Giveaway!

You would think growing up a Polish girl with tons of Amber, I would know the healing properties it holds, but alas I never did. Good thing I came across Inspired by Finn! Inspired by Finn sells necklaces and jewelry made from Baltic Amber and Hazelwood. Hazelwood is made from Hazelwood Branches from a Hazelwood tree and have been used by the aboriginal people for many years for its multiple healing properties. Hazelwood helps in the healing of ulcers, acid reflux, heartburn, skin problems (psoriasis, eczema, acne), arthritis, constipation, migraines, sensitive & bleeding gums, helps reduce dental cavities and more. These necklaces are a great remedy for heartburn and nausea during pregnancy!

Baltic Amber is fossilized tree resin and has been used in Europe as a healer and curative for centuries. When baltic amber is worn on the skin, the skin’s warmth releases trace amounts of healing oils from the amber. These oils contain succinic acid and are absorbed into the skin.
Baltic Amber has some of the highest concentrations of succinic Acid found in nature, and this is what makes it so special. Succinic Acid is a natural component of plant and animal tissues, and it's presence in the human body is beneficial in many ways.
Baltic Amber is used for pain relief, strengthening the immune system, restoring energy and maintaining wellness. The lighter colored (closer to white) and milky the Amber, the stronger the succinic acid which is the beneficial component of Amber.

I got a Butter Round necklace and have been wearing it for the past few days. During allergy season I get terrible sinus pain which then affects my upper teeth and makes them hurt. I decided to give the Amber a try. I have to say, the first few hours I noticed nothing, and then by nighttime, I realized my sinus headache was gone, and I was able to chew normally again. Amber is also a great toothing remedy, as your child can bite on it. I have worn my necklace every day since and knock on wood, I have had positive results.
Inspired by Finn is giving one lucky Product Mommy reader a chance to win a piece of their choice (in stock pieces only, and it must measure 16” or less) from their website.
Giveaway Rules:
This contest is only open to US readers. All entries must be received by 11:59pm on June 29, 2010. Please include your email address in each entry. A winner will be chosen at random. I will notify the winner on June 30, 2010 via email (please respond within 48 hours) and the Inspired by Finn necklace of your choice will be mailed to you from Inspired by Finn (you must specify to me which piece you would like).

How to Enter: Leave a comment and be sure to include your email address.

Extra Entries:
You must do the "How to Enter" first and be sure you leave a "comment" for each extra entry and tell me which one you did. Don't forget your email address too.
1. Go to Inspired by Finn and tell me two facts about Baltic Amber or Hazelwood.
2. Become a fan of Inspired by Finn on Facebook
3.Become a follower of Product Mommy
4. Become a fan of Product Mommy on Facebook
5. Become a fan of Product Mommy on Twitter
6. Subscribe to Product Mommy by email (top left of blog page)
7. Twitter about this contest (and leave a link to the Tweet)
8. Post this giveaway on Facebook (and leave a link)

Nordic Berries-Omega Fishies

Nordic Berries:
I am always looking for a way to keep my daughter’s diet healthy. I find that even with the best intentions, there are things she does not want to eat, so I was looking for a healthy, yet tasty vitamin, and that is why I was thrilled to find Nordic Naturals Nordic Berries. Made with cloudberries, these “berries” are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, and they taste so good (a sweet and sour citrus). There are no artificial colorings, flavorings or preservatives. They are pectin based and are gelatin and allergin free. They provide 100% of essential nutrients including A, B, C, Ds and E. They are the perfect vitamin for children ages 2 and up. Getting my daughter to take them is easy as she calls them the “candy medicine”. I think that explains it all. They look like little gummy candies, and she loves the taste. I love the little trolls on the packaging! I have to admit, I even love the vitamins themselves and have begun to take them every morning too!


Fishy, Fishy In the Brook:
I have read so much about DHA and EPA being important for children. Why? Well EPA and DHA are omega-3 fatty acids. They are essential for children’s health and hormone, brain, eye and nervous system development. They are proven to promote a healthy immune system, enhance learning ability and improve memory and focus power. I love that Nordic Naturals has the purest, freshest and “greenest” fish oils out there. That means that their fish oil supplements do not have the unpleasant taste of others on the market. International experts recommend 15 mg of EPA+DHA per pound of body weight for children from 2-13, and even more as they get older. Nordic Omega-3 Fishies are fish shaped tangerine flavored treats! Each little fishy has 68mg of EPA and 45mg of DHA (made with purified fish oil from anchovies and sardines). They are artificial color, flavor, preservative, yeast, gluten and milk derivative free. I can attest that kids love them! Imagine one little fishy offering all of those benefits! My daughter just assumes they are a treat and ask for the Fishies every morning. I love that being healthy is for once, something easy!

To learn more about research showing positive effects of omega essential fatty acids on children’s health and well-being, see www.omega-research.com.

Contest:
“We Love Kids” Contest from Nordic Naturals to Raise Awareness
About the Importance of Essential Fatty Acids for Children
In light of the fact that children are still showing deficiencies of essential fatty acids, Nordic Naturals has created a consumer contest called “We Love Kids” to increase awareness that all kids, big and small, need Omega-3 fatty acids. From August 1 through October 31, 2009, the company will be accepting submissions by email naming the contestant’s favorite Nordic Naturals children’s product plus why they love it in a 200 or less word testimonial. A gift basket of Nordic Naturals products and promotional items for the entire family including the dog and cat will be awarded to the 3 winning entries. Winners must have a physical address in one of the 50 United States and be 18 years or older to enter. Emails can be sent to welovekids@nordicnaturals.com and need to include name, address, phone, and email address. To see complete contest information, go to www.nordicnaturals.com/welovekids.
Other Products for children include:
Children’s DHA available in chewable soft gels and liquid
Omega-3.6.9 Junior available in chewable soft gels, liquid, and convenient travel packs
Omega-3.6.9-D Junior available in chewable soft gels
Ultimate Omega 500 available in chewable soft gels
Nordic Omega-3 Fishies available in fish-shaped gummies
Nordic Omega-3 Gummies available in gummies
Nordic Berries gummy multivitamin with no fish oil added
Arctic Cod Liver Oil available in lemon, orange, peach, strawberry, spiced apple, and unflavored liquids and lemon-flavored soft gels

Getting Nosey with Snotty Kids

My least favorite part of my daughter getting a cold (other than the lack of sleep for both of us) is how congested her poor little nose gets. No matter how often we show her how to blow her nose, she never seems to get it all out-and then comes the bulb which she hates. When you use a bulb on a child's nose, it is not only invasive, and at times painful, it can also exacerbate the problem. The bulb can cause the nasal passages to become swollen and inflamed. I was super psyched to find the Nosefrida (okay I lie, at first I was confused and kind of grossed out, then I tried it). The Nosefrida is a nasal aspirator featuring a 15" clear plastic tube that extends from a nasal nozzle, allowing the parent to use their own suction to draw mucus out of the child's nose. A filter in the nasal nozzle prevents any exchange of mucus between child and parent. So basically you the parent become a booger sucker (but the filter prevents those nasty things from going into your mouth). The Nosefrida Nasal Aspirator is a doctor recommended nasal aspirator. It was invented in Sweden by Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists, and has been used by Moms and Dads for years. And best thing yet, my daughter loves the Nosefrida, since she holds the nasal nozzle at her nose, and laughs hysterically that mommy is "eating her boogies." So yeah sounds gross, but anything that gets her to sit still and feel less congested is aces with me.