Melvin the Magnificent Molar Children's Book Review

I was really excited to receive Baby Hsu's first signed book - Melvin the Magnificent Molar written by Julia Cook & Laura Jana, MD. and illustrated by Allison Valentine!  The softcover book is for all ages (2 and up).  Yes, Baby Hsu is not even born yet but it's never too early to prepare a child for some healthy teeth cleaning.  Melvin will speak to your child from a tooth's point of view, explaining all that is involved with maintaining a healthy smile.  Melvin the Magnificent Molar is educational by promoting brushing, flossing, and regular visits to the dentist.  It also explains and illustrates what to expect during each dentist visit in a fun and friendly manner.  Most children are afraid of going to the dentist and this book definitely familiarize readers with a playful and enjoyable experience.

Melvin the Magnificent Molar may be purchased for $9.95 + tax/shipping here.  This is one book that should be added to your child's book collection (HSUper Parents-Approved).     

Baby Dipper Review

Thanks to Greener, Healthier Living and Baby Dipper for the easy feeding Baby Dipper!  The Baby Dipper contains up to 4 oz. of food.  I love how the bowl stays put on any surface without having to worry about it slipping off the table while feeding or adding contents to the bowl.  Also, a huge plus is that the Baby Dipper is a mom-invented product!

 - BPA-free, lead-free and phthalate-free

 - Contoured interior guides food to spoon

 - Spoon fits in lower corner of bowl

 - Non-slip base helps prevent sliding

 - Transparent sides allow easy viewing of food

I can't wait to feed Baby Hsu with this bowl set.  The Baby Dipper is a great set for feeding your little one or for your little one to feed himself/herself without making a huge mess (HSUper Parents-Approved)!

Tuesday Tag-Along 04/27/10

Happy Tuesday Tag-Along hosted by Twee Poppets!  Please show some support and love by following me @hsuperparents on Twitter, HSUper Parents on Facebook, Google Friend Connect and Networked Blogs (right sidebar), and voting for my blog on Top Baby Blogs.  Remember to leave your url and I'll follow you back!

Thanks for visiting!   

Monday Madness 04/26/10

Happy Monday Madness! Thanks to the hosts Saving Obsession and Tuckers Take Tennessee for organizing this madness. Please show some love by following me @hsuperparents on Twitter, HSUper Parents on Facebook, Google Friend Connect (right sidebar), Networked Blogs (right sidebar), subscribe via email and rss feed, and voting for my blog on Top Baby Blogs.  Leave your blog's url and I'll follow you back.

Thank you for visiting!

Free Bumpits For Hair!

 Bumpits is giving away to each household a free Bumpit for your hair in the color choice of blonde, dark brown, or light brown (while supplies last).
http://www.facebook.com/Bumpits?v=app_119338848082357&ref=mf

Friday Follow 4/23/10

Happy Friday Follow! Thanks to the hosts One 2 Try, Hearts Make Families, and Midday Escapades.  Please show some love and support and vote for me on Top Baby Blogs (click here), follow @hsuperparents on Twitter, like HSUper Parents on Facebook, follow my blog via Google Friend Connect and Networked Blogs, and subscribe via emal and reader. Leave your blog url and I'll follow you back.

Thanks for visiting!

It's a Social Parade!

Welcome and feel free to enter my giveaways!  Happy Wednesday!

SKOY Cloth Review & Giveaway - 2 Winners! (CLOSED)

 SKOY Enterprises has kindly sent me a pack of SKOY cloths to review!  Michelle and Karen are the brilliant minds behind SKOY cloths.  The cloths are eco-friendly, produced by a unique blend of renewable raw materials such as wood-pulp cellulose and natural cotton.  Using one SKOY cloth is equivalent to using 15 rolls of paper towels in an average home.  In addtion, the cloth has an absorption factor of 15x its own weight.  Imagine using 15 sheets of good-quality paper towels at once.  To name a few, SKOY has been featured on O, The Oprah Magazine, Reader's Digest and Cook's Illustrated.

• 100% biodegradable and natural
• Made in Germany
• Re-usable and machine washable
• Non-toxic and chlorine-free
• Multi-use cloth - replace paper towels and sponges 

USE - Wet your SKOY cloth before using. Be sure to squeeze out the excess water for optimal absorption. It can be used with popular household cleaners, but works just as well with water.

Note: Rinse cloth very well when combined with dish soap in order not to leave residue.

We recommend that after your SKOY cloth has passed its prime, it can be used as a rag for heavier cleaning. Chlorine-use is not recommended.

CARE - The SKOY can be cleaned in your dishwasher and is washer and dryer safe up to 90°C (190°F).

Another option to keep your SKOY cloth germ-free is to microwave it daily when damp for 1-2 minutes. This will also remove possible bad smell that is caused by bacteria. Remember your SKOY cloth must be wet when microwaving for best effect and to avoid risk for fires. The SKOY cloth will be extremely hot when removing from the microwave so please use caution and wait a moment. Immediately run under cool water to rinse.

Note: Make sure the SKOY cloth is wet when microwaving to avoid fires.

Warning: The SKOY cloth can be extremely hot when removing from the microwave.

Wow, SKOY cloths are indispensable in every household! It is perfect for wiping countertops and the floor, scrubbing the stovetop, drying dishes...you name it. I like how durable the cloth is and how efficiently it absorbs my wet counters and floors. In addition, the colors and designs add a little pizazz to an ordinary cloth. Overall, this is the best cleaning cloth I have ever used (HSUper Parents-approved)!

Buy It!  SKOY cloths may be purchased online or through their retailers & e-tailers.

Win It!  SKOY Enterprises has kindly offered to give away to two (2) lucky HSUper Parents readers SKOY cloths (4-pack).

Mandatory Entry (please leave a comment for each entry done and remember to leave your email):

• Follow me on Google Friend Connect (right sidebar)

Additional Entries:

• Follow @Skoycloth on Twitter
• Fan Skoy on Facebook
• Follow @hsuperparents on Twitter (comment with ID)
• Fan HSUper Parents on Facebook (comment with ID)
• Follow me on Networked Blogs (right sidebar)
• Subscribe to my blog via email (right sidebar)
• Grab my button (right sidebar) - 2 entries
• Vote for me at Top Baby Blogs (right sidebar) - 2 entries 
• Tweet this giveaway (can be retweeted daily for additional entries - leave the link to the tweet itself in the comments). Use the following:  RT @hsuperparents Win SKOY Cloths Giveaway 2 winners! http://bit.ly/c3Q6rQ #giveaway #skoy @skoycloth 

Giveaway open to US residents only and ends on 05/07/2010 at 11:59pm PST. A winner will be chosen with random.org. The winner will be notified by email and posted on this blog. Winner will have 48 hours to reply to my email or a new winner will be chosen. Good luck!

Disclaimer: This review has not been monetarily compensated and is based on the views and opinions of myself. Please note that the opinions reflected in this post have not been influenced by the sponsor in any way. However, for review purposes, I do accept and will keep free products, services, travel, event tickets, and other forms of compensation.

Bebe au Lait Nursing Cover & Hooded Towel Review

I have won my 2nd & 3rd giveaway with much thanks to Energizer Bunny's Mommy Reports, Celebrity Baby Scoop, and Bebe au Lait!  I received the fabulous products of Bebe au Lait - Nursing Cover (in Papillon) and Baby Hooded Towel (in Capri).  Created by designers Ronnie and Claire Ekelund, Bebe au Lait was originally Hooter Hider.  Their products were an immediate sensation and gained overnight publicity and fame.  Hollywood mommies such as Liv Tyler, Gwen Stefani, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Julia Roberts have been seen sporting Bebe au Lait's products. But, most importantly, Bebe au Lait is committed to our common mother, Earth.

Bebe au Lait Nursing Covers (the original and patent-protected nursing cover) are the #1 choice of nursing covers for breastfeeding mothers.  Since my little one is still in my tummy, I had to model these stylish products.  I love it because not only is the nursing cover beautiful, it is a 100% cotton (machine washable) fabric that is not see through which allows privacy.  This really gives me an ease of mind when I breastfeed in public.

Special Features: 

   * Rigid neckline with adjustable straps for eye-to-eye contact with baby

* Prints exclusive to Bebe au Lait

* Designer quality fabrics

* Convenient to fit into any diaper bag

* Alternative uses - drape over stroller/car seat/baby carrier or changing mat

* Terry cloth pockets on both bottom corners to hold small items such as breast pads/pacifiers and can be used as a cleanup cloth after nursing

The Bebe au Lait Baby Hooded Towels are one of my favorite hooded towels.  They also come in Toddler sizes.  I love it how the towel is over-sized, thick, soft and durable. An added bonus is the eye-catching trim around the towel.

Special Features:

* Baby - fits 0-24 months

* Approximate size 42" x 27"

* Generously sized for cozy swaddling

* Plush 100% cotton terry trimmed with Bebe au Lait exclusive prints

* Machine washable

These also make great baby shower gifts.  The packaging is appealing and it's in recyclabe materials.  Totally into fashion, I care about what products I present myself in public.  And, Bebe au Lait products are definitely fashionable and unique!

Free Plush Tiger From Talla Sales!

Talla Sales is giving away free samples of their plush tiger.  It's perfect because this is the year of the Tiger!
http://tallasales.com/en/plush_sample.html

UBP10 After Party - And the Party Continues!

It was my 1st Ultimate Blog Party and I had a blast!  Although I didn't get to party all week long (which I will definitely try to for next year), I was still able to party with quite a few bloggers.  Here I am (on the left) at 21 weeks pregnant and my other pregger friend!
 - Baby Loving Mama
 - Juliana's Bits & Pieces
 - Stop Drop and Relax
 - Hands, House, and Heart Full
 - One House Schoolroom
 - Five Amazing Minutes
- The Coupon High
 - Raising My 4 Sons
 - Long Wait For Isabella
 - Tiaras & Tantrums
 - Wishing Penny
 - The Twinhappy Blog
 - Susieqtpies at Scraps of Life
 - Lauralee Moss
 - A Nut In A Nutshell
 - Confessions of a Homeschooler
 - Being Made New
 - The Youngn's
 - Busy Lil Homemaker
 - Love Life Family and Then Some
 - Jamerican Spice
 - Craft Mommy Diva
 - Children Grow Children Explore Children Learn
 - And Twins Make 5
 - The Attic Girl
 - The Healthy Moms     

Happy UBP10 and see you next year!

EcoMom Doctor T's SuperGoop Super-Spray Everyday Lotion SPF 30+ and Super-Swipes With Zinc SPF 30+ Giveaway! (CLOSED)

EcoMom (formerly SproutBaby) has kindly given me a sample of the Doctor T's SuperGoop Super-Spray and Super-Swipes With Zinc to review.  Being a first time expectant mom, I value products that do not contain harmful chemicals and ingredients that may affect my baby-to-be.  After applying the Super-Spray, I immediately noticed how quick the everyday lotion dried on my skin leaving a smooth touch.  I honostly dislike sunscreen lotions that leave a face greasy and shiny, noticed from a mile away.  It keeps my face moisturized and at the same time protected from the harmful rays of the sun.  On to the Super-Swipes.  These sunscreen swipes are perfect for fast applications.  I was sun-protected with just several swipes.  You may put it in your purse or bags for a quick and fast re-apply.  Here's a brief background about EcoMom.   

Founded to address the connection between the health of our environment and the health of our children, EcoMom is committed to making eco-conscious living easy, affordable, and rewarding.  Originally launched by a passionate and concerned mother, EcoMom.com has become a team of moms, dads, aunts, uncles, e-commerce veterans, business and finance professionals committed to making healthy decisions for our children and planet as easy, practical and affordable as possible.  We provide a select offering of healthy, eco-conscious products, based on extensive research and recommendations.  We want to support parents and children, and we do that by making available authentically good products that meet our rigorous standards, are tested and approved by parents and foster the growth and development of your children while also treading lightly on the planet. It’s a tall order, and we are up for the challenge.  We see ourselves as a part of a growing movement, and we partner with companies who share our commitment to children, the planet and the future. Healthy Child is  one of our Foundation Partners in this effort, and 1% of EcoMom.com's sales goes directly to Healthy Child.

Doctor T's Super-Spray

 - Active Ingredients:  Avobenzone (Parsol 1789), Octinoxate, Octisalate, Octocrylene, Padimate
 - Water resistant dry-touch SPF 30+ UVA and UVB photostable lotion
 - Aloe vera based with Vitamins A, C & E

 - Gentle enough for your baby and tough enough for the most athletic member

Doctor T's Super-Swipes

 - Active Ingredients:  Homosalate -10%, Octocrylene -2.8%, Zinc Oxide -2%, Ensulizole -2
 - SPF 30+ UVA protectio
 - Green tea based with Vitamins A, C & E
 - Recommended for 6 months of age and up

Preferably, I like the Super-Spray over the Super-Swipes because my skin tends to be on the drier side and I like how the lotion keeps my face moisturized.  But, the reason why I really like these products is because they are free of parabens, oxybenzone, and fragrance (HSUper Parents-approved)!  Thank you EcoMom!

Buy It!  You may purchase the Doctor T's Super-Spray and Doctor T's Super-Swipes and their other fantastic products on EcoMom's website.  You may receive a 15% discount off your first order with EcoMom by entering the discount code SBBL222 (good through May 31, 2010).  Also, their new program EcoPass provides for a 15% discount on every order, as well as free shipping with no $75 minimum requirement ($99 annual membership). 

Win It!  EcoMom has kindly offered to give away to one lucky HSUper Parents reader a Doctor T's Super-Spray and Doctor T's Super-Swipes With Zinc.

Entries (please leave a comment for each entry done and remember to include your email):

• Follow @EcoMomCEO on Twitter
• Fan EcoMom on Facebook
• Join EcoMom's Newsletter here
• Follow @hsuperparents on Twitter (leave ID in comments)
• Fan HSUper Parents on Facebook (leave ID in comments)
• Follow me on Networked Blogs (right sidebar)
• Follow me on Google Friend Connect (right sidebar)
• Subscribe to my blog via email (right sidebar)
• Grab my button (right sidebar) - 2 entries 
• Tweet this giveaway (can be retweeted daily for additional entries - leave the link to the tweet itself in the comments).  Use the following:  RT @hsuperparents Win EcoMom Doctor T's Everyday Lotion SPF 30+ & Sunscreen Swipes #giveaway! http://bit.ly/9QlMtG #ecomom @EcoMomCeo    

Giveaway open to Canada & US residents and ends on 04/30/2010 at 11:59pm PST. A winner will be chosen with random.org. The winner will be notified by email and posted on this blog. Winner will have 48 hours to reply to my email or a new winner will be chosen. Good luck!

Disclaimer:  This review has not been monetarily compensated and is based on the views and opinions of myself.  Please note that the opinions reflected in this post have not been influenced by the sponsor in any way.  However, for review purposes, I do accept and will keep free products, services, travel, event tickets, and other forms of compensation. 

Follow Me Friday

Happy Friday!  Please show some love and follow my blog (buttons on the right sidebar).  I enjoy reading comments as well.

SuPper Suit Bib Review

I am so excited to have won my 1st giveaway, the SuPper Suit Bib, from Happy Mothering in collaboration with SuPper Suit!  Designers duo Gian Marco Merazzi and Paola de Stefano Merazzi came up with a brilliant idea to make long sleeved bibs that are made with soft, lightweight water resistant fabric.

Since my baby is still in my womb, I have "borrowed" my cousin's baby boy to model this great bib.  It is lightweight and easy to take along when eating out.  Also, the water resistant fabric allows for cleaning to be as easy as a simple wipe.

Features:

• Fits children up to 37 lbs.
• 32" from cuff to cuff
• 13.5" wide and 13.5" tall
• Large pocket in front - to collect spills and crumbs
• Velcro closure in back - facilitate one hand operation
• Includes a travel pouch to store the bib on the go
• 2 designs - Tuxedo (boys) and Little Black Dress (girls)

I can't wait for my baby to sport this Tuxedo SuPper Suit Bib!

$15 Gift Card to Babies R Us / Toys R Us Giveaway! (CLOSED)

To get the party rolling, I'm giving away a $15 gift card to Babies R Us/Toys R Us.  To be entered, please do one or all of the following and leave a separate comment for each item that you have done.  Remember to leave me your email. 

1. Follow me @hsuperparents on Twitter and tweet this giveaway (can be retweeted daily for additional entries - leave the link to the tweet itself in the comments).  RT @hsuperparents Win $15 GC to Babies R Us / Toys R Us Giveaway! http://bit.ly/aEgHel #giveaway #ubp10 #baby #toys
2. Become HSUper Parents Facebook fan
3. Update your status on Facebook to link back to this blog
4. Follow this blog on Networked Blogs (link at the right sidebar)
5. Follow this blog on Google Friend Connect (link at the right sidebar)
6. Post a comment on my blog on any postings 
7. Grab my button (link at the right sidebar) - 2 entries

Giveaway open to Canada & US residents and ends on 04/23/2010 at 11:59pm PST.  A winner will be chosen with random.org.  The winner will be notified by email and posted on this blog.  Winner will have 48 hours to reply to my email or a new winner will be chosen.  Good luck!

 

2010 Ultimate Blog Party - It's Party Time!

Yay for the 2010 Ultimate Blog Party hosted by 5 Minutes For Mom!  Hi and welcome -  I'm Nicole!  This is my first blog party and I'm excited to have some fun party blogging.  I hope to meet new friends and visit new blogs.  Here's an engagement photo of my hubby and I we took in 2008 (yes the water is real - not graphics).  I am a first time mom-to-be due in August 2010 and I have been learning so much from other mommy bloggers.  Thank you!  I welcome any advice from parenting to products to cooking.

From being inspired from all the mommy blogs, I have just started to blog the beginning of this month.  I have been doing a lot of research on baby and mommy products and I would love to find the best product for baby and I.  I hope to post some reviews and giveaways of fantastic products!  If you have enjoyed my blog so far, please do support me by grabbing my button, following me on Twitter, becoming my Facebook fan, following my blog on Networked Blogs, and following me with Google Friend Connect.  I would love to visit your blogs as well.

Thanks for coming to this party! 

My top three pick of prizes I would like to win from UBP:

1.  $200 gift certificate for any Wall Slicks
2. $150 shopping spree at A Rocking Horse To Love
3. Custom tutu from Nellie Bug's

If my top three picks have been chosen, I'd love to win the following in order of preference:  67, 30, 92, USC 24, USC 57, 50, USC 11, USC 5, USC 9, 22, 16, 2, USC 34, USC 29, USC 30, 62, 19, or anything related to babies and mommies. 

Bella B Tummy Honey Butter Review

Bella B Natural Bodycare utilizes the highest-quality, clinically-proven ingredients available.  They use clean, natural formulations free of petroleum, mineral oils, lanolin and parabens.  Bella B is perfectly formulated for expecting and new mothers.

I just started using this product about two weeks ago in order to prevent stretch marks from appearing on my body from my breasts to my thighs.  The Tummy Honey Butter is also a solution to maintain skin elasticity and moisture deep into skin layers, which uses an oil-based formula with anti-itch ingredients.  It has a mild, cocoa butter scent that is not overpowering.  I mainly use it at night because it's a little on the buttery side.  But, I don't mind my PJs getting a little bit sticky as long as it does the trick to prevent stretch marks.  You can purchase this baby for about $15-$20 over at amazon.com. 

So far, I love this product and we'll see if those sneaky stretch marks will appear at the end of my pregnancy.

Boy or Girl???

Yesterday, my hubby and I went to get an ultrasound hoping to find out the sex of our baby.  But, I guess our little one is a stubborn one that just wouldn't open its legs (no matter how hard they shook my tummy to move our baby).  Most importantly, we were happy to hear our baby is healthy.  Whatever God will bless us with, whether a boy or girl, we know that it will be for our best.  Until next ultrasound...

I'm Officially a Blogger!

Yay, my 1st blog!  As an expectant mom, I have been doing a lot of research on pregnancy itself and numerous baby products out on the market.  Luckily to my aide, my friend had recommended the following books.

Baby Bargains 8.1 Edition by Denise & Alan Fields
I have finished reading this book and it is informative and fantastic!  This book reviews an array of baby products from cribs to carriers, informing readers which product is best for its value and the consistency of its safety.  After going through this book, I have a clear idea of which products I would like to purchase for our baby! 

 
What To Expect When You're Expecting by Heidi Murkoff & Sharon Mazel
I am in the middle of reading this book and basically it is a book on Pregnancy 101.  It goes into great details on what a pregger can expect on a weekly basis, including the development of the embryo.  There is also a section for expectant dads to read up on.  Great book so far!

                 

                     The Nursing Mother's Companion by Kathleen Huggins

I have not touched this book yet, but will get to it once I have finished reading What To Expect When You're Expecting.