Momfluential | Mommies With Style

Virgin Mobile & E.L.F’s Sexiest Mouth in America Contest

December 16, 2009 By Momfluential 1 Comment

Caution: this post involves my boobs, make-up and my penchant for John Hughes films. Consider yourself warned. What does Virgin Mobile’s Rumor2 phone have to do with all this? Let me explain.

I should start by saying, I’m not giving up my iphone. Not a chance. I love that thing. I love it so much that I love it to DEATH. On a regular basis. I’ll be crafting a live story on Whrrl or using it for an emergency tarot card/horoscope reading when a bird poops on me. I’ll be competing against my 5yr playing Flick Fishing or taking pictures of stuff, like uh, you know, my own cleavage. And then poof. That battery goes from 10% to R.I.P. in six seconds flat. Right when I was supposed to do a conference call.

bracell This is why I leapt at the chance to review an LG Rumor 2 phone from Virgin Mobile. Virgin’s model is pay and go and a good value at $50/month for unlimited calls without a contract. It’s a great phone with all the bells and whistles, at a great price. No contract needed. This is a good thing for a backup phone, or phone you give to your tween or teen part time, or to a sitter or grandparent while watching the kids. They sent me the phone, prepaid for a month. I had to swat away my teenaged daughter’s twitching texty fingers and find a safe place to secure my emergency back up.

I found that place. In my bra. Laugh if you will, but a bra is a great place to carry your cellphone in a pinch!

Virgin is currently running a Sexiest Mouth in America contest where you can take a picture of your smoocher and win cash and a free phone and a year of free calling. They’ve partnered with E.L.F. on this effort. Here is my segue way into the John Hughes thing. I was at an ELF Makeup at Home Party last night, talking about the phone in my bra thing, and trying on lipstick. I started to reminisce about Claire/Molly Ringwald from the Breakfast Club and attempted to recreate the lipstick application scene. The color was Trendsetter from the mineral line, by the way. Love that color & collection! Click the link above to see the party.

If only I could phone home AND apply lipstick from my cleavage. Then I could win this “Sexiest Mouth” contest for sure.

Filed Under: Electronics, Giveaways, Mommy Time, Women’s Fashion

Jamming with The Jimmies

December 14, 2009 By Momfluential Leave a Comment

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Sick of annoying kid music? Then you need The Jimmies.

I’m not going to make myself popular by saying this but….

If I have to listen to/watch one more kid’s musical video dvds featuring eco friendly, ethnically diverse, endangered animal, music/art/languange enhancing, obesity preventing content, I may hurl. When did it become against the law to just HAVE FUN?

Our kids are bombarded with edutainment from every angle. I think they get it. It’s up to them to save the world. We’ve screwed everything up and now they are our only hope. We need them to lose all the weight we’ve gained and prevent diabetes. They’ll have to clean up the oceans and save all the polar bears. Plus they have to get along while doing this, so they’d better learn a lot of languages and info about every culture under the sun. Got that kid? Let’s get started! Time’s a wasting here! Let’s sing a song. Whee! Not.

This crazy nonsense is precisely why I am in love with The Jimmies. Even if my kids are not as in love with the Jimmies as I am, I don’t care*. Because The Jimmies sing about actual crazy nonsense and that’s cool. The Jimmies are singing about bedhead. Bedhead is something we can all relate to, right? Their videos are genuinely hip. Kinda like old school MTV for those who remember it back in the day. It’s indie for the kindie.

Oh sure, they may have slipped in a little espanol or a social message or two with “Cool to be Uncool”, but I barely noticed. I was too busy burning all the other dvds with monkeys that make me bananas.

Do yourself a favor. Get ~~yourself~~ your kids a Jimmies DVD.

*Note: My kids are crazy in love with the Jimmies. As a testament to how cool they are, my 13 year old daughter pried her eyeballs off the back of her skull (where they seemed permanently embedded due to eye rolling) and pronounced the group cool. She asked to watch the video again. That’s … unprecedented. I also think I caught her humming “Bedhead”.

Filed Under: Movies & Music Tagged With: Kids Music, Videos for kids

Save 30% on Etnies with Happy Olliedays Code

December 8, 2009 By Momfluential Leave a Comment

A couple of weeks ago I posted about my tour of the Etnies shoes headquarters. We’re loving these fashionable and super durable/functional skater shoes for all our kids (and me too!). So much so that I wanted to share a coupon with you. Etnies would like to offer you 30% off purchases on their online store. Just use coupon code etnies family

Filed Under: Slings & Carriers Tagged With: coupon code

Night and day light from Good Nite Light

November 24, 2009 By Momfluential 1 Comment

This Good Nite Lite behavioral modification nightlight is all about me. Sure it keeps my kids from feeling insecure in the middle of the night, but lets look at what that means for ME, shall we? A secure kid falls back asleep. Kids asleep = mom asleep. Well rested mom = happy mom.

Where this nightlight succeeds and other frequently fail, is in the wee small hours of the morning when kids are not asleep, and mommy still is, and thus the kids think mommy should not be asleep, mommy should be playing with and feeding them and reading them a story, and going for a walk around the block. It’s not entirely their fault. It’s hard to know when it’s officially time to get up when you cannot read a clock. Furthermore it can be tricky deciding when bedtime is. These days it’s dark at dinnertime. So how is a toddler to know the gravy train has ended and it’s time to hit the hay? Simple, with the Good Nite Lite.

The Good Nite Lite has two modes, night and day, and changes color to indicate which one we’re currently enjoying (enjoying, as in sleeping!). You set the times, so you can customize the official start of sleepytime and beginning of wakeytime to your own schedule. The nightlight brightens, turns yellow and switches to day mode when it’s time to get up and go!

Studies have shown that the use of a bright night light in your child’s room can actually disturb natural sleep cycles and set up bad habits for life. This sort of night light (not so bright) is much healthier and better for them. Yeah yea yeah. That’s a definitely a great argument for purchasing this product. You should share it with your inlaws and fellow parents. Tell everyone that you’re getting it for your child’s health and well being. But between us? Get it for your own sanity!

Filed Under: For the Home, Nursery Tagged With: Good Night Lite, night light, nursery light

Behind the Scenes at Etnies skater shoes

November 23, 2009 By Momfluential 2 Comments

Normally I would not consider a tour of the offices and design lab of a shoe company a rare treat, but my recent tour of Sole Technologies and Etnies, was the rare exception. I had the privilege of a behind the scenes look at what goes into the design and technology of this popular brand of skater shoes, based in Southern California. You’ve probably seen Etnies in a store near you, but if not, you can shop for Etnies online.

One thing that makes this company unique are that they are the only brand designed around the community of skateboarders, and with their needs in mind. Skateboarders are phenomenally hard on shoes and the sport is famous for eating your shoes alive. Think about it – every time a skateboarder flips up the board with their toe/side of their foot, and the shoe contacts the sandpaperlike deck of the board, it’s gonna wear on the shoe. Furthermore skateboarding exerts the most force on joints & feet of any sport. When skateboarders land their jumps, the force on feet and joints can be more than 5x that of their body weight. Probably why you don’t see a lot of old fat skaters on the rails!

What does all this mean to parents who are shopping for kids shoes? I think it means that skater shoes are a great choice whether or not your kid skates. They are durable. They absorb shock well. They are well ventilated. They are designed to perform. And when it comes to skater shoes, Etnies are the best. I won’t go into all the technical details – you can see some more information about the testing process and technology behind these shoes in my Whrrl story about our Etnies visit, but suffice to say, these are the shoes I want my son wearing when he jumps off the playstructure at school! My son broke his foot landing a jump early this fall, and I had to wonder if that would have happened in more supportive and cushioned footwear.

Etnies was very good to us, allowing us to shop in the company store and giving us a gift certificate to use to try out some of their shoes. I went straight to the kids shoes and picked out something from their “Grow With Me” line of toddler shoes. Not only did the shoes that I picked look awesome, but I love that they were really highly engineered with the needs of toddlers and parents in mind. The “last” used in the design cradles the foot, unlike many traditional shoes designs. The shoe also has a (brilliant!!!) removeable insole that gives you an extra half a size to grow into. That translates to these very durable shoes lasting much longer. Kudos for the wide velcro opening that makes getting them on and off a snap too. My 20mo didn’t want to take these off and would not even let me come close to take off the tag, he loved em so much.

It’s nice to know the technology and personality that lives behind a brand you see often in stores. I’m genuinely impressed with the passion and commitment to technology behind Etnies. Who knew skaters were such geeks?! And who knew that scientists at MIT and experts in the automotive/materials industry all have played a role in the development of this fashionable brand.

Filed Under: Kids, Shoes Tagged With: ethnies, Shoes, skater shoes

Painlessly Write on the Walls with Luv Letters

November 20, 2009 By Momfluential 2 Comments

Say it today and take it back tomorrow. I have commitment issues when it comes to home decor which is why the Luv Letters line from Wall Candy Arts is so awesome for me & my kids.

My kids love to personalize everything, and thus they have been begging to get their names on the wall for ages now. I’ve not wanted to stencil anything because I know they will trade rooms or get sick of it before the paint dries.

Wall Candy Arts sent me two letter A’s to try out (in pink and blue), which happens to be the initial of one of my four children. I put the A on her door and promptly ordered initials for the other three, when I saw how cute it looked and the other kids demanded Luv Letters of their own.

These letters are a great low commitment way to change up the decor, with a word, name or phrase. They come off as easily as they go on and can be repositioned and reused.

Filed Under: Room Decor Tagged With: name on wall, personalized walls, temporary wall stickers, Vinyl peel and stick letters

Sketchers Shape Ups: The Easy Way to Tone

November 19, 2009 By Momfluential 7 Comments

I’ve long been a fan of shoes like MBT Trainers which I reviewed for Mommies With Style a while ago. These shoes made a believer out of me as they lived up to their claim of improving my bottom line and reducing cellulite with regular use. I’ve owned and enjoyed my MBTs for a few seasons but I’m ready to move on to the new Shape Ups shoe in town from Sketchers.

Why am I abandoning my MBTs? For starters, Shape Ups are cheaper and Shape Ups come in a variety of cute styles including boots for those of you in colder climates. They are lighter weight than the MBT’s and softer and more flexible. As great as the MBT’s worked, I stopped wearing them regularly when I found it difficult to stand in one place for very long while wearing them. I don’t have this issue with the Shape Ups. I am able to wear them all day long and stand in line at the grocery store or while doing dishes etc, without any discomfort.

What I love best about shoes like these is how easy, passive really, they make it to to get fitness results. I don’t have time always for a toning workout, but I am always walking around. Why not make the most of it? Wearing a shoe like this is a small tweal that gets remarkable results. All you have to do is remember to wear the shoes.

If you’ve never worn shoes like Shape Ups you will definitely “feel” it at the end of a day walking around in them. Go for a walk around the neighborhood and you’ll burn more calories and work more muscles, without really trying. Shape Ups also improve your balance, work your core and reduce cellulite. Walking in them the squishy heel upon impact gives you a walking on sand sensation. Your foot then rolls forward, propelling you comfortably. The Shape Ups are lighter weight than other similar shoes I have tried and a little more flexible which makes them more comfy to me.

One side note: If you are a pronator like me and need to wear orthotics in your shoes, you will be happy to know they fit in great in Shape Ups. Not all sport shoes accommodate mine, so I was glad to know this was not a problem.

Check out my photo slideshow review of Sketcher’s Shape Ups on Whrrl

Filed Under: Shoes, Women’s Fashion Tagged With: Comfy Sneakers, Shoes that reduce Cellulite, Toning Shoes

Take a Load off With a Go Gaga Urban Sherpa Strap

November 19, 2009 By Momfluential Leave a Comment

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Is your diaper bag, work bag, or camera strap making you crazy? Do you hate the way it cuts into your shoulder? Does your back ache from carrying your loaded bag?

I have a solution for you! I was so excited when Go Gaga started selling their ingenious Urban Sherpa shoulder straps separate from their bags. Their bags are certainly awesome too, but what about all my beloved bags that have less comfy straps? I don’t want to abandon them. So an aftermarket fix is simply brilliant.

Urban Sherpa Straps clip onto any bag with rings for a strap (and I’m told they work with many SLR cameras as well) They are similar in function to a baby sling. The strap is actually a wide band of stretchy fabric that spreads out over your shoulder and across your back. You know how the distribution of weight makes all the difference in the world when you are babywearing. The same principles apply when you are bag wearing.

A cell phone compartment that closes with velcro adds extra convenience to this thoughtful product. They are perfectly unisex and prime for stocking stuffing.

Filed Under: On The Go, Parents Tagged With: comfy shoulder strap, strap replacement

Stunning Backpack Baby Carriers From KokoPax

November 17, 2009 By Momfluential 1 Comment

A little less than a year ago, I threw out my back. It was painful and awful. But the worst part was when the doc told me: “No more slinging your baby.” That was a crushing blow. I loved wearing my baby, and the closeness of carrying him almost everywhere.

My back is stronger now, thank goodness, but I’ve still been advised not to carry my baby in a sling or wrap style carrier for any length of time. I was told to try out a frame carrier, if I was thinking of carrying. Problem was, I was not seeing any frame carriers that I liked. They all looked like camping gear to me. Kinda funky and grungey cool, but not something I would choose to wear unless I was fully accessorized for a woodland hike and headed out on a national park trail.

Then along came Kokopax. This company has put the cool back in frame packs. Their gorgeous fabrics and simple design have brought babywearing back into my life for one last gasp, before my little guy is too big.

I cannot tell you how thrilled he was to be carried in this backpack carrier. He loved it so much that he refused to get out of it, even after we were done. He wanted to sit in it longer. He gets a huge smile whenever he sees the Kokopax and this is a ringing endorsement from a child who hates to be constrained and who will only sit in a stroller for naps.

Kokopax are very easy to load a kid into and put on.. There is a handy pocket on the back of the carrier for bringing along a few essentials and a ring for toy attachments. The fabric choices are just beautiful. If you feel that regular soft carriers are hard on your back, this may be a good alternative for you. It’s not as versatile as some soft carriers, and it is a little more bulky to store, but it’s definitely more comfortable to wear for an extended period, especially with toddlers and larger babies.

We love using the Kokopax at Kindergarten pickup. It allows me to greet my older son with both arms open, while my younger son gets to stay close and happy as well. It’s a simple but brilliant thing. I’m so glad that Kokopax has brought modern style to the classic frame backpack carrier!

Filed Under: Slings & Carriers Tagged With: baby carrier

Is Your Bumped up Hair Do Actually a Hair Don’t?

November 17, 2009 By Momfluential 1 Comment

Pssst, your big hair may look good now, but we’ve got some bad news. All that teasing and spraying you do to keep it looking good with those “as seen on tv” products, may actually be destroying your tresses. A definite diva don’t!

There is a kinder, gentler way to achieve hair volume! A couple of weeks ago I was sent a DivaDo to test out. I was really excited for both myself and my about to be teenaged daughter. We’d experimented with a product that was widely advertised on TV only to toss it in a drawer in frustration after realizing our hair was being turned into a nasty rats nest.

The Diva Do is different in that it works without spray, without teasing. It is made of soft silicon that is comfortable to wear. It’s super easy to put on and then comb your hair over and clip or style as desired. There are two sizes of DivaDo available, depending on how much hair height you’d like to achieve. We’ve started out with the smaller size. My daughter is actually planning her Bat Mitzvah hairdo around the DivaDo. It’s a perfect accessory for special occasion hair.

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If you’ve tried to bump up your do with products that left you tangled and uncomfortable, I really recommend you check out the DivaDo and keep your hair do from being a hair don’t!

Filed Under: Mommy Time, Women’s Fashion Tagged With: Big hair, big hair accessories, bumped up hair, how to get big hair

Make Marshmallows, Not War with the Marshmallow Shooter

November 15, 2009 By Momfluential 1 Comment

I’m a peacenik kind of parent, which is why we have not really had guns in our house.

I made a minor exception recently when I agreed (read BEGGED) to review the marshmallow shooter. In homage to my peacefullness I requested a peace sign emblazoned shooter from Marshmallowville. I hoped that the peace signs would reassure my victims that when I said “eat it”, I really meant, eat it, and not that I wished them to die.

Of course I first heard about these fun toys from my college age nephews. Leave it to them to recommend this sort of thing to my sons. They pronounced Marshmallow Shooters as ”cool” and since I am the cool aunt, it was my duty to investigate. Plus they are not really guns. They are shooters.

Really, what is there not to like about a toy that shoots sweet puffy ammo? Except perhaps the fact that we nearly came to blows deciding whose turn it was to use the shooter next. Why can’t those kids get it through their heads that mommy doesn’t have to share and mommy always goes first? Honestly, it’s like someone told them this toy was for them. Silly daddy. I had to work fast. Before the rebels ate up all my ammunition.

Marshmallows may be the perfect ammo because they are cheap, biodegradable and unlikely to injure anyone. The multi shooting action is somehow satisfying. The marshmallow shooter could not be easier to load and fire. I would however recommend supervision while your younger kids play with it to prevent overconsumption of marshmallows and to be sure that noone shoots marshmallows directly into someone else’s mouth. The product directions caution against this as it might be a choking hazard.

Don’t let the kids have all the fun. Marshmallow Shooters are excellent for marital therapy as well. Just repeat the following before opening fire “I love you honey, but I am afraid I must shoot you with this marshmallow gun. Keep your mouth shut, tell me I look great in these jeans, and nobody gets hurt.” Chocolate sauce optional.

Save yourself hundreds of dollars of expensive therapy (for you and your kids) by buying a pair of Marshmallow Shooters. Just don’t call it a gun. It’s a shooter. A happy marshmallow shooter. Now all we need is a graham cracker launcher and chocolate bar missile and we’ll have the perfect recipe for S’more peace…. Bah dum bump!

Filed Under: Kids, Misc, Play Time, Toys Tagged With: guns for kids, marshmallow gun, marshmallow shooter, non violent guns

Get there in comfort and style, with the Mutsy Transporter

November 14, 2009 By Momfluential 3 Comments

I’m always on the lookout for the perfect theme park stroller and I think I have a contender in the Mutsy Transporter! We just love this stroller for trips to Disney but also for the constant daily school “pick up” runs. Here’s why:

This lightweight, Dutch made stroller has a lot of the bell & whistles of a heavier, larger stroller, but folds up into a tiny compact package that could make even and umbrella stroller envious. It takes up little room in the trunk and does not give me a hernia when I have to foist it in and out, ten times a day.

I’ve long been a fan of Mutsy. Their strollers are of the European tradition – high quality prams that are meant to be used, frequently, in all kinds of weather. Europeans know their strollers! Mutsy has always been a popular choice for their forward thinking designs and details like their easy access baskets.

The Transporter has a very roomy and comfortable seat for children from about 3 months up to around 4 years. With a wide and tall seat they won’t grow out of this one quickly. The seat reclines to multiple positions but does not recline completely flat. If you have a baby under three months and want to use this stroller right from the start, you can get carseat adapters or a bassinet to use with the frame.

Some nice things about the seat: It is well padded and has a five point harness. The fabric is easy to clean and durable. I’m definitely dressing mine up with a cute aftermarket seat pad, because I am all about the stroller pimping/decoration, but there’s no need to embellish, it’s great as it. The seat has a well designed removable pillow with side wings – really nice touch for a toddler who wants to nap in their stroller. My son loves the pillow! A padded bumper bar is also easy to remove. The only thing we’d like to see (perhaps as an accessory option) might be a snack tray. An ample hood protects baby from the sun and we love the peekaboo side windows that let them see the world even when the hood is fully deployed.

Pushing the stroller is a pleasure thanks to EVA foam wheels. These wheels bounce smoothly over bumps, but no flats. I’d not suggest them for your off road treks, but they are perfect for urban use, trips to parks, stores and getting around the neighborhood. The handlebar folds into multiple positions for various heights, so pushing your kiddo can be be a family affair. The handlebar tucks under for the fold.

Speaking of the fold, it’s remarkably fast and easy to achieve which is a great feature for those times when you are hopping on a tram at Disney, or dashing to the car during a shower.

Bonus points for the oversized storage basket on the bottom. There is room there for a big bag and a sweater to boot, and it is accessible even when the stroller is fully reclined. No waking a sleeping baby getting your keys out. We would have liked more storage up top for our stuff however. An included cup holder and parent console would have been much appreciated. Fortuntately there are plenty of options out there for aftermarket add ons for snack, drink and sunglasses storage.

For more photos check out my Whrrl Story on the Mutsy Transporter. See the Mutsy site for Mutsy Transporter Stats.

Filed Under: On The Go, Strollers Tagged With: Easy to Fold Strollers, Lightweight Strollers, Stollers for Themeparks

Beautiful, Durable, Eco friendly: Untangled Living Dinnerware

November 9, 2009 By Momfluential 6 Comments

I have a little stainless steel cup from my childhood that I consider a classic work of art. Simple and uncomplicated in design, it looks as good now as it did when I pounded it on the table at two, demanding more juice. ”Why don’t they make stuff like this anymore?” I asked my husband, when my daughters were little. He shrugged and pointed at a plastic sippy, “cause now we have these”.

The last couple of years have brought many changes and increased awareness of the dangers of plastics. There’s a return to classic materials – glass bottles, ceramic bowls, and with Untangled Living’s new Anyware collection, a whole little “mess kit” for kids in stainless steel.

I’m so thrilled with this find. I can imagine my kids using this classic, durable, heirloom quality dishware with their own children, much like I have shared my own little mug with them. It’s beautiful in form and in function. The square plate keeps messy food contained, the small bowl is the perfect size for snacks and the fork and spoon are so well sized for little hands. It’s shatterproof, unlike porcelain, glass and ceramics. The one caveat is that it’s definitely not to be used in the microwave. So far for us, this has not been a problem.

I can’t imagine any of my children handing their kids a drink in a battered plastic cup and saying “this was mine when I was little”. I can, however imagine that a couple of decades from now, this dishware from Untangled Living will look as good as it does now, and continue to be treasured.

I’ve got Untangled Living Anyware dishware on my list of thoughtful new baby/first birthday presents. Safe, eco friendly and destined for family heirloom status… what more could you ask for in a gift?

Filed Under: Feeding & Mealtime, Housewares

Thermos FUNtainer is our Latest Lunchbox Upgrade

November 3, 2009 By Momfluential 1 Comment

“How crunchy is my kid’s school?” I find myself saying, like a comedian about to deliver a line about his wife, “So crunchy that we can’t even send our organic bunny crackers in a ziplock bag.”

Inevitably this evokes some head scratching, “What, you cannot even have organic bunny crackers at your kid’s school?”

The crackers are not the issue though. The baggie is. This year my kids school adopted a “no waste” lunch policy. This means no baggies, no saran wrap, no paper napkins… you get the picture. It’s noble but also challenging at times. Suddenly I am looking at lunchboxes and lunch gear in a whole new light! At the beginning of the year I went to Target and purchased a couple of cheap plastic containers for keeping food warm. I have to say, that though they served the main purpose, they did little to excite me. They were ugly, bulky, heavy and difficult to clean. The kids complained about how “uncool” they were. Whatever!

We all thanked our lucky stars when Thermos sent a couple of their goodlooking, stainless steel FUNtainer products for us to review. The straw cup drink container was well recieved by my middle daughter. But the item that everyone fought over was the food jar.

We all loved the shape and weight of the Thermos FUNtainer food jar. So much nicer than plastic ones we had. The FUNtainer is high quality stainless steel – really classic looking. It keeps food cold too, so it is perfect for toting a variety of lunch items. The barrel shape is not a space hog in their lunch – there’s still room for a tupperware container or two (no baggies!) with other food items.

The items we got for review were a pink and blue camoflauge. I like this better than some of the character (Hannah Montana etc) items in the line because I fully expect that these high quality food containers will outlive my kid’s adoration of specific characters and shows. I have to laugh because I still have a thermos from my own youth, and it has a character on it! I can see these products being used on into their high school years. I’d use them for myself as well. Then again, if you’ve got a kid who will only eat soup if it comes in a container with Spiderman or Hello Kitty or other licensed character on it, this may be your saving grace.

We’ll be buying more of these FUNtainers containers, so everyone has one of their own. It’s fewer baggies to pollute the environment and our food stays fresher, hot or cold. Thats a win!

Filed Under: Feeding & Mealtime, Housewares Tagged With: Eco Friendly Lunch, Thermos

Don’t Fall into a False Sense of Solar Security this Fall

October 31, 2009 By Momfluential Leave a Comment

It may seem like you can ease up on the sun screen, as the days grow shorter and the kids head back to school, but now is not the time to skimp. Cali girls like me know that using a great sunscreen is a year round affair. Perhaps this is why a fellow OC Mom developed the “Smart Girls Who Surf” line of Sunscreen and Products.

We’ve been living at the beach this summer and I am so glad that I discovered this line, truly through serendipity. After having several pals recommend it to me, I was at a girl’s night out and won the doorprize! A basket of these great products. I felt like I had hit the jackpot, first because I never win anything, and second because it really was all that. I just knew I’d have to write about it!

All the products in this line are just so nice to apply, and I love that it is all natural and free of many of the additives and ingredients that drugstore sunscreens contain. We’ve had as much trouble with allergic reactions to some of those as we have with sunburns!

Smart Girls Who Surf products look, smell and feel great and are designed for women surfers so their performance is really put to the test. For a beachgoing mom like myself who’s not in the water all day, they are more than spectacular. I do love that they seem to last a long time on my kids, even when they play in the water for ages. This sunscreen is also perfect for the playground and playing field. Nothing like soccer practice at noon on a sunny fall day to fry you and your poor kid to a crisp! My favorite product in their line for me is the tinted sunscreen. I can grab this instead of foundation on a weekend morning when we are off to a sunny hayride or fall fest at school.

Don’t let the cooler days and back to school season fool you. Even if you are not a Cali Girl, and not a surfer, you need to think like one. Protect yourself and your kids from the elements all year long!

Filed Under: Child Safety, Kids, Mommy Time

Pop Pals Dress Up Your Pops

October 28, 2009 By Momfluential Leave a Comment

Do your little ones struggle with tube style freezer pops? It takes a certain amount of coordination to push them up without sploshing all over yourself. This can be frustrating for little ones. They are also sometimes difficult to hold onto, as they are so cold. The result? Sticky mess and whiny kid. I know this kept me from purchasing this kind of pop in the past.

But leave it to a clever parent to solve this problem simply and colorfully. Pop Pals dress up your treat and at the same time protect little fingers from the chill and the mess. They slide up the pop, keeping it optimally squeezed, mess minimized. Pop Pals are easy to rinse off and store in your drawer. It’s one of those little gizmos you just gotta have!

Filed Under: Feeding & Mealtime, Kids