Crest Pro Health Invigorating Clean Multi-Protection Rinse & Us! (Phase 2)

Close to a month has passed since Hubby and I have included Crest Pro Health Invigorating Clean Multi-Protection Rinse in our daily dental hygiene routine. (Click here to read my first post)


Using a good mouthwash regularly will help keep your mouth cleansed and your teeth healthy. The Crest Pro Health Invigorating Clean Multi-Protection Rinse strives to do just that and though I can't substantiate this with a Dentist's stamp of approval I can say that....

1. The lower "burn" levels while gargling has motivated me to leave the Rinse in my mouth while gargling for longer than a usual 3-5 seconds.
   
2. The greyish colored rinse liquid (once spat out) psychologically gives me the feeling that the Rinse is doing the cleaning work it claims it should.
3. When paired with the Sensodyne toothpaste I use, I feel it has minimized the sensitivity I had begun to feel in a tiny, once filled cavity crevice.
4. Hubby and I haven't seen any visible surface staining on our teeth.(as has been mentioned as a possibility in some cases)
   

We're still debating whether or not we should switch mouthwash loyalties completely or alternate for a while with our 'former' mouthwash favorite. Since we still don't know what those little eraser shavings looking bits that appear on and off (our assumption is food particles but why they're greyish in color still stumps us!), I think we may alternate for a while.










** EBMR Disclaimer: “I wrote this review while participating in a test drive campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Crest and received a sample to facilitate my candid review. Mom Central Consulting sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

Labels: Crest Pro Health Invigorating Rinse, Mom Central, Mouth Wash

posted by Marina@EBMR @ 10:29 PM 0 Comments

Crest Pro Health Invigorating Clean Multi-Protection Rinse & Us! (Phase 1)

It's been a little over a week since we received Crest's latest product, the Crest Pro Health Invigorating Clean Multi-Protection Rinse as part of a Mom Central test drive campaign I'm participating in.


I have to admit that while I'm in no way an example for great teeth (My childhood dentist can vouch for that!), I have been putting in an extra effort to try and make sure I take care of my dental hygiene now. After-all I have a little person trying to mirror everything I do (Bunny girl!) and have you ever checked out those dental treatment rates? (ugh...killer!)

Hubby is more consistent and careful with his dental hygiene regiment so to stay accountable, we have been testing out the Crest Pro Health Invigorating Clean Multi-Protection Rinse separately.


The Buzz:

The Crest Pro Health Invigorating Clean Multi-Protection Rinse is a new mouthwash that provides an invigorating sensation during use and a lasting cool freshness after use. It has been been proven to

• Kill Germs
• Reduce Plaque
• Prevent Gingivitis and
  
• Keep teeth cleaner longer
  

The Rinse contains 10.8 wt% of alcohol and thus should not be swallowed and is suggested for use by children 6-12 years of age under supervision. (Not advised for use by children younger than 6 years of age)


E.B. Mommy's Report

It's too early to say whether the Rinse works for me but I have to admit that this is the first mouthwash I've used that does not burn my tongue. This allows me to gargle for a longer period of time, thereby allowing the Rinse to do its work.

The label on the Rinse says that it may cause surface staining to teeth in some cases and that this is not a permanent or harmful result and may be prevented by adequate brushing or removed at one's next dental visit. (Eeps! Hope we're not one of those "some cases")

Both Hubby and I did notice though that we did have a few eraser shaving looking particles in the rinse that was spit out after gargling. We've still not found out what that's supposed to be but hopefully I will have an answer when I update you with our final report at the end of the month!

Till then it's....
((Gargle)), ((Gargle)), ((Gargle))!


Further Reading Reference: Material Safety Sheet Published by Procter & Gamble for the Crest Pro Health Invigorating Clean Multi-Protection Rinse.










** EBMR Disclaimer: “I wrote this review while participating in a test drive campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Crest and received a sample to facilitate my candid review. Mom Central Consulting sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

Labels: Crest Pro Health Invigorating Rinse, Mom Central, Mouth Wash

posted by Marina@EBMR @ 4:50 AM 0 Comments

More food accessories from Annabel Karmel (Review Only)

If you loved the last four Annabel Karmel products, you're sure to love the Fresh Food Mill.


This is BPA free, non automated food mill that can puree your baby's food and ensure none of those 'thread'y, 'easy to choke on' fibers get into their food.



I've used this to puree carrots and have also done a carrot-squash puree in the same too. The results have been great so far.



What the Mill basically does is 'squish' out all the juices from the boiled veggie/fruit that is placed under the steel grate ring.

The Mill is BPA free and is dishwasher safe.
(Note: I would advise you to read the instruction manual once before using the Mill so that you use the same correctly.)

Another product I love is the Double Decker Meal box that I've been using to send Bunny girl's lunch and snack in.



This BPA free, dishwasher safe box includes 2 single-serve microwavable dishes, 2 large compartment storage containers and 2 plasticware spoons.



I love that I can pack everything in one box and not worry about the crackers getting soggy or the snack and the lunch falling onto each other.



It's a great 'take to preschool' kit as it's easy for a preschooler to open, rearrange, use and close by herself/himself.

The last product to be featured in the Annabel Karmel line is the Steam Release Microwave dish

You can steam/cook fruits, vegetables and fish in the microwave, in the same. The lid comes with a unique valve that pre-releases steam and closes for airtight storage. This is BPA free, dishwasher safe, freezer safe and yes, microwave safe.

I personally may not use this in the microwave as I prefer cooking/steaming all our food on the stove, especially Bunny Boo's food. As an alternative, I use this as a great snack box to carry along when we're going out for a few hours!

For more great Annabel Karmel resources, visit her website.




'Love on the Sponsor'

- Follow Infantino on Twitter

-Fan /Like Infantino on Facebook

- Check out Infantino on Youtube





** EBMR Disclaimer: I am a participant in a Mom Central campaign for Infantino and have received various Infantino products as part of my participation in the same. This review has not been monetarily compensated and is based on the views and opinions of my family and/or self. Please note that the opinions reflected in this post have not been influenced by the sponsor in any way.**

Labels: Annabel Karmel food making accessories, Baby, feeding, Infantino, Mom Central, Reviews / Giveaways

posted by Marina@EBMR @ 12:27 PM 0 Comments

Bing "Our School Needs" : Help Vote For Your Favorite School

I've recently learned of this great initiative spearheaded by Bing called "Our School Needs". In this campaign, 15 schools in the country have been shortlisted with a particular need in mind. The needs vary from school to school.


For instance, the Bear River Charter School needs a library while the Roosevelt High School needs computers and the Bishop Mcguinness High School needs a new pavillion.

Now here's where it all gets nice and exciting...
Well, Bing is being super generous and awarding a quarter of a million dollars in prize money, that will be divided among the four highest voted for schools in need. (The school with the highest vote will win 100,000 US$, while the next three schools will win 50,000 US$ each)
And YOU can help!

From now till Sunday November 7, 2010 VOTE for your favorite school in need, after watching all 15 videos. (Voting began on October 29th but don't worry you still have a few days left).

That's not all, Bing is also giving away upto $900,000 to schools in need through DonorsChoose.org, a non-profit website where public school teachers can post classroom projects that need funding. If you are one of the first 30,000 to vote for your favorite finalists each day, you will receive a $3 donation code to redeem for the classroom project of your choice!

So hurry and click, click, click those keys for a good cause!





** EBMR Disclaimer: "I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Bing and received a gift card and DonorsChoose.org giving code to thank me for taking the time to participate."**

Labels: Bing, Mom Central, Reviews / Giveaways, School, Vote

posted by Marina@EBMR @ 1:18 AM 0 Comments

Helping make and store baby food...Annabel Karmel (Review Only)

It's like Infantino knows when Bunny Boo is in the next phase of his growth and development. Believe me when I say that I haven't made them work the Mom Central campaign around my child.....honest!

I was excited with the test products that came in Phase 3 of this campaign......Annabel Karmel's food making accessories. Perfect timing as we've just begun to introduce my five and a half month old to different solid foods, other than the 'yummy' rice cereal!

One of my favorite products from Annabel's line is the Mash & Serve Bowl.



This BPA free, dishwasher safe bowl comes with a masher and is great to mash up your baby's overcooked rice and steamed/boiled carrot lunch.

(Check out Annabel's baby food recipes)



I love this product because it reminds me of the spice grinding stone my Grand-Aunt owned, only that was made of granite, extremely heavy and not at all happy and colorful as Bunny Boo's portable and light masher! This is small enough to pop into the bag (with perhaps a banana) and carry along for a day out with the little one.

Not all Mommies like making baby food regularly. (I'm sorry but I'm one of those crazy Mommies who like to puree their baby's food fresh everyday)
So whip up some healthy, homemade puree and stash away the extras in the silicone Freeze Tray


This nine 1 oz sized food puree cube tray is also BPA free, dishwasher free and freezer safe.

You can also store away the puree in these individual, compact, Stackable Food Pots.


These are sold in sets of 6 pots and can clip together, be stacked on top of each other and are BPA free. These are freezer and microwave safe. These are also great to carry your child's on the go snacks in especially if they like munching on a variety of things. Throw in a hand full of cheerios in one, little carrot sticks in the other and you will be good to go!

Oh and this is something you can try, if your little one is irritable with teething pain make your own puree ice pops! Use Annabel's BPA free Fill & Freeze Puree Pops to freeze the fruit puree you make and voila Ice Lollies to soothe sore gums.


Your little one can hold onto the mini handles while he sucks on the Iced Puree and you can pop the same into your dishwasher once done.

Bunny Boo has begun teething but seems to be handling it pretty well so far. (But just in case, my Puree Pops have been stored in an easy to access place in my kitchen !)


Annabel Karmel has more goodies up her sleeve. To find out what they are, make sure you check back for the next 'A.K. Food Making Accessories' post.




'Love on the Sponsor'

- Follow Infantino on Twitter

-Fan /Like Infantino on Facebook

- Check out Infantino on Youtube





** EBMR Disclaimer: I am a participant in a Mom Central campaign for Infantino and have received various Infantino products as part of my participation in the same. This review has not been monetarily compensated and is based on the views and opinions of my family and/or self. Please note that the opinions reflected in this post have not been influenced by the sponsor in any way.**

Labels: Annabel Karmel food making accessories, Baby, feeding, Infantino, Mom Central, Reviews / Giveaways

posted by Marina@EBMR @ 8:50 PM 0 Comments

Infantino's Balance Carrier...A God send! (Review Only)

This post is a 'Back To School 2010 Carnival' feature on Energizer Bunny's Mommy Reports.
The Carnival runs from August 15-August 28 2010. For a list of all the live giveaways visit 'The BTS 2010 Stop!'


When my Mom and sister left after being around to help with Bunny Boo for the first two and a half months I felt a little lost. I wanted to be able to carry him, cuddle him and have one on one body contact as I did with Bunny girl for the first several months of her life. Only this time around it was different....I have Bunny girl to share my attention with and honestly I prayed that God would give me the grace to be able to give both my little treasures the time, love and attention they needed. My prayer was answered through the delivery of the next Infantino test product we received through the Mom Central campaign.....the Infantino Balance Carrier.


I'm in love with this carrier because I can do all that I need to, carry Bunny Boo AND ensure I don't strain my back while carrying him!

The clip on strap at the back and the paneled strap that buckles right around the waist provide support to ensure the weight of my little one carried in the front does not load my lower back. (which is such a relief as my lower back tends to get very sensitive if I carry heavy loads for long periods of time)


I've also noticed that Bunny Boo enjoys the body warmth. At times when I find it hard to get home to fall asleep, I pull on the carrier, place him inside, strap up and he snuggles in comfortably. After walking around our home for a few minutes I can hear tiny snores...something that is, without a doubt, music to my ears!

I've had many people ask if the carrier's safe for Bunny Boo's breathing and my back and after using Infantino's Balance Carrier for the past month I can affirm that both of us can vouch that it has worked well for both of us. The trick is to use it right and if you do, both you and your little one will be in a win-win situation with the carrier.

Watch this video to ensure you're using your Infantino Balance Carrier right....



I'm sure you're wondering why I've placed my Infantino Balance Carrier review under my 'Back To School Carnival 2010' banner....well, it has been most useful especially since both Bunny Boo and myself drop and pick Bunny girl up from preschool.
I'm not someone who likes pulling out Bunny Boo's carseat, placing it on the car seat stroller and then moving to get things done. I've found that picking up the car seat with Bunny Boo in the same, has strained my back. Carrying him out of his carseat and placing him in the Balance Carrier has been easier on me and it leaves my hands free to hold Bunny girl's hand and her lunchbox or any papers/crafts she carries home after school.
So yes, this is my 'Back To School' helper!


Bunny Boo, the carrier and I have shopped together, attended church services and prayer fellowships, gone for long walks around the neighborhood and even been in a hour long class I had to take for my little preschool Bible study group two Wednesdays ago.
It has been an answer to that prayer I whispered several weeks ago.




'Love on the Sponsor'

- Follow Infantino on Twitter

-Fan /Like Infantino on Facebook

- Check out Infantino on Youtube





** EBMR Disclaimer: I am a participant in a Mom Central campaign for Infantino and have received various Infantino products as part of my participation in the same. This review has not been monetarily compensated and is based on the views and opinions of my family and/or self. Please note that the opinions reflected in this post have not been influenced by the sponsor in any way.**

Labels: Baby, Balance Carrier, Infantino, Mom Central, Reviews / Giveaways

posted by Marina@EBMR @ 11:08 AM 0 Comments

Infantino's Firefly Soother(Review Only)

To be honest, I've not been big on crib mobiles, crib toys or crib attachments only because I've always felt they can always fall on a baby and most of the ones I've seen have just not passed the 'Not Flimsy for Mommy' test, so when Mom Central dropped a note to let me know I was among a few moms chosen to review the Firefly Soother, I had my doubts.


When the package arrived and I opened it up I was, to be truthful, more than just a little excited. The cute little fireflies, the red frog and the smiley caterpillar captured in a 'bottle' is such a sweet idea.....Boy, was I eager to see how this new ' Soother cum Night Light' would work but first I needed to put the product up!

The Infantino team have obviously done their research well as the Firefly Soother is held up with straps that firmly clasps with a buckle and can only be opened if the tiny button like protrusion on the buckle is pushed down.

Now in my 'Mommy list that definitely passes the 'safe to be used on my little one's bed' test!


The Firefly Soother can play 1 of 2 melodic, soothing lullabies or what I call 'nightlife' sounds with birds chirping and crickets singing. The lullabies are honestly very relaxing and nearly put Hubby to sleep (!) but the nightlife kept my little one wide awake. (Munchkin must've thought there were birds somewhere around!)



I also like the option of the nightlight feature where the little fireflies colorfully light up alternatively to provide a constant dull lighting.


I would've perhaps liked the lighting to be a little brighter as both my kids have no issues about sleeping with the lights on once they're deep into slumber-land. (I prefer having the area around Bunny Boo sufficiently lit especially since he's still so little.)

The Firefly Soother is a product that will serve both your infant and your toddler, providing comfort with the lullabies and an assurance with the night light feature.




'Love on the Sponsor'

- Follow Infantino on Twitter

-Fan /Like Infantino on Facebook

- Check out Infantino on Youtube





** EBMR Disclaimer: I am a participant in a Mom Central campaign for Infantino and have received various Infantino products as part of my participation in the same. This review has not been monetarily compensated and is based on the views and opinions of my family and/or self. Please note that the opinions reflected in this post have not been influenced by the sponsor in any way.**

Labels: Baby, Firefly Soother, Infantino, Mom Central, Reviews / Giveaways

posted by Marina@EBMR @ 1:14 AM 1 Comments

Off To School (+ KinderCare Buzz)

I remember Bunny girl's first day of preschool as though it was just yesterday. She was full of beans to go make new friends, learn new things and embark on a whole new adventure. Her parents though were a mess of tears...literally! Hubby managed to hold it all in and just cried miraculously minus the physical teardrops while I sat in the car and bawled buckets full after dropping her to school on day 1.


Honestly as a parent it is scary. How do you know if you've chosen the right school for your little one?
Sometimes you even change schools twice before you know you've found the one that actually suits all your requirements to provide your child with all that you dream and desire in terms of an overall developmental perspective.


In a nationwide survey of parents, KinderCare Learning Centers learned that when selecting a school, 76% of parents are most concerned that their school of choice employs quality and passionate teachers and 80% want to know that their child is excited to take part in activities while at school.

Unfortunately we don't have a KinderCare Learning Center near us but you might just have one close by. The full time programs offered are catered for

• Infants
• Toddlers
• 2 year olds
• 3-4 year olds
• Pre-K and
• Kindergarten

(Click on the individual links to read more about each program)

Each program is specifically age appropriate with a balanced teaching method that integrates play, fun and learning. Classroom settings are small thereby allowing dedicated teacher-student interaction.

KinderCare Learning Centers also host

• Before and After School programs
• Enrichment programs and
• Summer Camps
  

Bunny girl has another year to go before she can join Kindergarten in the school we like, till then she will continue going to the preschool she went to the past academic year. The preschool has been great for so far but we'd still like to get her involved with something else in the evenings. (If we had a KinderCare Learning Center close to us, I would have loved to enroll her in the Phonics Adventure Classes and the Music Classes!)

Choosing the right school is as hard as finding the right house to live in!
We always pray about big decisions as these and do all our homework, be it with researching school ratings, checking out the teacher-student ratios and reading up on reviews or talking to parents we know about their opinions on the school.
It is a little worrying but we're trusting God for it all.

What do/did you look for while choosing a school for your little one?





** EBMR Disclaimer: I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of KinderCare Learning Centers and received a gift certificate to thank me for taking the time to participate.**

Labels: Bunny girl, KinderCare Learning Centers, Mom Central, School

posted by Marina@EBMR @ 3:36 PM 0 Comments

Hearty 'n' Healthy....Uncle Ben's Whole Grain Brown Rice (Review Only)

I remember seeing Uncle Ben's face smiling down at me each time I crossed boxes of rice in our local grocery store as a child. Strangely enough, our family never did try any of the Uncle Ben's Rice Products but Uncle Ben's name was as familiar to us as the neighbor next door.

Thanks to Mom Central, I had the opportunity to FINALLY sample some of Uncle Ben's Rice Products. We were sent 3 varieties of Uncle Ben's whole grain brown rice: Uncle Ben's Natural Whole Grain Brown Rice, Uncle Ben's Whole Grain Boil in Bag and Uncle Ben's Whole Grain Fast & Natural Instant Rice.

Now in our family, Hubby has always preferred whole grain brown rice to white rice while I've preferred the latter for three reasons:

• Ease and speed in cooking the same
• Taste and
  
• Aroma (Even while expecting Bunny Boo, I'd feel nauseous with the strong aromas that would waft out of our kitchen when we'd boil whole grain brown rice so much so that I made sure we only ate white rice till our little one arrived!)
  

Thus I did approach the Uncle Ben's Whole Grain Brown Rice Products with apprehension!


We decided to sample Uncle Ben's Natural Whole Grain Brown Rice first. Now cooking time for the same is about 30 minutes. You do need to keep checking to make sure you don't overcook the rice. (My first batch got overcooked and the grains looked like squashed snowflakes in the end. Taste-wise there wasn't much of a difference but Hubby did say he preferred the way the rice tasted when the rice was cooked just right with the second batch.)

You can view the nutritional content for this product on this link.


Now if you're in a hurry to get your lunch done in a jiffy, yet want to make sure you eat some good whole grain brown rice, I would definitely suggest trying out Uncle Ben's Whole Grain Fast & Natural Instant Rice.


Not only does this cook in about 10 minutes but I personally feel it has a nice flavorful taste to it. (Hubby says its psychological just because the rice cooked faster and didn't have as strong an aroma than the Natural Rice!)

You can view the nutritional content for this product on this link.


Another quick alternative is Uncle Ben's Whole Grain Boil in Bag. I love the way this gets cooked!


All you need to do is place the pre-sealed pouches in water (Four cups of water to one pouch of rice) and boil the same for about ten minutes and voila.....you have your rice ready!


Again I found the rice to be flavorful and yes, very easy to make.

You can view the nutritional content for this product on this link.

Uncle Ben's Whole Grain Brown Rice Products does have its benefits over regular rice as it

• Supports a Healthy Heart*
• Meets Full Daily Requirement of Whole Grains‡
• Whole Grain Council Certified
• 100% Whole Grains
• All Natural
• Natural Source of Fiber
• Naturally Low in Fat
• Natural Source of B-Vitamins & Iron
• Sodium Free
• Naturally Cholesterol Free
• 0g Trans Fat & No Saturated Fat
• No Preservatives
• No MSG
• Gluten Free
• Hypoallergenic
• Vegetarian Appropriate
• Certified Kosher

We've eaten the Whole Grain Brown Rice Products with Indian curries and think the overall meal has been wholesome, nutritious and our palettes have enjoyed the experience. You can experiment and do lots more with the rice. You can add veggies to the instant rice mix and boil them together with a pinch of chicken stock cube crumble or you could try making this delicious Indian kheer (A Sweet Spiced Indian Rice Pudding)....

• Take a box of Uncle Ben's Whole Grain Fast & Natural Instant Rice and cook it as per the instructions but ensuring you substitute the water with milk.
• Before you place your rice-milk mixture on the stove, add 3-4 crushed cardamom pods and 2 strands of saffron to the mix.
• Add to the mix, sugar or condensed milk and sweeten the mix to your desired sweet preference.
• Now cook the rice in the milk mixture on a low flame and remove once the rice is cooked

You can serve your kheer hot off the stove or chilled and you can garnish the same with slivered almonds and pistachios. Mmmmm....yummy for my tummy, as Bunny girl would say!

Need some more recipe inspiration? Visit the Uncle Ben's Recipe Vault for some easy to make, hearty 'n' healthy whole grain brown rice recipes.


Uncle Ben's Whole Grain Brown Rice Products has won our family's seal of approval and now I'm game to eat whole grain brown rice without any qualms.




'Love on the Sponsor'

- Join Club Uncle Ben's





** EBMR Disclaimer: I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Uncle Ben’s and received samples to facilitate my candid review. Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.**

Labels: Mom Central, Reviews / Giveaways, Rice, Uncle Ben's

posted by Marina@EBMR @ 10:19 AM 1 Comments