Mommy Approved!

Safe & Immediate Sinus Relief with SinuCleanse!

2009-05-16T09:45:00.006-04:00

I am a busy mom who has battled with horrible allergy symptoms my entire life. Or maybe it just seems that long! Unfortunately, my children have inherited the same discomfort of allergies. I never liked taking pills daily so I wasn't the best at keeping up with my prescribed medications for my allergies. As an adult, I also have constant ear infections and problems that can be directly related to allergies and sinus infections. I have also been diagnosed with a post nasal drip so I cover the sinus spectrum! My son, who is only 3, once had 5 ear infections in less than 2 months, all attributed to allergies! The pediatrician recommended an allergy medication to give him everyday. As a mom, you know that it is hard enough to make sure they eat well all day, none less to get them to take medication. I was also interested in finding a natural alternative to the medicine for both of us. I have heard of many home remedies and did some research to find something we could try that was safe, natural and hopefully effective.

I started using the SinuCleanse products just a few months ago after reading about them on their website. The SinuCleanse nasal wash system was developed by Diane G. Heatley, M.D., leading sinus expert who practices pediatric otolaryngology in Madison, Wisconsin, where she has served as Associate Professor of Surgery and Pediatrics at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine since 1993.

I have been using the SinuCleanse Squeeze™ for myself. The SinuCleanse Squeeze™ is a squeeze bottle device that is easy to use and dishwasher safe. I chose this product because I felt it would be a perfect fit for my needs. It is so simple to use. The safe and natural saline solution comes in single use packets and can be used with all of the products in the SinuCleanse line. Within minutes of my first use of the squeeze, I felt immediate relief. I admit I don't always remember to use it daily, but for me, it is still very effective in relieving the sinus pressure and congestion I experience with my allergies. I haven't been taking allergy pills and I am not experiencing the constant sinus headaches I normally have this time of year.

I also decided to try the new SinuCleanse Kids Mist™ on my son. At first I was concerned that he wouldn't sit still for me to use the mist. Once he got used to it, he actually enjoyed it! He thinks it is a game each time we use it so he loves to play along. I am happy to report that he has not had any ear infections since we started using the mist. And I will be honest, I don't use it daily with him either, but again, that has worked for me. The mist allows parents to ease their children's nasal discomfort, congestion, allergies, sinus headaches and runny noses. Using saline to wash your child's sinuses is a proven and effective way to reduce and eliminate most sinus related problems. It is also safe to use on infants because the product is 100% natural! The Kids Mist, just like the Squeeze, has an anti-backwash valve to prevent re-contamination. Unlike the Squeeze, the Kids Mist has an ultra fine mist for sensitive little noses. It is safe for use on infants and children up to age 12.

Since using the SinuCleanse products, I was able to refer a friend who was complaining about her allergy symptoms. She began using the The SinuCleanse Starter Kit™ a few weeks ago. It has all of the benefits and the same great relief as the traditional SinuCleanse Neti Pot, but in a more compact design. My friend, also a busy mom of 3, has had great results with the Neti Pot Starter Kit. She has battled with sinus infections and sinus headaches for years and this season had been her worst. Now that she is using the Neti Pot daily her symptoms have been non existant! I know she told her doctor about the Neti Pot and already recommended it to a few of her friends.

The SinuCleanse Nasal Wash System is available in many drug stores nationwide. You can find out where you can purchase these products by visiting http://sinucleanse.com . There is a wealth of information about each product, as well as Dr. Heatley and even instructional videos for using the SinuCleanse system. While you are there, download your free coupon to save $2 Off their products.

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-10T10:29:00.001-04:00

To all of our fellow Mommies...we wish you a wonderful and joyful Mother's Day!

And keep an eye out for another great review by one of our Mommy Bloggers coming soon! Thank you for letting us inform you of the great products we find.

Get your Free Mommy Bag full of Goodies!

2009-03-30T10:53:00.008-04:00

This has got to be one of the cutest on-the-go bags I've ever seen! Drugstore.com is currently offering a free Chic Mommy Bag filled with goodies for mom and baby with each $75 purchase! We got our bag a few days ago and it is packed with so many great little items that are perfect for our outings! Fashion Designer Jenni Kayne partnered with drugstore.com to create this stylish tote for new moms! Kayne, who is also a new mom, created this roomy travel pouch as an alternative to the larger diaper bags on the market. It is perfect for quick trips to the store and it fits neatly into your stroller or even a larger handbag. It is washable and has elasticized pockets for bottles and snacks. Everything is at your fingertips and easily organized in this durable travel bag!

Not only do drugstore.com customers receive this Mommy Bag, but it comes stuffed with goodies! Our bag had a great selection of items for Mom and Baby! The Jenni Kayne Mommy Bag is valued at over $50 and comes filled with full and deluxe-sized samples for Mom and Baby, many from the drugstore.com Green and Natural store:

Philips Avent Silicone Orthodontic Pacifiers, 0-3 months
Philips Avent 4oz/125ml Bottle BPA-Free, 0-3 months
Burt’s Bees® Baby Bee® Buttermilk Lotion
Belly-bar™ Vanilla Dreams Milkshake
Belly-bar™ Baby Needs Chocolate Bar, Chocolate Toffee Crisp
Seventh Generation™ Diaper
California Baby® Calendula Cream
California Baby® Super Sensitive™ Shampoo & Bodywash
Earth’s Best TenderCare® Chlorine-Free Diapers & Wipes
Earth’s Best TenderCare® Chlorine-Free Baby Wipes Resealable Travel Pack
Susan Brown’s Baby™ Moisturizing Hand Sanitizer

Drugstore.com is a convenient way for Moms to shop. Home delivery is available on a wide assortment of products, along with Auto delivery options to help busy Moms manage their hectic schedules. In turn, it allows us more time to focus on our children.

Drugstore.com also offers free shipping on most orders, a 5% cashback program throuhg drugstore.com dollars and "click and save" instant online coupons for many everyday items.And right now, while supplies last, the Mommy Bag is another great reason to check out drugstore.com. With any purchase of $75 or more, this bag full of goodies for Mom and Baby will be sent to you as a free gift! Don't wait, they are only available while supplies last. To shop with this free offer, check it out here.

Tales of Fun, Starring your Little One!

2009-03-14T11:21:00.006-04:00

What a delightful surprise when we opened our package from flattenme Books! My daughter was so excited to receive a new book, but once she took a good look at the cover, she proudly exclaimed, "That's me!!!"

Flattenme books are custom created tales of adventure with only one main character...your child. They are beautifully illustrated and well crafted. I was pleasantly surprised with how thick the pages were and the quality of the images on them. My 18 month old son likes to look through my daughter's books and thankfully this is one that he can not tear.

My daughter loves when I read to her. But she especially loves "The Day that Came to Play" by flattenme because every page tells a story about her! Her name is throughout the story as well as her image in each illustration. When reading this book, it has become ritual to have to read it at least 3 times in a row to her before I can stop. I also love to watch her create her own story when reading the book to herself.

The flattenme books are great personalized gifts for the children in your life. I already have a list of upcoming birthdays I will be ordering books for.

In addition to books, flattenme has started a custom line of greeting cards as well! Check out the adorable designs available on their website. Currently they have new Easter Cards available!

To celebrate their new designs, Flattenme has given us a discount code for 10% Off your online purchase! Just visit their website and enter MOMAPPROVED during checkout to receive your discount!

Mod Mum Baby Slings...

2008-12-02T09:55:00.006-05:00

...are as functional as they are stylish! These baby slings aren't just for babies...they sustain through toddlerhood! I've been using my Mod Mum Baby Sling now since my son was only a few months old. This review is a year in the making because he is now 14 months old and still able to sit comfortably in the sling. I admit, I never have used a baby sling before this one. When my oldest was a baby, I was tempted by the slings. They looked cool and hip, but I was intimidated by the complex instructions. I feared I would set it up wrong and the baby would roll out or some other horrifying incident would occur. So I was a little nervous when I was given the Mod Mum Sling to review. But, to my surprise and relief, the directions for use were simple and easy to follow. The different positioning options for this baby sling allow for growth and gives me free hands to get something done while my son comes along for the ride. I do notice a difference when I don't have the sling and he is sitting on my hip. All that weight feels so much heavier without it and I realize how much I miss it when it isn't around.

Mod Mum Baby Slings are safe for use up to 35 pounds. That allows for longer usage and in today's tough economy it is a perfect pick if you want to get your money's worth. The slings are made from some fabulous fabrics and come in many great designs. They are durable and machine washable. I would recommend these slings for any new mom or mom-to-be. They would make a great baby shower gift too.

Check out their website for helpful tools in selecting the perfect size and style! Another great feature you will find while there are wearing instructions for each baby stage.

Mod Mum has kindly offered our readers Free Shipping on purchases from their website. Just be sure to enter this code at checkout to receive your discount: SHIPMEFREE

Babies are Boring!

2008-10-20T01:08:00.006-04:00

"Babies are Boring" is such a eye catching title for a children's book that it peaked my interest immediately. Author Jon Ritchie shows us the many ways "Babies are Boring" in this cute and clever little story. Parents will delight as much as youngsters at this fun depiction of babyhood. The truth about our adventures in baby land is described in perfect rhyme, as is the reality of what it all means. "If you look way back, there's a life you used to know. The time, the time, oh wherever does it go?" Such a statement brought a little tear to my eye as I read it aloud to my almost 4 year old. This book is as much for us as it is for our children as each line tells the story of our lives as new parents through the adventures into experienced ones.

They may not understand exactly what each funny phrase means, but our children will definitely understand the smiles and joy they bring us as we read it aloud to them. "Babies are Boring" will be a unique addition to your book collection. Babies, toddlers, moms, dads, grandparents and anyone who has had a hand in the life of a child will get something special from this book. And the illustrations, by the author's brother, Alex Ritchie, are just as fun! Cute animal families bring the story to life for your little one's enjoyment.

If you are interested in changing things up a bit on the book shelf, I highly recommend adding a copy of "Babies are Boring." to your reading list. This book is definitely full of babies and not at all boring!

*********CONTEST ALERT*********

"Babies are Boring" can easily be added to your collection. Author Jon Ritchie has generously offered to give away one free copy of this book to a lucky reader! Just post a comment here to be entered to win. Be sure to check back to see if you are our winner! If you leave your email address with us we will contact you directly if you win. Jon will personally send out a copy of the book to our lucky winner. So please show our blog some love and get a chance to win! This contest will close on November 30, 2008. A winner will be drawn and announced shortly after. Email us if you have any questions.

It's Never Too Soon To Start Reading to Your Baby!

2008-07-18T00:59:00.005-04:00

The publisher of Begin Smart Books, Harriet M. Ziefert, believes, like many experts, that babies are never too young to be read to. So she created a developmental book program for Babies and Toddlers. Sure, there are many "baby books" on the market and I have a bunch of soft books for my baby. My daughter is a toddler and she has tons of books as well. So when I received the Begin Smart books in the mail, I was curious to see if they would stand out in the bookcase.

There are 4 levels to this series of books. The first is newborn to six months. I received the Night-Night, Baby cloth book with flaps. My infant son seemed very attentive when I turned the pages of this book and offered it up to his hands. The fabric is soft and the flaps have a smooth, bright satin trim that caught his eye. My daughter, age 2, took possession of this book not long after I showed it to my son. It took a few days to get it back from her which showed me that although it was created for infants, toddlers can also enjoy storytime with this series.

I waited to review the next level until my son was within the age range. For six to twelve months, we have Yummy, Yummy, a board book with teether. What a cute concept! Right away, my son was intriqued with the bright green pretzel nestled in the cover. My daughter wanted to stake claim to it and another struggle to reclaim it for my son. Once I did, he was all smiles while playing with the book. I love how this book caters to my son's new found interest in putting things in his mouth. Instead of the book becoming a chew toy, it came with one! While he explored the texture and taste of the teether, I was able to read the book and turn the pages while keeping his attention.

Now my son is 12 months old, but my daughter snuck out of my office with the next book. It is for 12-18 month olds. Moo! Moo! What are You? is a touch and feel board book with peek-a-boo holes. I thought it was gone for good for a few days until one day when I had placed my son on the floor to play in their bedroom, I overheard my daughter on the monitor talking to him and making mooing sounds. I snuck back to the room and peeked in to see her sitting in her little red desk chair, book in hand, as she "read" to him and then turned the book to show him. I couldn't help but smile at the sight of my daughter reading to her baby brother like her teacher does in preschool. Sure, she made up the words but he was very interested and giggled at her story. When she turned the pages, she would feel the different textures built into the book to mimic textures of objects and animals in the story. When she was done, she would put my son's hand on the book and let him feel as well, explaining to him what it was. He laughed some more and tried to snag the book away each time, but she continued on without missing a page. There's no doubt that a book that can keep both children happy and entertained deserves a rave review.

The final level of this series is for 18 months to 2 years. The book I have from this series is Look at Me! Just today I found my 12 year old niece reading this book to my daughter. Although my daughter is older than the age level for this book and my son is still just under the age, they both enjoy the book in their own way. I have read this book to my son while peeking through the eye holes to create different animals. The handles make it easy to hold the book up to your face while creating a mask to entertain your child. My son loves the easy to grasp handle as well and can carry the book himself. My daughter loves the big animal faces that create the masks and the fun of playing an animal character. She too will pretend to be the animals in the book, along with her own sounds as she becomes the animal on the page. My son gets the benefit of her pretend play as he learns the animal sounds from his sister and tries to imitate her. I am sure this book will continue to be a favorite for both of them for quite awhile.

While most children love books in general, I can definately see why this series stands out against the other books in our collection. While being bright and colorful, they are also written to coincide with a child's motor and cognitive skills at each age level. And I agree, it is never too early to read to your baby.

Cherry Tree Avenue... Bringing Fashion Home

2008-06-06T00:50:00.004-04:00

I had the pleasure of being a guest at a fabulous fun trunk show featuring Cherry Tree Avenue designers. I have seen boutique clothing for children in high end boutiques and online at various auction sites but in the comfort of someone's home with a group of friends was a new experience for me.
In addition to the great atmosphere, the fashions were amazing. The Cherry Tree Avenue line features designers from all over the country who have worked together to create a line of clothing for the season that coordinates with each other. These beautifully hand crafted items are well made and actually quite affordable. Custom boutique for children can be addicting! How fun to find a unique fashion for your little one's special occasion or just a trip to the mall? We were oohing and ahhing over these adorable outfits as our children were trying them on. I can just imagine the heads that will turn when our custom order arrives and we show off at the next family gathering.

Cherry Tree Avenue trunk shows are a great idea for Mom's and kids! Here's how it works: the hostess will book a show in advance and send out invitations to friends and family. This home show is different than what you are used to: kids are invited and encouranged to come! They are part of the fun! Mom's can have their children try on the samples found on display during the show. There is a huge selection of clothing, hair accessories and jewelry. Items range from infant to young teen and there is plenty for both girls and boys. Many sets can be customized and personalized for an even extra special touch!

If you don't find the outfit you want in your size on display the group takes orders and custom creates your items to your specifications!
Take a peek at their website and find out how to be a part of a trunk show in your area or host your own. Hostess' receive Cherry Tree Bucks for sales made at their show. And the fashions are beautiful and functional. An opportunity to view them in person is one not to be missed! Cherry Tree Avenue is definately Mommy Approved!

Aloha! Beautiful Children's Books from Hawaii!

2008-05-08T23:57:00.008-04:00

"When I am Quiet on O'ahu" written & illustrated & self-published by Judi Riley.

These books are just beautiful! We purchased copies of the first book in her series, "When I am Quiet on O'ahu." What a treasure to receive 1st editions of her books signed directly from the author/illustrator herself! Judi is super sweet and sells her books in her Etsy store, tikitales. She is a high school teacher from Maui's north shore who adores the islands and hopes to help preserve the rare, unusual and endangered animals who call Hawai'i home.

These hardcover books are unique and a wonderful addition to any child's library. We actually donated a copy to my daughter's classroom! Once we received them I knew they would have to be shared with you. Judi's books are our first official Mommy Approved! feature!
You can read more about Judi and her series of books about animals from Hawai'i in her listings.
Visit her website to find lesson plans and craft ideas about the islands' endangered animals.

Welcome!

2008-04-29T10:00:00.003-04:00

Thanks for visiting Mommy Approved! This blog is a fun place to find unique new products that are Mommy must haves! When we find something we just love, we'll share it with you! If you have a product you know we've just gotta have, let us know and we'll check it out. We love handmade and unique items and will feature our best finds here. Hope you stop by often and let us know what you think of our finds!