Busy Mom Reviews

The Thermaclear acne treatment device zaps acne bacteria with a burst of heat to treat pimples after they occur.

An FDA treatment study showed that it clears acne pimples two to four times faster than those lef untreated.

Since I have th unfairness of being over 40 with acne AND wrinkles, I was all over trying this one out.

The Thermaclear is a small battery powered device that really does deliver a burst of heat to acne. You just press a button, it heats up, and, when it's ready you apply the tip of the device to the pimple, and, press another button, and, it zaps with "HEAT" (Heat Enabled Acne Treatment).

There is a high and a low setting, because it takes a little bit of getting used to, it almost feels like a bee sting at first, but, it goes away quickly, and, you get used to it.

Enough about how you do it, does it work?

I was a little skeptical a first, but, I believe with repeated usage per the directions, it did actually hurry my zits along. It wasn't a magical cure, but, I can say it reduced the time needed to clear them up.

However, it's not meant for cystic acne or open sores of any type.

Thermaclear also makes acne prevention products, cleansing pads, clarifying cleanser and acne clearing gel which is benzoyl peroxide.

Though a bit pricey at around $150, I have to say that it's been pretty helpful for me, and, it's worth checking out if you are so inclined.

Tonka is celebrating its 60th anniversary!

Playing with Tonka trucks has been a rite of passage for boys (and girls!) all over the country since 1947. These durable trucks have

Tonka Fun Fact: Each year the Tonka brand uses more than 119,000 pounds of yellow paint and 5.1 million pounds of sheet metal to make its trucks and vehicles.

Tonka is celebrating it's birthday with the 2007 Tonka Truck Tour featuring a real, life-sized Tonka Dump Truck and be sure to check out Tonka.com for games, puzzles, coloring and more!

Disney's The Jungle Book is being released on DVD October 2nd, 2007. We love The Jungle Book at our house, and, this edition doesn't disappoint!

From the press release:

Celebrate the 40th Anniversary of this Jumpin’ Jungle Classic Spectacular Restoration with Enhanced Picture and Sound On DVD October 2 For A Limited Time Only

On October 2nd, Walt Disney Home Entertainment will celebrate The Jungle Book’s 40th anniversary with the 2-Disc Platinum Edition DVD. In addition to enhanced picture and sound, this jumpin’ jungle Disney classic was the last animated film Walt personally touched.

The Jungle Book 2-Disc Platinum Edition DVD is overflowing with not only memorable characters like the wise panther Bagheera, happy-go-lucky bear Baloo, and the menacing tiger Shere Khan, but amazing special features that both new adventurers and seasoned explorers are sure to enjoy.

The all-new bonus features include a new member of The Jungle Book family, the long lost character created for the original film and discovered for the first time -Rocky, a near-sighted and short tempered, but hilarious rhinoceros.

“The Bare Necessities: The Making of The Jungle Book” featurette takes a look at Walt Disney’s contributions to his animated swan song and also examines how director Woolie Reitherman filled the legend’s shoes when putting the final touches on the production.

“Disney’s Kipling” examines Walt’s interpretation of the Rudyard Kipling’s “Mowgli Stories,” and a film commentary from original animators Frank Thomas, Ollie Johnston and director Woolie Reitherman is presented alongside commentary from current top animated filmmakers including Brad Bird (“The Incredibles”), Glen Keane (Disney’s “The Little Mermaid), and Andreas Deja (Disney’s “Beauty and The Beast,” and “The Lion King”).

In “Mowgli’s Return to the Jungle”, Bruce Reitherman, the voice of Mowgli and the son of Woolie, shares his memories of making the film and how the experiences influenced his current job as a wildlife filmmaker. The swinging jungle fun continues with an all-new suite of games: “Baloo’s Virtual Swingin’ Jungle Cruise,” and much, much more!

The Jungle Book: Platinum Edition DVD is available only for a limited time, with a suggested retail price of $29.99 in the U.S. ($36.99 in Canada ) before making the safari back into the vault.

I think it's hard to find good kids bedding these days.

Seriously, we have a few sheets around our house that were mine when I was growing up. Though they are wearing thin (no age jokes here), they feel ten times better than the muslin stuff that passes for kid's bedding today.

I discovered Kukunest and loved the 100% cotton kids bedding and the great designs.

Busy D. has the Intergalactic (shown) set, and, it is as cute and bright as it looks in the picture. The color has held up nicely with a few washings, and, they really feel great, even at 200 thread count.

Kukunest products are an ec0-friendly choice, too, as they are Öko-Tex certified, a "European standard that was created to ensure no negative effects from the manufacture or use of certified textile products", and, they pledge to use as little shipping packaging as possible.

Felix the Cat Golden Anniversary Edition: The Complete 1958-1959 Series is now available on DVD.

I used to watch this show when I was growing up, and, I had forgotten all about it until I received the DVD for review. Felix the Cat, the wonderful, wonderful cat...Poindexter, the Professor and more! Whenever he gets in a fix he reaches into his bag of tricks!

OK, I'll stop singing now. People my age (43) may find it more entertaining than kids today might, but, the simple story lines and animation are what makes Felix a classic.

Get your copy today!

Just in time for Halloween, Hasbro has a variety of spooktacular items this year from some of its most popular brands like Transformers, My Little Pony, Littlest Pet Shop and more.

Celebrate Halloween with Spider Man masks, boo-tiful Play-Doh creations, a festive Mr. Potato Head and much more!

We have the Trick or Tater Mr. Potato Head, and, it cracks me up.

Other fun Halloween items for 2007 include:

Play-Doh
o GHOST AND PUMPKIN CHARACTER TWO-PACK

(Ages: 3 & up/Approximate Retail Price: $1.99)

Celebrate Halloween this year with PLAY-DOH compound! Open up one of these plastic Halloween characters and you’ll find two ounces of squishy modeling compound inside that make great hand-out treats!

* HALLOWEEN BAG ASSORTMENT

(Ages: 3 & up/Approximate Retail Price: $3.99 - $4.99)

All of the treat without the sweet! Surprise the kids in your neighborhood this Halloween with a fun-size can of PLAY-DOH compound instead of trick-or-treat candy! Each bag contains 20 one-ounce cans of PLAY-DOH.

My Little Pony

* MY LITTLE PONY HALLOWEEN ASSORTMENT

(Ages 3 & Up/Approximate Retail Price: $4.99)

Join ABRA-CA-DABRA and her friends for some Halloween fun in Ponyville! This year ABRA-CA-DABRA is dressed up as a friendly witch, and her festive candy corn cutie marks make her a perfect trick-or-treating pal.

Littlest Pet Shop

* LITTLEST PET SHOP HALLOWEEN TUBE

(Ages 4 & Up/Approximate Retail Price: $4.99)

Trick-or-treat! Instead of the usual chocolate this Halloween, hand out some cute, collectible LITTLEST PET SHOP figures. Each tube comes with three adorable Halloween-themed pet figures with bobblin’ heads and accessories. Choose from a tube that features a bunny, turtle and black cat or a tube that features an owl, sugar glider and spider.

Transformers

* TRANSFORMERS OPTIMUS PRIME VOICE CHANGER HELMET
(Ages: 5 & Up/Approximate Retail Price: $29.99)
The OPTIMUS PRIME VOICE CHANGER HELMET, authentically detailed to look like the character in the movie, allows kids to imitate OPTIMUS PRIME and sound like a TRANSFORMERS robot for the first time! The OPTIMUS PRIME VOICE CHANGER HELMET features 3 modes:

· VOICE CHANGER: Make your voice sound like a robot!

· BATTLE PHRASES: OPTIMUS PRIME speaks iconic phrases

· CONVERSION SOUNDS: Hear OPTIMUS PRIME change from a truck to a robot and back!

* TRANSFORMERS ARM BLASTER assortment

(Ages: 5 & up/Approximate Retail Price: $29.99)

Quickly changing from either STARSCREAM’S jet or OPTIMUS PRIME’S truck, these powerful TRANSFORMERS ARM BLASTERS offer kids the unique opportunity to role-play the galactic battle which AUTOBOTS and DECEPTICONS have waged for centuries! One pull changes the toy from vehicle mode to blaster mode, unleashing the power of a Nerf dart blaster. OPTIMUS PRIME comes with 3 Nerf darts and STARSCREAM comes with 4 Nerf darts.

Spider Man

* SPIDER-MAN 3 SPIDER-MAN MASK AND WRIST BLASTER

(Ages: 5 & up/Approximate Retail Price: $19.99)

This SPIDER-MAN 3 role-playing kit comes with everything you need to battle evil as the amazing SPIDER-MAN! Shoot streams of web fluid, load your Dart Blaster to rapid fire darts or launch stretchy webs. There’s even a reversible mask that switches from red to black, just like in the movie! This cool costume comes complete with an adjustable web blaster strap, a 5-ounce web fluid canister, Dart Blaster, five web darts, three stretchy webs, a stretchy web holder and belt clip, and a reversible Spider-Man mask.

* SPIDER-MAN 3 VENOM MASK AND WRIST BLASTER

(Ages: 5 & up/Approximate Retail Price: $19.99)

Battle with the amazing SPIDER-MAN as VENOM, the alien nemesis from SPIDER-MAN 3. Disguise yourself as the scary symbiote this Halloween and collect lots of treats! This role-playing kit includes a Venom Mask, Venom wrist blaster, and a 5-ounce web fluid canister.

Tiger Electronics

* TOOTHTUNES

(Approximate Retail Price: $9.99)

The TOOTHTUNES brush features proprietary technology which will encourage people of all ages to brush for two full minutes – the amount of time generally recommended by dentists. TOOTHTUNES’ safe and patented technology transmits songs and music vibrations through the teeth, which are then heard in the inner ear. Users will hear two full minutes of the hottest music from today’s biggest stars which will keep them brushing. The revolutionary toothbrush uses a micro-chip that provides hit music from the industry’s hottest artists, including Black Eyed Peas, Hilary Duff, Destiny’s Child, KISS, Kelly Clarkson and The Cheetah Girls, among others.

Other items

* The Perfect Pumpkin Storybook

(HarperCollins Publishers/Ages: 3 to 6 years/Approximate Retail Price: $6.99)

Celebrate Halloween with an adorable, seasonal MY LITTLE PONY storybook.

* Trick n’ Treat… Friends are Sweet Sticker Book

(HarperCollins Publishers/Ages: 3 to 6 years/Approximate Retail Price: $6.99)

Get stuck on Halloween with this seasonal MY LITTLE PONY sticker book.

* TRANSFORMERS Trick or Treat Baskets

(PTI Group/Ages: 3 & up/Approximate Retail Price: $7.99-$12.99)

Trick or treating is more than meets the eye with the TRANSFORMERS Trick or Treat Baskets. Choose from two different baskets, available in plush and plastic.

* OPTIMUS PRIME Halloween Costumes

(Disguise, Inc/Ages: 3 & up/Approximate Retail Price: $16.88-$39.99)

AUTOBOTS, roll out! TRANSFORMERS fans of all ages can transform into the AUTOBOTS heroic leader this Halloween with the OPTIMUS PRIME Halloween Costumes.

* MY LITTLE PONY Plushie Halloween Basket

(PTI Group /Ages: 3 & up/Approximate Retail Price: $7.99)

Enjoy a whimsical Halloween with MY LITTLE PONY a Plushie Halloween Basket.

Now, I'm not an environment killer by any means, but, sometimes, when you think of recycled household products, the items can sometimes be a little "off', or, not as sturdy as you'd like.

I was sent a variety of the Preserve recycled products from the fine people at Recycline, and, I really like them.

The Preserve products boast 100% recycled plastic (much of it from Stonyfield Farms yogurt cups), and, they demand the best in performance and function.

We tried the tableware first, as the day I got the package, we had drop in guests. The colors were cute and bright, and, I thought maybe they'd be about the same quality as the higher end disposable tableware.

I was pleasantly surprised however, they are quite sturdy, and, have maintained their quality through several uses and washings in the dishwasher.

They can also be recycled in communities with #5 plastics recycling.

I also tried the flavored toothpicks. Though I don't really think about toothpicks in my everyday life, these got my attention since flavored toothpicks were all the rage when I was growing up in the seventies. Seems like you don't see them anymore.

According to the website, they are made with with sustainably harvested wood from domestically grown white birch forests, and, come in mint tea tree (spearmint-y), and, cinnamint flavors. The flavor is surprisingly strong and long lasting as well.

I also received a Preserve toothbrush, and, a Junior toothbrush with a Utah Prarie Dog (endangered species) profile.

I had no idea there was such a debate about the benefits and drawbacks of recycled (handles) toothbrushes, but, we've been pleased with these as well. They are also recyclable, and, you can send them (as well as the razor handles) back to Recycline in a prepaid envelope, and, they will reuse them in plastic lumber.

The Preserve Triple Razor is another great product that has performed well, and, the handle is recyclable.

I wasn't aware of these products before I was asked to try them out, but, we really like them.

Preserve has an online store, and some products are available at Target, and, at Whole Foods, and, on Amazon

Battle Wheels (has sound) are high-speed radio controlled combat warriors who fight to control the universe!

You choose an offensive or defensive pose, and, your weapon, and, go at it one on one, or, with up to 5 other figures. The goal is to hit the button in the center of the robots chest which causes the robots head to pop off. The first robot to lose its head loses the battle.

Each battle warrior comes with five removable pieces of armor, two weapons, a controller, and, a cardboard training dummy.

The website makes them sound kind of violent, but, it's actually pretty funny. We've been enjoying the ones I was sent to try out, but, as with many toys, be prepared to pick up some pieces, and, stock up on batteries, kids of all ages will use them a lot.

Check them out (has sound) here,and, there's even an online Battle Wheels game.

My kids love them, and, Battle Wheels would make a great Christmas gift for an older child who could put them back together, and, who can control a joystick, but, younger kids can play, too, the controls just take a bit of getting used to,and, you may have to help.

They are available at Toys R Us, Target, K-Mart, and, on Amazon.

The Alphabet from A to Y With Bonus Letter Z! by Steve Martin (yes, that Steve Martin) and New Yorker cartoonist Roz Chast isn't your average ABC book.

It's a hilarious ride through the alphabet with some funny, funny alliterations from Maniacal Marvin to Owen the Oboe, and, more. It's one of those books that you see something different in the illustrations every time you read it.

Busy D. (age 5) laughed, and, it's a refreshing change from "apples" and "zebras" while kids learn their letters and sounds.

The Alphabet from A to Y With Bonus Letter Z! would make a great Christmas or birthday gift for children and the parents who read to them.

Dawn Simple Pleasures is the well-known grease fighting dishwashing liquid with an air freshener built into the bottom of the bottle.

It comes in 3 scents, Water Lily & Jasmine, Apple & Pear, and, Lemon & Tangerine.

I was sent a bottle of the Lemon and Tangerine to try. I have to say I had no idea I needed a combination dish washing liquid and air freshener, but, I have really liked it!

My sink area didn't smell bad as far as I know, but, the lemon and tangerine scent is wonderful without being overpowering, and, it makes me happy.

The liquid itself works as well as always, and, I will buy this one again. Looking forward to trying the Apple and Pear for fall.

Pacific Shaving Company All Natural Shaving Oil is a tiny little bottle of essential oils for shaving that produces up to 100 shaves with a 1/2 oz. bottle since you only use a few drops at at time.

It's alcohol free and won't clog pores. It's got a mild scent, and, it's for both men and women. You can even use it with an electric razor!

It's perfect for travel (meets those TSA carry-on restrictions), and, you don't need other shave creams or moisturizers.

I was a little skeptical at first, I always just use soap, but, I have to say that it gives a close shave, and, you don't feel all dried out afterward. Since it's clear, you almost feel like there's nothing between you and the razor blade, but, it's great, and, you can really see what you're doing.

You can find Pacific Shaving Oil online at Amazon or on the Pacific Shaving Company site.

Simple Food, Inc's Simple Soynut Butter is a delicious and nut-free, gluten free, certified organic, vegan AND kosher spread.

The soybeans are dark roasted, giving the butter a taste and texture very similar to peanut butter, and, it comes in 5 varieties: No Sugar-No Salt, Sea Salted, Slightly Sweet, Cinnamon Sugar, and, Chocolate.

I was sent the Chocolate and Cinnamon Sugar flavors to try. I have to admit, I'm not a big natural foods person, I'm not against them, I just really don't think much about them, so, I was a little wary to try the soynut butter, but, I agreed to do it just for you, dear readers!

Know what? They are really good, and, the kids liked them too. The chocolate is great on bananas, and, the Cinnamon Sugar is great on apples. They're both pretty good right out the jar, too.

Like natural peanut butter, it separates easily, but, with just a bit of mixing, it's back together quickly for you to enjoy.

Simple Soynut Butter is available at Wild Oats, Whole Foods, and, other natural food stores.

Disney's Meet the Robinsons is available on DVD today, October 23, 2007!

Join a brilliant young inventor named Lewis as he sets off on a time-traveling journey to find the family he never knew. In the fantastical world of 2037, hip-hoppin frogs and dogs that wear glasses are as common as talking dinosaurs.

In an amazing twist, Lewis discovers that the fate of the future rests in his hands, but he can’t save it alone, he’ll need every bit of help he can get from the wonderfully wacky Robinson family, who help him learn to keep moving forward and never stop believing in himself.

Meet the Robinsons’ space age DVD bonus features include deleted scenes, “Keep Moving Forward: Inventions that Shaped the World”, Grammy Award winner Rob Thomas’s “Little Wonders” music video, “Kids of the Future” music video by the Jonas Brothers, “Family Function 5000: Family Tree Game”, “Inventing the Robinsons” and director Stephen Anderson’s audio commentary.

Space Age DVD Bonus Features Include:

* Deleted Scenes
* Arriving in the Future
* Meeting Carl
* Bowler Hat Guy’s Redemption
* Keep Moving Forward: Inventions that Shaped the World -Meet real life inventors and visionary thinkers (including Walt Disney, himself) who changed the world and our lives forever.
* Music Videos:
* “Little Wonders” Rob Thomas music video
* “Kids of the Future” Jonas Brothers music video
* Family Function 5000: Family Tree Game
* Inventing the Robinsons – Follow the development of the film from William Joyce’s original creations through the animation process and production.
* Audio Commentary by Director Stephen Anderson (with a special guest appearance)

The Blu-ray Disc® has even more features.

Get your copy of Meet the Robinsons for Christmas today!

Women's plastic surgery is big in the news lately.

From the press release:

New research from the not-for-profit National Women's Health Resource Center (NWHRC) shows life-changing events, such as childbirth, significant weight loss or divorce trigger changes in a woman's mindset, inspiring improvements around health, fitness, and, for 42 percent of women, their physical appearance.

Of those women motivated to improve their appearance, nearly half (45
percent) said they would consider plastic surgery to do so. These are just
a few of the results from the NWHRC's Life Makeover Secrets of the Modern
Woman national consumer survey.

"This research tells us significant life events influence a woman's
overall outlook on life, empowering her to pursue a healthy lifestyle and
her own beauty goals, which often leads to increased consideration of
medical aesthetic procedures," says Elizabeth Battaglino Cahill, executive
vice president of the NWHRC. "During the past decade, we have seen the
topic of plastic surgery -- including breast aesthetics -- become
increasingly relevant for women. Therefore, as a premier women's health
organization, it is critical that we provide women the information and
tools they need to make informed decisions."

Other survey results:

--More than half of women (59 percent) surveyed felt motivated to make over their lives after experiencing a life-changing event, such as major weight change (62 percent), childbirth (59 percent) or divorce/separation/end of a romantic relationship (55 percent)

--The majority of women (95 percent) who wanted to make a change actually did so in at least one area of their lives: health or fitness (57 percent) and physical appearance (42 percent)

--Of those women motivated to improve their appearance, nearly half (45 percent) said they would consider plastic surgery to do so.

--Breasts are among the top five body parts women would change; more than half (53 percent) say they are more accepting of breast augmentation than they used to be.

When considering breast aesthetic surgery, women should seek advice
from a plastic surgeon who they can partner with to define realistic
surgical goals and a plan for their long-term breast health. For more
information about breast aesthetics or to find a board-certified surgeon
near you, please visit http://www.healthywomen.org/breastsurgery.

The Life Makeover Secrets of the Modern Woman national consumer survey
and campaign are part of an NWHRC educational initiative, sponsored by
Allergan, Inc., maker of the NATRELLE(TM) Collection of breast implants.