Evenflo Comfort Select Performance Breast Pump Review And Giveaway

After having the boys, I was so overwhelmed to say the least.  After 16 weeks of bedrest and 8 of those weeks in the hospital, and the fact that I was a first time mother and pregnant with twins, was a pretty big deal.  As a new mother you have so many questions about how to do things and what you should be doing, but I had always known that I wanted to breastfeed the boys.  I had not realized the importance of breastfeeding until they were born 6 weeks early and spent close to three weeks in the NICU.

For preemies, providing them with breast milk as soon as possible was something my nurses encouraged because they say that the milk you produce then is different and would provide my babies with a lot of things they needed.  I can remember the first few days at home, and crying because I wanted to give up pumping, but my two tiny little men in the NICU, made me keep on going.  I would pump all through the night and visit them sometimes 2-3 times a day and bring them all my pumped breast milk.

I never quite got the hang of breastfeeding them together, and one of my little guys has a tongue tie that prevented him from feeding properly so I would pump for him and for both of them when I needed a break. Pumps can be a lifesaver, and are great when you need the break or if you have two babies and one doesn’t do well at the breast, you can still give them pumped milk in a bottle.

I was excited to review Evenflo Comfort Select Performance Breast Pump because since I am a breastfeeding mother, I like to see what is out there on the market currently and for in the future when we decide to have another child. The pump itself is very easy to use, and easy to hold, and comfortable and this is important.  It is not overly noisy which was a pet peeve of mine with one of the pumps that I own.  At three in the morning the last thing I want to be hearing is a loud squeaking noise, and especially with sleeping babies nearby.  I had no trouble using this and all parts are easy to clean and better yet BPA free.

About Evenflo Breast Pump

• NEW! All components, including milk storage bottles are without BPA and contain less than 0.01% phthalates. Bottles can be purchased separately.
• NEW! Improved cycle time for more effective milk expression.
• NEW! Improved vacuum performance at all settings between min and max
• NEW! Regulated power adapter ensures consistency in performance.
• NEW! Dual motors for better production allowing individual settings
• NEW! Includes 2 additional overflow valves for additional convenience! Valve color has changed to lavender.
• NEW! More stable bottle stands to prevent possible spillage.
• 4pk sample of breast pads with redeemable coupon.

Another thing I like about this particular pump is, it isn’t overly heavy and is fairly compact, which makes it easy to take with you.  This is great for all the road trips that we take as a family as well.  The price is reasonable and definitely a worthwhile investment if you are breastfeeding or intend on breastfeeding your child. The Evenflo site offers some good resources that you can check out for breastfeeding and Mom Central  Mom Central has a  page dedicated to the Evenflo Comfort Select Performance Breast Pump.  This page  features a special section where moms can share breast pumping tips.  Every mom that shares a tip will be entered in a giveaway to win one of three Evenflo Comfort Select Performance Breast Pumps and boxes of nursing pads!

Also, here at DoubleBugs, we will be giving away an Evenflo Comfort Select Performance Breast Pump and 2 Boxes of Breast Pads to one lucky reader!

This Contest Is Now Closed!

Here’s What You Gotta Do

Mandatory Entry Requirement

Visit the Evenflo site and check out some of their valuable breastfeeding information and come back here and leave me a comment on something you learned from one of their resources.  In addition please tell me why you would like to win this pump.

For Additional Entries

• Blog about this contest and leave me the link
• Grab my button and post it in your sidebar
• Tweet about this contest using #evenflocomfort and a link to my contest
• Add me to Twitter

Contest Starts April 20, 2009 and Ends Monday May 11, 2009

Thank you to Mom Central and Evenflo for this wonderful opportunity!

Sprig Toys

It wasn’t until I became a parent that toys became something of interest for me.   I never really paid attention to what was out on the market until all the recent scares and recalls of toys that contained lead.   After that, I started to pay closer attention to the choices I made for the boys.  I am a huge fan of wooden toys, and  eco-friendly toys.  Not only are these particular toys safer for your child but they are environmentally friendly.

I was recently introduced to Sprig Toys. At Sprig Toys, they have a collective desire to keep kids active and the planet healthy. Team Sprig is dedicated to infusing creativity, smart design, quality manufacturing, earth-friendly materials, product satisfaction and responsible business practices into a superior line of fun, kid-powered toys.

We got the chance to try out the Sprig Hollow set of toys. Dunebug, Dragonfly, and Bee and Butterfly’s farm. Each toy in the set can double as a tool of some kind or whatever your child can dream up. And the best thing about these toys is the fact that I don’t have to plunk batteries in them to make them go. It is so refreshing to have toys around that don’t talk when you bump into them, or sing and shout at you in the morning hours. We took ours out to the sandbox and the boys simply loved them so much that, I couldn’t get them out of the box for a good hour. The toys are simple, but have so much function and encourage your child’s imagination. I wasn’t sure if the boys would figure out what to do with them, so I was curious to see how their little minds worked. As soon as they hit the sandbox, it was as if they knew what to do, and they were scooping, driving, playing, and digging in a matter of seconds.I t was almost as if they couldn’t get enough, and they were so excited. All of the pieces can be interchangeable so the possibilities are endless.

Sprig Toys definitely get this mommy’s seal of approval and are perfect for endless hours of childhood imaginative play. Although these toys don’t make fancy noises, they are probably superior to those that do, simply because they allow your child to be creative. There is so little today in the way of toys that do just that. Check out Sprig Toys and put the imagination back into play.

10-10-10 By Suzy Welch: A Must Read

There are so many instances in my life where hind sight is always better than when you are in the actual moment and making a decision about your life or something of importance.  I think if my life had a rewind button, I could make my outcomes much more appealing in certain situations.

I know with being a busy mom to twins, that things can get hectic and I tend to let my impulses get the best of me.  It is so hard just to slow down, take a deep breath and evaluate things in that moment.  Sometimes when you have a kid screaming in your ear, it is almost impossible to think straight.

But what if you had had a tool to help you think through the choices and determine how the decision would impact your life immediately, in the short term, and over a long period of time?

The book 10-10-10 by best-selling author Suzy Welch, who herself is a mother of four and a columnist for BusinessWeek and O, The Oprah Magazine, provides moms with a decision-making practice that is as simple as it is profound. Suzy shows readers the ways in which using the 10-10-10 method can remove the emotion and uncertainty from decision-making and dramatically change how you make choices in your life.  If there is anything that I can relate to is how emotional I get, especially in situations where I am stressed, tired, and frustrated.  With every decision, all you need to do is consider your options and their consequences in ten minutes, ten months, and ten years, and then compare them to your own set of values. The goal of this practice is an authentic life through which consistency replaces chaos and guilt replaces joy.

Suzy Welch uses actual life experience to demonstrate the 10-10-10 principle, so you can get an actual feel for how to apply this in your own life. The idea is simple and and clear and engages you in a thought process that can positively impact your life.  The part I like that best, is that she is a wife and mother and has been there.  There is nothing worse than someone trying to explain how to live your life when they have no actual life experience to present the information.  I feel like this book has given me some tools to approach situations differently to end up with a more favorable outcome.  Thank you to Suzy Welch and Mom Central for such a wonderful opportunity. This is a book worth reading!

Umi Shoes Perfect for Little Feet

I am definitely a bit of an addict when it comes to shoes for the boys.  Children’s shoes are so adorable that it makes it hard for me to pass them up.  And, if you know anything about little kids and their feet, they seem to outgrow them almost overnight.

I became a bit of a connoisseur when I started shopping for shoes.  I have two toddlers to buy for so, I pay close attention to how their shoes fit, how they move with them, and how they stand wear and tear.   There have been many times where I will go out and buy the same pair of  shoes  in a different size if I feel like it is a good shoe.  I haven’t changed the type of sneakers I have bought in 10 years.

I was introduced to Umi shoes last Fall and I simply fell in love with them.  This year’s Spring and Summer collection is to die for and I found it hard to pick any one style that I loved more than the next.   They carry such a wide range of shoes, and one is a cute as the next.   We received the Riley a canvas shoe in an adorable chambray print  and the Trek, a waterproof sandal in a very cool olive green.

The Scoop on Umi Shoes

At Umi, they build real children’s shoes, not floppy leather slipper socks,  and not miniature grown-up shoes. They know a lot about growing feet. Front to back. Side to side. Top to bottom. Umi shoes are designed with children’s feet in mind.

They have some pretty high standards. Umi crafts other shoes from the highest quality nappa and nubuck leather, with carefully constructed lasts. Their manufacturing process includes more than twenty quality control checks to ensure that every pair of shoes meets their standards. The result: Umi shoes are flexible, supportive, built to fit, and go the distance.

All the things that they take pride in are the things that I appreciate as a parent.  We have to follow a tight budget and when I fork over the money for shoes I expect to get a quality shoe that matches the price.  I love Umi shoes because they are fun, stylish, and are made to last the rigors of a young child.  I love how they fit, how they move, and how they look.  Umi shoes are awesome and definitely mommy approved.

Kolobags Giveaway

Since getting my laptop back in November, I have been on the search for something to put it in. Most of the laptop bags that I run across are very generic and let’s face it made for the male population. Let’s face it a girl doesn’t want army green, charcoal grey, or black as her only choices for carrying her prized possession.

I recently ran across Kolobags and discovered some pretty fabulous looking finds! They have a wide selection of laptop messenger bags and even laptop backpacks. I was in awe of how big their selection was and I can even search bags by color, which we all know that color would be blue. My personal favorite has to be the Clark and Mayfield quimby quilted laptop case.

They also have some pretty cute every day around town bags like the Room It Up navy stripe laptop messenger bag which is bright and cheery and perfect for spring!

Room It Up Features

· polyester
· matching pull out laptop sleeve and accessory case
· exterior dimensions: 15.75″ x 4.75″ x 14″
· fits most pcs and macs with 15.4″ screens (laptops up to 14.25″ x 2″ x 11.5″)
· recommended as a laptop messenger bag for women

Kolobags definitely has one of the bigger selection of laptop bags and I would encourage you to check out their site and sign up for their newsletter.  They offer free shipping and returns on all orders over $50!

Would You Like To Win A Room It Up Bag of you very own?

Here’s What You Gotta Do!

Mandatory

Visit Kolobags and come back here and leave a comment on which bag you like best

*For additional entries

Tweet about this contest

Blog about this contest

Put my button up on your sidebar

Subscribe to my blog

If a winner does not reply within two business days a new winner will be chosen.

Contest Starts April 9, 2009 and ends April 30, 2009

Open To U.S. Residents Only

Good Luck!!!!

[IN] Place By Peter Walsh

I just recently had the opportunity to attend a web cast with Peter Walsh the guy from TLC’s Clean Sweep.  He has a new product line called [IN] Place coming out at Office Max to help people like me get in gear and get organized.  I must admit that my work space is less than desirable and I am almost never in there because of it.

We have a den that has sort of become the toss and go room for stacks of papers that have been cleared from our kitchen counters.  It is all the mail and things that we need to keep and well, file away.  As a busy mom to twins, I just feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day to keep up with everything.  But now I have a reason to get things in shape.

The [IN] Place line of products includes durable poly folders that you can see through which makes it easy to find things quickly.  I have a file cabinet full of the dark green folders that have lost their tabs and I now have to figure out what’s in each folder.  Peter Walsh’s system lets you use an erasable marker so you can write directly on the folders themselves.  There are so many great things in the collection that once you get organized it is so easy to remain organized.  He also talks about how we as individuals need visual cues, and that having a system in place that makes things visible and that is color coded makes the idea of becoming organized more attanable.

So your first job is to clear the clutter and Peter states not to go out and buy things until you actually see what you have.  I am guilty as charged when it comes to this, because I will go out and buy all sorts of cutsie containers and stuff and get home and then start going through things when I had it all backwards.

You also should be going through your files every 6 months.  This is where I had a dilemma as I hang on to everything and feel like I am drowning in paper.  What I like most about this system is that it is simple, clean looking and makes it easy to keep it that way.  I intend on getting my house in order and the [IN] Place system is a perfect place to start.  Im so tired of feeling disorganized and after listening to Peter Walsh talk, I am more motivated than ever and actually excited.  Now if he could organize me up a few extra hours of sleep?

Me4Kidz Medibag Review and Giveaway

As a parent you don’t like to think about your child getting injured or hurt.  I can remember when the first major bump on the head happened, when my boys were just about a year old, and the mode of panic I went into.  I think I cried more than they did!  When and injury happens though, the last thing you want to be doing is fumbling around in the cabinet for all the first aid things you may need when a bump, scrape, sting or cut happens.

I recently received the Me4Kidz Medibag for review and I really love the thing.  It has everything right where I need and can be easily stored in the cabinet or brought along on camping trips, or kept in the car for emergency first aid.  It has just about anything you might need including fun stickers for the little one who braved their injury and fun brightly colored crayon bandages.

The Medibag Includes

(30)   Assorted Kid-Friendly Bandages
(12)  Junior Bandages
(20)  Antiseptic Wipes
(4)    2 X 2 Gauze Pads
(4)    3 X 3 Gauze Pads
(2)    Knee & Elbow Bandages
(1)    Anti-Itch Ointment
(2)    Antibiotic Ointment
(1)    Burn Gel
(1)    Eye Wash
(1)    First Aid Guide
(1)   Instant Cold Pack
(2)   Blue Kid-Friendly Exam Gloves
(1)   Hypoallergenic First-Aid Tape Roll
(1)   Plastic Disposable Tweezers
(10) Application Swabs
(1)   Sting Relief Pad
(1)   Emergency Information Label
(20) Kid-Friendly Fun Stickers
(1)   Kid-Friendly Organized Doctor’s Bag
(1)   Coupon for a Free 45 Item Refill Kit

I hope that I don’t have to use all of the things in the bag, but if I do then it has all the essentials and then some.  I never even thought about stuff for bee stings, and we have plenty of them buzzing around in the summer.  The instant cold pack is really great for when you are somewhere with no access to ice.  All around I think this is a pretty good investment and I think it would make a really great gift for a first time parent as well.

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED

Would you like to win a Medibag for yourself and your family?  DoubleBugs and Me4Kidz is giving one lucky reader a Medibag of their very own!

Here’s What You Gotta Do!!

• Tell me why you would like to win a Medibag
  

• Winner is chosen at random via Random.org.
• If Winner Does Not Respond Within 2 Days the prize is forfeited and donated!

For Additional Entries (please leave as an additional comment):

• Tweet about this post
• Follow me on Twitter
• Blog about my contest and give me the link!
• Put my badge on your sidebar

Contest Starts April 7, 2009 and Ends Wednesday April 28, 2009

Good Luck!!!

Electrasol Finish Quantum Review and Giveaway

As a stay at home mom, I am almost always cleaning or doing dishes on a regular basis.  We typically run our dishwasher once a day or every other day, so it gets a pretty good work out.  I have always stuck to one brand of dishwashing detergent for the dishwasher simply because it was the brand that I knew.

I recently gave Electrasol Quantum Finish and Jet Dry Turbo Dry a try, and was pleasantly surprised.  In fact, I think that I am an official convert.  Quantum Finish comes in those little bricks that I have always seen in the stores but just passed by them.  First of all, I couldn’t imagine that this  little brick was going to get my dishes clean, and secondly, I just imagined it would turn into clumps at the bottom of my dishwasher, sort of like the powder.

So I decided to give this stuff a try and really put it to the test.  The biggest test for me was dried oatmeal, and I impulsively wanted to rinse all my dishes the way I normally do before running our dishwasher, but I decided to put them all directly in with no rinsing.    I felt like a rebel, but I wanted to put these tiny, and very cool looking bricks , too the test.

So I set the dishwasher to go, in the morning after breakfast, oatmeal and all, and patiently waited to see how well it worked.  I was amazed at the results, so much that, I don’t think I want to use anything else.  The dishes came out dry (thanks to Jet Dry Turbo Dry), and best of all completely clean!  I was amazed at just how clean everything was, my other dishwashing detergent, always left a little something on a bowl or fork here and there, but I found nothing.  And that bowl of dried oatmeal….Take a look!

Finish Quantum Features

Finish Quantum is an innovative new automatic dishwashing detergent designed for consumers who want perfect dishes every time they wash. Finish, the new name for Electrasol, delivers a clean superior to the leading dishwashing detergent. Finish Quantum leaves nothing behind but the shine helping users experience the perfection they deserve in their everyday routines.

Features and Benefits:

Finish Quantum has a multi-Chamber system that is pre-measured and wrapper free. This technology separates 3 powerful active ingredients, releasing them when needed in the dishwashing cycle.

1. Powerball with Jet-Dry Gel for an amazing shine
2. Powermax Bleach removes stains like tea and coffee
3. Powerful Enzymes soften burnt-on food like lasagna

It’s only dishwashing, but you get perfection every time you wash, that is why it’s the #1 recommended brand by more dishwasher brands.

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED

Would you like to try Finish Quantum and Jet Dry Turbo Dry for yourself?

DoubleBugs would like to give its readers the chance to win 2 each of Finish Quantum and Jet Dry Turbo Dry!  Five winners will be chosen.

Here’s What You Gotta Do!!

• Tell me why you would like to win, and maybe your current dishwashing detergent that you use.
  

• Winners are chosen at random via Random.org.
• If Winner Does Not Respond Within 2 Days the prize is forfeited and donated!

For Additional Entries (please leave as an additional comment):

• Tweet about this post
• Follow me on Twitter
• Blog about my contest and give me the link!
• Put my badge on your sidebar

Contest Starts March 30, 2009 and Ends Wednesday April 22, 2009

Good Luck!!!

Little Jet Set Makes Travel Simple Review and Giveaway

Little Jet Set is one of my all time favorite places for traveling with kids, because it has so many resources all in  one place.  I ran across Little Jet Jet for the first time when I was going to be traveling across the country with two eleven month olds, and found so many things that I could use.  The fact that we were taking a major trip with my boys coupled with the fact that I was a first time parent, I was desperate to find things to entertain the boys as well as maintain my sanity.

Little Jet Set offers a wide range of things for your child’s travel.  And it is really nicely organized.  Not only that they offer some valuable links to some really nice resources.  I found a wealth of information, when I was busy trying to determine if the boys car seats were going to fit on an airplane.

We were recently given the opportunity to review the Vehicles Maze Puzzle, by Melissa and Doug and the I Get Around Travel Activity Set.   Both of the boys were naturally excited to try what I pulled out of the box.  The Vehicle Maze puzzle was a big hit because both of them go coo coo over cars of any kind.  This puzzle is great for road trips, because it has no loose pieces so nothing gets lost.  This is perfect for long road trips.  Each vehicle has a specific place along the maze like the police car goes to the station, and the school bus goes to the school.  My two simple love it and I don’t have to chase after lost pieces.

Vehicle Maze Puzzle  $16.99

This innovative wooden puzzle includes nine colorful vehicle pieces that slide around a colorful town scene on slotted tracks.  Uniquely designed sliding pieces move freely around the puzzle, but can’t be removed or lost! Perfect for car trips or airplane rides. This great activity encourages eye-hand coordination and fine motor skills. Dimensions: 13.2 in. x 10.7 in. x 1.1 in.   Age 3+

The “I Get Around Travel Activity Set.”  is one of my favorites and it is such a cute idea for young kids.  I am an avid scrapbooker so this is a great way to get your kids involved, and they can create their own memories.  The boys had a blast with all the fun stickers, and even though they didn’t quite grasp the concept, it is a great way to spend time with your child, and helping them recall the favorite moments in their trip.  This would be great for vacations at the end of a busy day.  It is a great way to give them an activity and to wind down from such a busy day.  I love anything that encourage cognitive skills, as well as creativity. The boys loved choosing from all the fun stickers.

I Get Around Activity Set $39.95

This gift set, available only at LittleJetSet.com, is perfect for kids who are going places — in everyday life, on special trips and in their imaginations. Each set includes: an “i get around” board book, which tells the story of Rover, and all the ways this hound gets around with his animal friends and what he does at the end of an active day; a spiral bound journal and scrapbook where little ones can express themselves with stickers, drawings and words as they experience the world around them; and 6 packs of repositionable stickers (Rover, action words, objects, feelings and senses, alphabet and special places). Comes packaged in a Little Jet Set logo tote – perfect for gift giving.

• Comes with rhyming 32-page board book, 60-page journal and 6 packs of stickers (2 sheets each)
• Written and illustrated by Deb Miner
• Age 3+

I highly recommend Little Jet Set if you are traveling with young kids and are looking for some fun activities to help keep them occupied.  At least you have all of the best ideas in one place.

Little Jet Jet and DoubleBugs would like to give its readers the chance to win and “I Get Around Travel Activity Set” of their very own!

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED

Here’s What You Gotta Do!

• Visit Little Jet Set and tell me what you like, and also leave me one of your favorite travel tips.
  

• Winners are chosen at random via Random.org.
• If Winner Does Not Respond Within 2 Days the prize is forfeited and donated!

For Additional Entries (please leave as an additional comment):

• Tweet about this post
• Follow me on Twitter
• Blog about my contest and give me the link!
• Put my badge on your sidebar

Contest Starts March 30, 2009 and Ends Wednesday April 22, 2009

Good Luck!!!

Yoplait Kids Get Active Review and Giveaway

Did you know that research has shown that fewer than half of all kids ages two to 12 get the calcium they need each day? Calcium and Vitamin D are both essential nutrients for building strong bones. Though it can be challenging for growing kids to get Vitamin D, since it is found naturally in very few foods Yoplait for Kids makes it a little easier to incorporate a delicious source of Vitamin D and Calcium in your child’s diet.

About Yoplait Kids Yogurt

Yoplait Kids is made just for your toddlers sensitive palate.  It has a smooth texture and great fruit flavors that your child is sure to love.  It also has the calcium and vitamins that they need in their diets.

Along with a great taste it also has 25% less sugar and DHA for healthy brain growth.

Yoplait Kids yogurt in a cup is like training wheels for spoons-even when the spoon is tipped it won’t fall off. That means less mess-and greater spoon-feeding success!

What We Thought

We received a free coupon to go and give Yoplait Kids a try along with a family fun package to encourage your kids to get out and get active.  Along with healthy eating habits you want your kids to be active, so what better way to end a day of play? We tried yoplait kids this past weekend after we played with all the fun outdoor toys we recieved and the boys absolutely loved it!  They both had to have their own cup of yogurt of course, and they finished every last drop.   We are big yogurt fans in this house, but what I have found is that a lot of yogurts have a high sugar content.  I really liked the fact that Yoplait Kids yogurt has the 25% less sugar, so I am more inclined to let them have the whole container rather than limiting it, and the serving sizes are perfect for them.   They of course thought they were getting something really special because Dora and Boots were on the containers, which makes it even easier for them to eat healthy.  Overall, I would have to say that this was a big hit and I will definitely consider buying more for them.

Would you like to give Yoplait Kids a try?

Yoplait is generously offering DoubleBugs readers the chance to win a great prize package.   Yoplait Get Active Prize Pack includes coupon for free Yoplait, travel cooler (to take your yogurt on the road), a jump rope, a water bottle and an outdoor game set that includes a beach ball, paddle ball, Jai-Ali and a Frisbee, and we will be giving this away to 3 lucky winners!

Open to U.S. residents. *This coupon offer for a free six pack of Yoplait for Kids yogurt is not valid in some states, including Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, New Jersey, North Dakota and Tennessee.

Here’s What You Gotta Do!

• Leave me a comment and let me know what your family does to stay active.  Also, you can visit yoplait.com and tell me what flavor of yogurt your kids might like.

• Winners are chosen at random via Random.org.
• If Winner Does Not Respond Within 2 Days the prize is forfeited and donated!

For Additional Entries (please leave as an additional comment):

• Tweet about this post
• Follow me on Twitter
• Blog about my contest and give me the link!
• Put my badge on your sidebar

Contest Starts Monday March 30, 2009 and Ends Monday April 20, 2009

GOOD LUCK!!!

« Previous Page — Next Page »