Action and Veggie Adventure All In One Site!

At the farm, on the road or in the kitchen! The makers of Hidden Valley Salad dressing are on a quest -- they want kids to not just eat their veggies but learn to LOVE to eat their veggies.

They've created a website, Love Your Veggies and have included a lighthearted games section. (Personally, my favorite game to play has been to use the garden hose to spray off any unwanted critters who are trying to eat my crop! There's something so rewarding in making a little hungry bug scurry away! Seth's favorite game is driving the tractor to get the veggies in time.)

The site is great way to remind kids that eating veggies is an important part of staying healthy. (Plus, it serves as a reminder to us parents that a great way to get kids to eat veggies is by adding a bit of Hidden Valley Ranch dressing.) The games are geared toward younger kids but really any one of any age can play... The games are quick and easy to play. And any one of any age will enjoy the fun sound effects and graphics! Give it a try today.

This post was written on behalf of MomCentral.com

KY's Newest Product - "Intense" (?)

KY Brand has been helping couples "get it on" since 1917. Obviously, they take YOUR sex seriously - even if you aren't.

And now they've got a whole new product out there designed to help women get all "hot and bothered" in that oh so hormonal way. (And we ain't talking PMS.) The product? KY Intense Arousal Gel For Her.

When asked to try this product, I thought, "Eh why not?"

Directions are included with the product. But basically? You or your partner, massage a small amount of the clear gel into a certain, ahem, area during foreplay. The product, which smells to me like peppermint, is supposed to make that area feel warm at first and increase sensation, resulting from a more intense and pleasurable sexual experience.

According to the company's testing, 90 percent of couples experienced increased sensitivity. While I did experience a warming effect, it was mild - not as strong as I thought it would be. Although it did leave the area slightly more sensitive, it wasn't enough to really affect the sex.

We ended up trying the product a few times but basically, my overall experience was a bit underwhelming. I mean, it did increase sensitivity but not to a distinguishable point.

The average retail price is $24.99 for the .34 oz pump which gives you about 20 uses per package. And fear not, if you love your lube, the product can still be used with other KY products.

Giveaway Monday - Ecostore's Plant-based Products

No more nasty chemicals! That's what Ecostore USA's non-toxic Household Cleaning, Baby, Pet and Personal Care Products promise.

Ecostore's gone back to basics, which means getting back to nature and using only plant-based ingredients. In other words, no toxic petrochemicals, lauryl or laureth sulphates, propylene glycol, dyes, parabens, or cocamide DEA.

Recently, I was lucky enough to try the baby body wash and baby shampoo. I had my little man also try it for good measure.

What did he think? Well, I have to admit something first. Being that Seth is a manly-man kinda boy and can read pretty well, I had to take off each bottle's front lable. I knew that if he saw the photo of the baby on the label, followed by the words, "Baby Shampoo", or the little girl and baby and the phrase "Baby Body Wash" he'd be forever prejudiced.

He tried both in the shower a few weeks ago. He, like his mama, is very particular about scents. He loved the scents of both. Both products quickly lather. Both quickly rinse away. This is a good thing. There's nothing worse to a little boy than his mom saying, "Dude, there's still bubbles in your hair. Get back in the shower and stand under the water some more." We didn't haven't that problem with either product.

Some products do dry out his skin, so we do have to watch, at times, what he uses. But he definitely didn't end up with dry itchy skin after using Ecostore products.

As for me, I also loved the scents. Since my skin is very prone to breakouts, I have to watch what products I use. (Because with certain shampoos, I'll notice my neck starts to breakout. Bah!) But I had no problems with either products. Both rinse clean and leave a subtle scent.

In the end "the boy" ended up claiming both products as "his" and put them in his bathroom. That's quite a testimony as to what he thinks. Being that he hates to bathe, I'll take any help I can get!

The company is giving away a $25 EcoStore gift certificate to one lucky MotherofBun reader. I'll also be giving a way a "refreshing Vanilla bath soap" made by the company to a second place winner. Just leave a comment here or on the other blog. You must live in the US and be at least 18 to enter. The drawing closes on April 30th, 2009. Winners will be notified via email. Good luck!

Mighty B is Mighty Entertaining

A little girl named Bessie Higgenbottom is on a quest to collect every badge in Honeybee history. (Honeybee scouts are sort of like the Girl Scouts of America.) Why? Because she has heard that if you do so you can become a Mighty B superhero.

Can you blame the girl? Who DOESN'T want to be a superhero?

That's the premise behind the Nickelodeon cartoon Mighty B. Recently I was asked to review "The Mighty B - We Got The Bee!" I wasn't familiar with the show so I didn't know what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised by the eight episodes included on this dvd. Amy Pohler does a great job as the voice of Bessie, the quirky little girl with a big heart and boundless energy.

My son quickly got into the show and has asked to watch it again and again. And while I got a kick out of the first few episodes, I had to turn it off. Bessie is squirrelly. So is my son. So Bessie+Seth = far too much squirrelly for me to patiently handle. But I can see why a high-energy kid like Seth would get into the story. Her energy, enthusiasm and silly voice hold a kid's interest.

If you're going to let your kid veg after a hard day of school and homework, I'm thinking this is a great show to let them watch. Bessie is always willing to help others out and try new things. She is not undeterred by the clique of mean girls she often encounters. No violence. No inappropriate stuff. Just Bessie delving into one adventure or another.

Make 'Em Laugh (An Entertaining Documentary)

Sometimes its nice to sit on the couch, turn on the tv and be entertained. Sometimes its nice to sit down, turn on the tv, be entertained and LEARN something.

If you like your tv time to be a bit more productive, I highly recommend, "Make 'Em Laugh: The Funny Business of America." The three DVD collection is a documentary that discusses the funniest moments in American entertainment. Hey, American History that could be alot of fun to discuss at the water cooler or at a happy hour!

Make 'Em Laugh is hosted by Billy Crystal and narrated by Amy Sedaris. The six-hour series contains snippets of performances, biographical information, and more to demonstrate how much our politics and society plays America's comedy evolution. From slapstick and satire to sitcoms, the show explores all kind of different comedy genres.

The series compiles the best of the best humor (the snappiest wisecracks, and the mst incisive, biting satirical jokes) that's come out of American culture. And the best of America's best talent is featured too -- like Charlie Chaplin, Lucille Ball, Woody Allen, Joan Rivers, and Jon Stewart. (Seriously? The list goes on and on!)

There's also extra feature interviews with comedians discussing comedy. (This aspect was my favorite part!). Roseanne Barr talks about the different between being on sitcoms versus doing stand-up. James L. Brooks talks about “The Simpsons”. Carol Burnett talks about Lucille Ball. Joan Rivers talks about the talent of Bill Cosby.

Don't let the fact that its six hour length deter you from watching. The episodes are an hour long so you can watch over several days or weeks. The dvd package costs about $25 and would be a great gift for a film student or even those wanting to get into the realm of comedy. (It would be nice to show this to my son, an aspiring comedian who thinks there's nothing more to comedy than fart jokes.) Or even if you're just someone who loves to learn, (like me) you'll find yourself tuned in.

Its "The Big One" For SpongeBob!

Is it weird that whenever I see a pineapple I can't help but think of SpongeBob Square Pants? (Sing it with me now... "Who lives in a pineapple under the sea?")

SpongeBob has a newly released dvd, "SpongeBob SquarePants: SpongeBob vs. The Big One". The dvd includes six episodes of the show that aren't on any other dvd's. And if you love Johnny Depp, (or actually his voice)? You'll get a kick out of the first episode where he plays a surf guru.

My son LOVES SpongeBob. Almost every weeknight, Seth can be found in front of the tv, eyes glazed over, watching SpongeBob. (What? He gets to watch it while I make dinner.) SpongeBob is much appreciated when a certain little boy is sick and doesn't have the energy to move. Or when he's tired from a hard day of school and outside play and just wants to "veg out" a bit.

And this dvd was a big hit with him. If you've got a SpongeBob fan, I highly recommend. The dvd would actually make a great addition to anyone's Easter basket. (My son would take this video over some jelly beans any day!)

You can buy the dvd on Amazon for $13.99 if you click HERE.

Big bedtime excuses from little minds

It never fails. We go through my son's bedtime ritual. We make sure teeth are brushed, jammies are on and boy is showered. If time permits, there's a book chosen and read. As I kiss him goodnight the whining starts. So does the other stuff.


Seth seems to think sleep is for the weak. And over the years, he's added all sort of tricks to his bag. What are they? I will list...

1.) "I have to poop." (Amazing how his bowels work.)

2.) "But I'm SURE I'm going to have a bad dream."

3.) "But I'm so thirsty (or SO hungry.)

3.) "But I can't sleep alone. The mosters will get me."

4.) "But I'm scared of the dark."

5.) "But I'm scared of the noises." (Usually there aren't any.)

6.) "But I'm... LONELY!" (Pack your bags, we're going on a guilt trip!)

These are a few that come to mind right now. So I'm really excited to see the reviews for a product that can be found at http://www.sylvaniaonlinestore.com via http://blog.parentbloggers.com. Sounds like the SYLVANIA PalPODzzz portable nightlights might be able to nip that issue in the bud.

This post was written on behalf of Parentbloggers and this weekend's blog blast!

Crest Advanced Seal Whitening Strips Deliver

I remember when Crest Whitening Strips came out. At the time I was using bleaching trays and at one point, got a chemical burn on my gums from the stuff I was using. (NOT fun. My gums turned purple.) So when the strips came out, I was very, very happy.

I typically buy one or two boxes of the Premium strips a year. I like my teeth white. And over the years, have gotten alot of compliments on my teeth. I'd like to keep that going. The early whitening strips were ones you left on your teeth for 30 minutes, twice a day. They slipped around alot. (Even when talking.) You couldn't drink anything while they were in your mouth and you'd end up tasting the whitening gunk they use. But over time, Crest has introduced some newer products to the line, like "Advanced Seal" that are greatly improved.

Advanced Seal offers a form fit, no slip, and clean removal. This is a good thing. I like that the strips are on one sheet. They stick to teeth very well. Once applied, they won't slip. If you've ever sneezed with a whitening strip in your mouth, you know how important and appreciated this aspect is. Plus, when you take them off, most of the whitening gunk comes off your teeth as well. Not all of the gunk comes off of your teeth but most of it.

Overall, the strips do deliver on their promise. And you do begin to see results within a few applications. Plus, unlike some whitening systems, it is safe for enamel AND its an affordable way to whiten teeth.

The strips can be found at many a store where personal products are sold.

Lubriderm - Intensive Repair For Dry Skin

You know that total body dry skin feeling? When your skin feels as if it is three sizes too small for your body? Bah! I hate that.

I had alot of that this past winter. So when the pr peeps for Lubriderm offered to send some lotion my way, I was more than happy to review. The product sent? Lubriderm Intense Skin Body Repair lotion

The Lubriderm brand has been around for about 50 years. And the products can be found across the nation in discount stores like Target, Wal-Mart and even smaller drug stores. I confess, its been years since I've bought Lubriderm lotion. With all of the lotions and potions that come my way via review, I don't have to buy too many personal care items anymore.

The lotion's premise is that it helps dry skin heal itself. This formula, contains some sort of HydraRelease™ technology. So did the lotion do what it said it would? Did it "provide 24 hours of continuous moisture and strengthens skin's moisture barrier for softer, smoother, healthier skin."?

Within one application, my skin felt far better than it had in awhile. After two more applications, I didn't have to use it each day. Now I'm only using it here and there. My skin feels far softer and looks much healthier. Plus, it doesn't have an overly greasy feeling. It rubs on easy, absorbs fast and doesn't have an overpowering scent.

Overall, I highly recommend. I'd forgotten how great this product is. And I'm very happy I rediscovered it this past winter.

Teens Get (Discover) "Current" With Money Management

Recently, I was talking with a friend who has a teen son. Of course the subject of how expensive teens are (and how they view money) came up. Although I'm not "there" yet (my son is almost seven), it seems the "money talk" is just as tricky and awkward for parents as the "sex talk". How much do you tell them in their preteen years? How much later on? And how do you get them to act responsibly when it comes to this facet of their lives. I mean, it is something they will have to deal with for the rest of their lives. How do you teach them to handle money in a productive, positive way?

Current by Discover can help parents. Basically? Its a (cool looking) debit card for teens. Plus, you (and they) can set spending limits, track and manage spending through email, text messages and online statements. If you've got teens with jobs, they can also load their paychecks onto the card through direct deposit.

The card also comes with advanced security features like $0 fraud liability. Lost or stolen cards can be temporarily suspended or deactivated, and card members can get an emergency replacement card.

The company also sponsors a financial literacy program across high schools nationwide through its Money Smarts Program. I don't know about you but I think alot of high school juniors and seniors could benefit from a little basic money management course. And just before they fly the nest and start their college years.

For more information on the program, click HERE.

This post was written on behalf of MomCentral.

Giveaway Monday - Books and toys!

This week we have two giveaways! One for you and one for your child!

Giveaway # 1
Eric Ruhalter saw that when it comes to parenthood, and describing certain experiences, words within the English language can only get us so far. That's why he wrote, “The KidDictionary: A Book of Words Parents Need But Don’t Have.”

The book is a funny read. (Here's a Youtube video of it.) And you'll probably be able to relate to quite a few of his stories and words. This week he's giving away a copy of his book to one MotherOfBun reader.

Giveaway #2
LeapFrog has launched 1 Million Reading Hours in conjunction with the NEA’s National Reading Month. Pledge to set aside at least 10 minutes a day to read with your children. The national goal is 1 million reading hours committed! We can do that, right? Right! This is where you can win a LeapFrog Tag reader and five books for yourself as well as an expanded memory LeapFrog School Tag reader plus 10 books to give to your local library.

For either giveaway, please leave a comment. If you want to participate in the LeapFrog giveaway, also let us know how much time you're pledging in the LeapFrog 1 Million Reading Hours Campaign. Both drawings will close at the end of the month. Anyone 18 and older can enter. As always, to increase your chances of winning, feel free to visit MotherOfBun and leave a comment to increase your odds. Must be a United States citizen. Good luck!

Prevent The Flu - Don't Miss Out On The Fun Stuff!

I never thought, as an adult, that my social life would revolve around the social lives of our teen babysitters. Typically, we have three teens who we call on to watch Seth when we go out. And trust me, its not uncommon for us to stay home because all three had plans.

That's the thing... Teens are active, social, beings. They want to be out and about. See and be seen. So that's why former American Idol finalist Brooke White teamed up with infectious disease specialist and author of Germ Proof Your Kids, Dr. Harley Rotbart, and The Clorox Company. The purpose? To launch I Don't Want to Miss..., a flu education and prevention program.

Maybe you didn't realize this, but the CDC has recommended that even teens get the flu vaccination each year. And getting the word out about such things is the program's goal. In fact, there's a contest teens can enter. Just submit a 45-60 second video entry to the brightly colored website. Let them know what sorts of activities they don't want to miss out on why they need to take precautions (like handwashing) during flu season.

One lucky teen will win an acoustic concert from former American Idol finalist Brooke White at his/her school! A second place winner gets a guitar autographed by Brooke White herself! But hurry! Entries due on March 11! Winners announced next month.

Or just check out the site for more details on the contest. Or even tune in to find tips on staying healthy this time of year.

This post was written on behalf of MomCentral.

Giveaway Monday (No go)

The giveaways I had scheduled for this week? Sorry but it ain't gonna happen. I've got a child who's been sick for three days. There's even been a visit to a clinic and then onto an ER this morning to boot! And its looking like he won't be up for school tomorrow either. Blah.

Tune in next week.

Empowerment is a mere click away

A pr contact of mine (Hi Brittany G!) recently sent me an email that contains some very important info. Just thought I'd share a part of her message with you all.

The recent activities surrounding Chris Brown and Rihanna are unfortunate but they do shine a spotlight on domestic violence and provide an opportunity to increase awareness about the issue and resources available to help those in need. The Allstate Foundation’s Web site, ClickToEmpower.org, is a great resource for victims and survivors of domestic violence. On Wednesday, February 11, it launched a complete redesign of the site. This site is for “Real People with Real Stories.” We want to hear from you and what you have to say.

As part of the redesign, you will see more information and tools on the site such as how to:

· Find Resources – Navigate through the site to get information on domestic violence, how The Allstate Foundation helps to financially empower women and where to get help.
· Start a Conversation – Have something to say? Want to share a story with the community? Now, you can sign up for an account and start the dialogue with other members through the Click To Empower forum.
· Spread the Word – Upload buttons and banners to your personal profile pages or forward a message to a family/friend to show your support to end domestic violence.
· Engage with Social Networking Tools – Add Click To Empower to your Facebook or MySpace page. You can also view a series of YouTube survivor stories. The stories are told by the very women who survived abusive relationships and showcase The Allstate Foundation’s support of economic empowerment.

I hope you will check out ClickToEmpower and find it a useful resource.