Posts Written OnNovember 2012

Dec 1 Lowes Free Kids Workshop – Sandman’s Plane from Rise of the Guardians

Dec 1 Lowes Build & Grow ClinicLowe’s offers a great ‘Build and Grow’ Clinic for kids every few weeks. This Saturday, December 1st at 10am the kids will be building Sandman’s Plane from DreamWorks Animation’s new movie Rise of the Guardians.

The first 50 to register and be present at the store will receive the kit, an apron, and goggles. the recommended ages is 1st-5th grade.

For more information, store locations, and preregistration visit Lowe’s Build And Grow here. They also have fun activities, kits you can purchase and family projects.

 

5 Tips to Getting Your Car Ready For Winter + Winter Emergency Kit Giveaway

WaterSavers LogoTraveling is a huge part of the holidays and a lot of people hit the road for long trips to visit family and friends. With the Winter quickly approaching, it is important to prep our cars for the season change to prevent damage, breakdowns and also assure we are prepared if something does happen.  I know the last thing I want to worry about during the holiday season is car trouble or being stranded on the side of the road.

The International Carwash Association (ICA) has created these five tips for getting our cars ready for blistering Winter season.

1. Wash and wax your car at a professional car wash – It may seem counter-intuitive to get your car nice and shiny for the slushy weather, but a thorough wash can remove harmful compounds that may cause damage when mixed with road salt. Experts from the International Carwash Association also recommend a coat of wax for an extra layer of protection from the elements.

  • Professional car washes can also save up to 20 percent of the amount of water you’d use by washing your car at home. They do this by treating and reusing their water, rather than releasing toxic chemicals and grime into the storm drains, which can often occur with pavement washing. Check out www.washwithwatersavers.com to see how professional car washes save water and help prevent pollution.

2. Check fluids – Check your coolant to make sure you have enough, as you’ll be left without heat if you don’t. Consult your owner’s manual to find the correct blend if you need to add more. It’s never a bad idea to keep extra coolant in your trunk in case of an emergency. Don’t forget about extra wiper fluid, either. I suggest de-icer wiper fluid for the winter. 

3. Check your wipers – When sloppy weather hits, you’ll want to make sure you have strong wiper blades to see through the elements. Checking your wiper blades for wear and replacing them if needed can prevent huge visibility headaches once snow and sleet arrive. (I always forget this one and my wipers end up being trashed after the first bad storm)

4. Test your battery – The next time you have the car in for an oil change, ask the mechanic to test your battery to make sure it can provide enough starting power once the temperature plummets.

5. Winter emergency kit – In addition to keeping a scraper and brush in your car, it’s a good idea to include a few provisions in case you get stranded. Pack extra blankets, hats and gloves, high-energy snacks like granola bars, drinking water and a first-aid kit. (Enter to win a Winter Emergency Kit below)

Take the time to check your car and get it ready for the treacherous weather and road conditions and be prepared for the worse.

GIVEAWAY

The International Carwash Association is giving one lucky Nifty Mom reader a Winter Emergency Kit that includes:

  • 32 oz. WaterSavers branded water bottle
  • Carabiner key chain
  • Medium flashlight
  • 2 heavy duty AA batteries
  • 19-piece first aid kit
  • Survival tool
  • Pocket knife
  • Emergency poncho
  • Emergency blanket
  • 2 tea light candles
  • Safety matches
  • Survival instruction card
  • Mesh sack

No purchase necessary to enter. The giveaway is open to US residents 18+. Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST December 9th, 2012. Winner will be selected via random.org and contact by email. Winner then has 48 hours to reply to confirm their prize or a new winner will be picked. If you have any issues entering or have any questions, please email me at contact (at) niftymom(dot)com.

GOOD LUCK!

‘ABC What I Can Be’ Book & Personalized Children’s Gifts by I See Me!

I See Me Personalized Children's Books LogoThere is nothing more enjoyable than reading a good book to my kids. They love all kinds of books with animals, trains, adventures and fun. To make a it more intriguing and special, personalization can make a book stand out above the rest. Personalized books will never be the same since I discovered products from the award-winning I See Me!.

Our mission is to increase self esteem in children through personalized books that celebrate the uniqueness of each child.

I See Me Personalized Books

I received their newest book, ABC What I Can Be, for Ethan, my three year old son. This educational story highlights different careers he can be from A to Z. The first thing I noticed after receiving the book is the quality. It is very well made with a hard cover and heavy-duty pages, perfect for any preschooler.

What makes I See Me! books so unique, is extra steps they take to ensure the entire book is personalized. Unlike most personalized books, I See Me! adds personalization to the illustrations. Every page has Ethan’s name on it to correspond with the career. Not only can this make a child feel extra special, it also teaches them name recognition. The story is written in rhythm and flows smoothly from A to Z. The creativity can hold a child’s attention through each page. It truly is a fun book.

I know Ethan will love his new book and it will be in our collection forever. When his brother sees it, I am sure I will have to order one for him.

OTHER I SEE ME! GIFTS

There are many books to choice from, including holiday themes. Some great titles to pick from:

  • My Very Merry Christmas
  • Who Loves Me
  • The Super Incredible Big Sister
  • A Very Happy Birthday
  • My Very Own Fairy Tale

They also have personalized gifts such as coloring books, placemats, puzzles and gift sets. When you order two or more placemats or coloring books (great stocking stuffers), there is also a discount. I See Me! has compiled a great list of their hot products for their 2012 Holiday Gift Guide. Place your order my December 1oth to receive your order by Christmas with normal shipping. After that, you can still order with expedited delivery.

For the latest updates and products, stay connected by following @ISeeMe_Maia on Twitter, becoming a fan on Facebook and following their Pinterest Boards.

Nifty Mom's 2012 Holiday Gift Guide

I received the named product at no cost to conduct this review and was in no other way compensated. All opinions expressed are 100% mine.

Promoting Good Health this Holiday Season with Colgate for Children #HolidaySmiles

Colgate #HolidaySmiles

My two and three year old both love SpongeBob  SquarePants. If something has SpongeBob on it, they got to have it, no matter what it is. When my two year old doesn’t want to put his pajamas on, all I have to say is “I have your SpongeBob pajamas” and his attitude changes and he’s get excited to put them on. The same works for brushing his teeth. If he gets to use a fun cute toothbrush, he will ask to brush his teeth throughout the day. I can’t go wrong there! This is something I keep in mind when I am buying gifts and necessities for the little ones.

Using Glad ForceFlex Black Bags to Conquer Holiday Messes

Glad Bags LogoThe holiday season is always accompanied by a lot of parties, gatherings and dinners. We are always hosting numerous gatherings at our house and the holidays are exceptionally hectic. It is always a great time, but with every party comes lots of food, trash and messes. I try to handle the mess throughout the party and stay one step ahead before it gets out of control. Here are a few ways I prevent a huge mess at the end of the night:

  • Ensure the house is mess-free before guests arrive.
  • Always be on the look out for trash laying around and immediately throw it away.
  • Have more than one trash can at different ends of the room or house.
  • Keep extra bags at the bottom of the cans. When the trash bag is full and you remove it, a new bag is right there.
  • After everyone leaves, do a walk-through of the party area with a Glad Black Bag and pick up any left messes.

Glad Black Bag

The Glad Black Bags have been a huge help for me lately. We haven’t hosted any parties the last week or two, but I have been using them to put my full kitchen trash bags in. The last time we bought 13 gallon bags for the kitchen, we decided to try to generic brand. Bad idea. I never imaged the quality would be as poor as they are. Every time I try to take a full bag out, the drawstrings tear the bag, rips off, and I discover holes and tears in the bag. To get the full and destroyed bags to the garage, I have been putting them in the Glad ForceFlex Black Bags. The 30 gallon bags easily hold two fully-stuffed kitchen trash bags (pictured above). They are very heavy-duty and the ForceFlex prevents any rips and tears. I have never had one rip, no matter how full and heavy the bag was. This week is the start of a busy stressful holiday season and Glad Black Bags have given me one less thing to worry about, eliminating the stress of the mess.

Glad has partnered with the one and only Tori Spelling to host OMG Extra: After the Wild Life, a cute and fun Facebook series featuring loveable, messy animals. While you are there, play ‘Missing in the Mess’ and find the differences in messy pictures. ‘Like’ Glad on Facebook and starting watching the hilarious videos.

“I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Glad. I received products to facilitate my review as well as a promotional item as a thank-you for participating.”

BAND-AID & Neosporin Lip Health Products – Perfect Stocking Stuffers

When it comes to stocking stuffers, I like to include small items that are practical and aren’t toys or candy. I pick things that are used year-round, promote good health and not just for kids. This year, I will be including some BAND-AID and Neosporin Lip Health products in my family’s stockings.

BAND-AID BRAND

Band Aid Reviews

With two boys that think they are indestructible, bumps, bruises and cuts are inevitable. I keep a first-aid kit on hand and it is always stocked with BAND-AID Brand Adhesive Bandages. They have new QUILTVENT technology that creates air channels to allow the wound to breathe. The waterproof tough strips are flexible and stay adhered during all my daily activities. I had to use one on my finger and I was still able to bend it and had no issues working with my hands throughout the day. When it came time to remove the bandage (which I dread doing), it was painless and effortless.

For the kids, we have cute and fun Muppet bandages. The package includes various designs and assorted sizes. The bandages are plastic and flexible allowing them to stay in place when applied. My three year old is not happy when he has to wear a BAND-AID, unless it has a Muppet on it. For more kids fun, download the Band-Aid Magic Vision app (free) and bring the Muppets to life with interactive fun by scanning the bandages.

Band Aid Friction Block ReviewAside from bandages, BAND-AID offers other great products. I can’t count how many times I have worn new or uncomfortable (but cute) shoes and have gotten blisters on my feet. I use to put a BAND-AID on my ankle or foot to prevent blisters, but that normally didn’t last long and they would just rub off. Now, I just use the BAND-AID Friction Block Stick to prevent the blisters. It has a lubricating formula that instantly reduces rubbing on the skin. It is easy to apply, invisible and not greasy. The size is perfect to keep in my purse for fast and convenient applications. This is one product I wish I had when I wore heels everyday.

For the latest products, coupons, offers and updates be sure to visit BAND-AID.com.

Neosporin Lip Health

Neosporin Lip Health Review

With the cold weather comes dry skin and chapped lips. Neosporin has a few products in their Lip Health line that protects lips from the winter chill and make for great stocking stuffers. The Daily Hydration Therapy is for daytime use and has SPF 20 to protect your lips from the sun as well as the cold. The Overnight Renewal Therapy helps restore your lips and make them softer and healthier as you sleep. The daytime cream is lightweight and brings comfort to dry lips. The overnight cream is a little thicker and really hydrates the lips. Neither are greasy. The pair of products assure visibly healthier lips after 3 days and I can attest to that. They are a new must-have in my house.

For the latest products, coupons, offers and updates be sure to visit NeoLips.com.

Nifty Mom's 2012 Holiday Gift Guide

Disclosure – I received the named product at no cost to conduct this review and was in no other way compensated. All opinions expressed are 100% mine.