Busy Mom Reviews

I received some Keri Lotion in both the Original and Shea Butter varieties (I almost wrote "flavors").

They even came with a cool canvas bag, and, an art set, I guess so my dry skin doesn't distract me from my creative endeavors.

Anyway, I have had such a hard time with dry skin this winter, and, I was glad to get them. Both varieties go on easily, and, aren't greasy at all.

Both varieties have a pleasant smell, not too overpowering or feminine (despite the very feminie looking label), and, they take care of your dry skin all day.

Try them today!

I received a set of SmartMouth products for bad breath to review.

I don't think they were trying to tell me something, as I don't think the can evaluate my breath over the Internet, but, it still makes one wonder.

Anyway, I received the Smart Rinse, the toothpaste, the sugar free mints, and, the sugar-free gum.

The rinse is actually two bottles that most be mixed in a cup. That's no big deal, as they both come with a pump. It's easy to use, it doesn't taste too strong, but, it seems to work pretty well for morning breath, and, "coated tongue" like it advertised.

The only down side is that it dried out my mouth. However, they did warn of that, and, the remedy is to reduce how much you use.

The flouride toothpaste touts "zinc ion technology", and, promises whiter teeth. It's taste is pleasant, and, like the mouthwash, not too strong. I haven't noticed a large difference in the whiteness of my teeth, but, I haven't been using it all that long.

The gum and mints have been very popular around these parts. They're both wintergreen-ish, and, seem to do the trick for bad breath.

Smart Mouth products are available on the website, check them out!

I love that (has sound) Kaboom! is advertised as an "aggressive" bathroom cleaner. Makes it sound mean, like you need to get out of the way, or, something.

I received the Bowl Blaster Foaming Toilet Cleaner, the Shower, Tub & Tile Cleaner, the NeverScrub! Continuous Toilet Cleaning System, and, the Ultra Scrub for review.

The Bowl Blaster foaming toilet cleaner is a lot of fun. You dump the powder in the toilet bowl, and, stand back! It produces some serious foam to clean the toilet bowl. It doesn't have a strong smell, but, you do need to keep away from the powder, because it causes a little dust cloud.

You can use it on a clean bowl for a touch up, or, you can scrub first. It seemed to clean the toilet well when I tried it without scrubbing first.

The Never Scrub! system is an in-tank cleaner. It takes a minute or two to install, versus a drop-in cleaner. The water remains clear, but, I wish it had a subtle scent of some sort. It's refillable, safe for septic systems, and, prevents rust and hard water stains.

I haven't really seen a big difference, but, I think the under-rim area may look a bit better than usual.

The Shower, Tub, and, Tile Cleaner has done a pretty good job on the soap scum in our fiberglass showers. It's a spray, and, has a subtle scent.

I like the Ultra Scrub a lot. It's a thick cream that has done a really good job on some of the old toilet and stains. OK, not that our toilets and bathtubs were all grody, or, anything, but, it's helped with the basic cosmetic issues of older fixtures.

All the products area available here, and, I really like them. I'd buy them again if I saw them in the store, but, I'm not really good at keeping up with online ordering.

I received some True Blue Blueberry juice to try out.

Why blueberry juice? According to the website, blueberries:

• Are high in antioxidants
• Lower cholesterol
• Prevent urinary tract infections
• Improve memory, coordination and balance
• Improve eyesight
• Slow aging

A serving of True Blue Blueberry juice has a full serving of blueberries in every 16 oz, glass, and, it boasts the claim of being "all natural"

It comes in several flavors, I tried the plain blueberry that is actually mixed with grape juice. It's good, and, has a blueberry taste, though it's a little sweeter than I prefer. I think I would dilute it a bit with some water, or, an adult beverage might be tasty with it.

It's sweetened with cane sugar, rather than high fructose corn syrup, so it has 25% fewer calories than cranberry based products.

The kids liked it, we'd buy it again. There's even recipes to try, since, the juice may be used in place of blueberries in some foods.

Lamisil AT Gel is an advanced way to cure athlete's foot.

It's a gel that is used in 7 once a day doses of a cooling gel formula. Other athlete's foot products require applications several times a day.

I received a product sample (along with a cool bag, and, some flip flops). Fortunately (or unfortunately, depending on my need to do a review) no one in our house is bothered by athlete's foot at the moment.

However, I am here for you, dear reader, so, I tested the product as best as I could.

I put a very small amount on my hand. It has a pleasant smell, goes on easily, and, isn't "goopy". It is, indeed, very cooling, as my hand is still cool in that spot.

Lamisil is so confident you'll like it, that it comes with a money back satisfaction guarantee. It's almost summer, and, sandal season is just around the corner. So, if you're bothered by burning, itching, cracking and peeling between your toes, give Lamisil AT a try.

It's available in grocery stores, drug stores, and, mass market retailers nationwide.

Vocal Point (aff. link), a program of P&G, is a network of "moms with a voice", where you have a chance to voice your opinion about products and services in industries that include entertainment, fashion, music, food and beauty.

Feedback on products and services is generated through surveys, product sampling and previews of products and services.

Membership is free, and, you get product samples, and, discounts. They have a privacy policy, and, you can unsubscribe at any time.

I have been a member for a while, and, you really do get some cool samples in the mail, and, the chance to fill out surveys (they don't bombard you).

I received some samples of EAS Champion Bars (and even got more when the kids ate all of them before I could get one, thanks, Jennifer!). I think they are so new that I can't even find a link or a picture.

EAS, a leading developer and marketer of science-based sports nutrition products that help meet the specific needs of athletes of all levels, is proud to announce EAS Champions Bars, a healthy children’s snack bar filled with nourishment.

Childhood obesity is a growing concern in America and many parents are concerned about the snacking options currently on the market for today’s kids. EAS Champions Bars offer a healthy and balanced alternative, providing children with 20 key vitamins and minerals that he/she needs to stay strong. It is low in fat, sugar, and calories, yet comes in flavors (Chocolate Peanut Butter and S’mores) that kids love.

After I actually got to try one, I discovered they are really good! They are appealing to kids without being too sweet. It's chewy and filling (no cholesterol, 160 calories, 5 grams protein, 85 mg sodium, 3 g fiber), so, it would make a great snack for sports, camping, or, school.

They are available beginning this month at Target stores, and, retail for $4.59 for a box of 5 bars.

I love, love, love anything that has to do with organization. It's kind of like cookbooks for me, I could read about it all day, but, have trouble finding the time to actually do these cool things.

Amy Knapp's Family Organizing Handbook is a great little book that indulges my need for organization porn with over 300 "mom-tested tips, tricks and secrets to take care of everything with time left for what really matters".

Research has shown that the number one irritant of American families is clutter, and, that most clutter is a result of disorganization rather than insufficient space.

My house? Check.

It covers a wide variety of organizational topics from house cleaning and home office organization, to parenting and meal planning. I especially like the parts about organizing rooms according to form and function, because that's kind of how I think, but, wish I had time to perform. Amy Knapp must have researched this at my house, I could tell from this thought:

"Have you ever planned a party carefully arranging seating around the house so it is comfortable and conducive to conversation? People always end up in the kitchen, no matter how messy it is - even if the food is not in there!"

It's easy to read, and, is full of real people, practical advice, and, would make a great Mother's Day gift for someone who wouldn't take it as a hint!

Just in time for Mother's Day, there's a new show starring Leah Remini, In The Motherhood (has sound).

But, this one is different! It's a series of web-based episodes, and, you are the writer!

Leah Remini partners with Suave, Sprint and MindShare Entertainment for In the Motherhood, a first-ever, mom-focused web series, which will appear on MSN from April 17 through June as well as an integration partnership with the Ellen DeGeneres Show .

Beginning in April, moms across the country will have the unique opportunity to write and collaborate with Hollywood screenwriters to create a series of web-based films starring Leah Remini, best known for her comedic role in the “The King of Queens,” which is completing a successful nine-year run this year. Directed by Peter Lauer, whose directorial credits include “Malcolm in the Middle”, “Arrested Development” and “The Chapelle's Show,” each In the Motherhood webisode will profile the ever-hectic yet always humorous lives of three mom girlfriends.

Professional Hollywood screenwriters will develop the characters and story lines for each of the webisodes, but real moms are the real behind-the-scenes stars. Moms will get the chance to tell their real-life stories by logging onto www.inthemotherhood.com, which will prompt them to sound off about universal experiences all moms share such as “your child's worst public meltdown,” “how to put the ‘me' back in mommy” or “your funniest mother-in-law child-rearing advice.”

Participating is easy – moms literally write out their story in paragraph form and with a few mouse clicks, the story is automatically transformed into a traditional Hollywood script. The online mom community will vote and nominate the best entries, which will then be polished and incorporated into the series of webisodes.

You can visit inthemotherhood.com for the webisodes, information, blogs, games, music, and forums to connect with other moms.

The In the Motherhood web community will launch on MSN April 17 and run through June. The first webisode will air on the Ellen DeGeneres Show on May 11 and subsequent webisodes will air on May 22, May 29, June 5 and June 12.

Fruity Cheerios, and, Modern Mom have teamed to present the Fruity Cheerios Family Fun Contest where you can have the chance to win some fabulous prizes just for showing us how Fruity Cheerios contributes to fun in your family!

The Fruity Cheerios "Family Fun" Contest encourages families to capture how Fruity Cheerios contributes to family fun by creating a picture or video inspired by Fruity Cheerios and featuring family members.

Between now and May 18th, 2007, we'll be gathering Fruity Cheerios-inspired photo and video entries. Five finalists will be selected, and the final decision will be made by Modern Mom readers.

Modern Mom visitors will vote for their favorite entry in each category June 8th through June 16th, and the Grand Prize winner in each will win a case of Fruity Cheerios (YUM!) and $500 in cash!