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.