Keep the good stuff in

Every winter, I have to prepare myself for the worst skin. I suffer from dry, cracked hands and what my husband refers to as "alligator feet". The chapped hands are the worst though. I wash my hands quite a bit during the day, especially with a toddler running around the house. I'm a freak of nature, I always want to make sure my hands are clean. The results of my squeaky clean hands (and lack of fluid intake) is severe dryness. I generally swear by Avon's Moisture Therapy Intensive Hand Cream but I just ran out. Luckily, I just received Gloves in a Bottle. You may have heard of this product recently around the blogosphere, as many have blogged about it. So far, the skin protector has been working really well.


I can tell it lasts for hours because I generally put it on before bed and when I wake up and wash my hands, I can still feel it protecting.

It's a silky lotion, not super thick. After it is massaged into your skin, the area feels smooth. Not necessarily greasy, but you can definitely tell that you have lotion on. I don't really mind this but some people might. After a few minutes or so, that lotiony feeling goes away but your skin is still protected.

Overall, I really like the product. A little goes a long way, so this 8 fl. oz. bottle should last me throughout the chapping season. For me, the true test will be in the dead of winter, which is fast approaching.


You can purchase Gloves in a Bottle by the bottle in the 8 fl. oz. size (retail $12.95). The product also comes in a smaller, more travel-friendly size, 2 fl. oz. I only see prices per 1/2 case or more for the smaller size, so I'm not sure if you can actually order the smaller size per the bottle. Seems like the company gears this product more toward people or businesses who would like to order in bigger quantities.

Gloves in a Bottle can also be found in select pharmacies around the world.

Karito Kids "Pita" Doll Giveaway - Day Eleven

Here is the day eleven question for our Karito Kids "Pita" Doll giveaway:

This question is now closed.




Remember: Your answer to the Day eleven question must be emailed to mumsthewurd[at]gmail[dot]com with "Karito Kids" in the Subject line and the answer in the body of the message.


The Day eleven question email submission MUST be dated 12/1/07. After midnight, the Day eleven question will not count for an entry.

If you are joining in late, you can still answer the Day One question ONCE. Day one's answer will count as an entry throughout the duration of this contest for any newcomers. For more info, see the original post HERE.

Good luck!

Karito Kids "Pita" Doll Giveaway - Day Ten

Here is the day ten question for our Karito Kids "Pita" Doll giveaway:

This question is now closed.






Remember: Your answer to the Day ten question must be emailed to mumsthewurd[at]gmail[dot]com with "Karito Kids" in the Subject line and the answer in the body of the message.


The Day ten question email submission MUST be dated 12/1/07. After midnight, the Day ten question will not count for an entry.

If you are joining in late, you can still answer the Day One question ONCE. Day one's answer will count as an entry throughout the duration of this contest for any newcomers. For more info, see the original post HERE.

Good luck!

Holiday Sale at Gaga Goods!

If you need to do a little holiday shopping for someone small, head over to GaGa Goods!


ALL of their long-sleeve holiday design Onesies and Tees are on sale for just $16 (regularly $20) & their holiday gift to Gaga Goods customers is the following "monthly goodie" promotion: If you purchase two or more onesies or tees, you'll save 20% storewide with coupon code: holiday20

Get shoppin'!

Karito Kids "Pita" Doll Giveaway - Day Nine



The Day Nine question is now closed.

Remember: Your answer to the Day nine question must be emailed to mumsthewurd[at]gmail[dot]com with "Karito Kids" in the Subject line and the answer in the body of the message.


The Day nine question email submission MUST be dated 11/29/07. After midnight, the Day nine question will not count for an entry.

If you are joining in late, you can still answer the Day One question. Day One's answer will count as an entry throughout the duration of this contest for any newcomers. For more info, see the original post HERE.

Good luck!

Do you have a BusyBodyBook yet?

We're nearing the end of 2007 and it's time to think about getting your planner ready for the new year. Time to log all of those birthdays and anniversaries and plan out academic events and appointments. Look no further than the BusyBodyBook from About Your Time, LLC. The BBB's are becoming HUGELY popular because of their spacious grid-like pages that let you log any information you so desire.

Pick from four different styles and two different time frames: academic year '07-'08 or Jan. '08 - Dec. '08 and retail for $16.95 each.




WIN IT!


We're giving away one BusyBodyBook to a lucky MTW reader. Email us at mumsthewurd[at]gmail[dot]com and give us an idea of how you would use this phenomenal planner.

A winner will be chosen on Monday, December 4th at 10PM.

***Did you know? We have FOUR BusyBodyBooks up for grabs in our Holiday Blog Hunt contest. Make sure you enter for you chance to win there too! There are over $6,000 in prizes!

Karito Kids "Pita" Doll Giveaway - Day Eight

Here is the day eight question for our Karito Kids "Pita" Doll giveaway:

The Day eight question is now closed.

Remember: Your answer to the Day eight question must be emailed to mumsthewurd[at]gmail[dot]com with "Karito Kids" in the Subject line and the answer in the body of the message.




The Day eight question email submission MUST be dated 11/28/07. After midnight, the Day eight question will not count for an entry.

If you are joining in late, you can still answer the Day One question. Day One's answer will count as an entry throughout the duration of this contest for any newcomers. For more info, see the original post HERE.

Good luck!

Karito Kids "Pita" Doll Giveaway - Day Seven

***The Karito Kids contest will be extended two extra days, until Sunday, December 2nd***

Here is the day seven question for our Karito Kids "Pita" Doll giveaway:

The day seven question is now closed

Remember: Your answer to the Day seven question must be emailed to mumsthewurd[at]gmail[dot]com with "Karito Kids" in the Subject line and the answer in the body of the message.

The Day seven question email submission MUST be dated 11/27/07. After midnight, the Day seven question will not count for an entry.

If you are joining in late, you can still answer the Day One question. Day One's answer will count as an entry throughout the duration of this contest for any newcomers. For more info, see the original post HERE.

Good luck!

MumsTheWurd makes the headlines again!

Well, not really but close enough!

As if being featured on the Today Show for a split second wasn't enough, today, MumsTheWurd makes its debut in the Chicago suburban newspaper, The Daily Herald.

Featured in the Life & Entertainment section of the print version, you will see a full color picture of yours truly (Amy), co-author of MumsTheWurd and one of the two little models for our site, Hailey.

The article revolves around mommy bloggers and the fact that there is more up there in our pretty heads than poopy diapers and what snack to bring to soccer practice. If you give us a listen, you may just learn a thing or two. Click HERE to read the article online. I am happy to have been featured along with my sistahs from our collective mom's blog, the Chicago Moms Blog. We are a powerful group of women!

If you have clicked your way over here from reading the article, welcome! MumsTheWurd dot com is a product review site geared toward parents and kids. We pride ourselves in promoting unique boutiques from around the web, giving them the exposure they so deserve. Many of the boutiques/products we promote are parent-owned/created. We love supporting these mom and pop shops! You are sure to find some pretty great products if you scroll through our list of Reviews A-Z. Thanks for stopping by. We hope you bookmark us and visit on a daily basis.

Goo Goo for Ga-Ga!

Want lots and lots of one of a kind baby items? Look no further than Ga-Ga! There are things for the parents, like diaper bags, jewelry, belly bands (never leave home without it!), odds and ends, and more! For the little tikes, they've got all sorts of goodies! Groovy bibs and aprons, Rockabye Baby cds (Amy & I and our families LOVE THESE), unique room decor, and blankets, among other things! Ga-Ga sent this blanket to Lennon, but it's been commandeered. I can understand why-it's cute and cuddly, and perfect for a little morning Blue's Clues. The headline reads:

Big Brother Steals Blanket Before Little Brother Born!
I'll let the two of them duke it out when the time comes...

Receive a 10% discount on your order when you sign up for Ga-ga's mailing list. When you sign up, please let them know you are from mumsthewurd for the coupon code.

Karito Kids "Pita" Doll Giveaway - Day Six

***Time didn't permit me to post two new questions over the past couple of days, therefore, the Karito Kids contest will be extended two extra days, until Sunday, December 2nd***

Here is the day SIX question for our Karito Kids "Pita" Doll giveaway:

The Day six question is now closed.

Remember: Your answer to the Day Six question must be emailed to mumsthewurd[at]gmail[dot]com with "Karito Kids" in the Subject line and the answer in the body of the message.

The Day six question email submission MUST be dated 11/26/07. After midnight, the Day Six question will not count for an entry.

If you are joining in late, you can still answer the Day One question. Day One's answer will count as an entry throughout the duration of this contest for any newcomers. For more info, see the original post HERE.

Good luck!

Bringing Babies Home

Today, I bring you Mums The Wurd's first ever...

Surprise Post-Babies Shower!

My college pal Amy and her husband are the proud parents of 2 month old TRIPLETS! After spending a month on hospital bed rest, Amy gave birth to the three little ones a little more than 12 weeks early! Now, at almost 2 months, Carson, Alex, and Avery are headed home VERY soon. Thanks to some very good MTW friends, these three will be going home in style.


First of all, I would like to thank all the companies that contributed to this for their extreme generosity. I was amazed at the overwhelming response I had for this project. You have blown me away with your kindness! THANK YOU ALL!!! Now, on to the shower...




The Frog Pod gift set is fabulous! A big frog stores tons of bath toys and comes with these Bath Goods (Noel loves these bath toys the most!). The set also contains the Flo, which creates a fun cascade of water and prevents little ones from hitting their noggins on the water spigot.



Is there anything better than a soft chenille blanket to cuddle up with? Bella Bubs has some of the highest quality products that I have ever laid eyes on-the craftsmanship is wonderful, and you can see the love that is put into these blankets. Wendy, the owner of Bella Bubs, also included some Runny Rags for little noses.

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Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

Sarah May is the owner of this unique t-shirt company, in which she uses her knack for block printing to create these adorable t-shirts! She has all sizes available, from infant to adult, and can even personalize the item, as you see here, on Carson's shirt. I'm glad to see that the triplets will spread the Monster love!!!


Bella B Mother's Intuition

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Junger-Godfrey PR hooked Amy & Co. up with lots of special gifts! First, they provided her with some Bella B Nipple Nurture Butter & Cleansing Pads. Let's be real folks, she's gonna need it. Moving on...


Aden & Anais

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You guys know that I am a swaddling addict, so I was a little jealous when I saw these muslin swaddle blankets that Kristina sent over from Aden & Anais. These will keep the triplets all bundled in this breathable, soft, cuddly fabric.


BurpCatcher

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The BurpCatcher will help Amy & John save their shirts. I recall the first time Noel spit up down the back of daddy's shirt-UGH. I have not actually used a BurpCatcher, but I'm definitely intriuged. We all know that spit-up can sometimes be projectile, so the creator of these lovely cloths added a "pocket" for those messier moments. (thanks again, Kristina!)


Your Baby Can Read!

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Junger-Godfrey's final contribution to our baby shower is this set of awesome DVDs. We've been using these for a while now, and I can attest to the fact that these DO work. Noel can now recognize some words, and he's learning more all the time. The Your Baby Can Read series rules! Perhaps our friends will have three little geniuses on their hands thanks to this set!?

Putumayo Music

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My buddy Stephanie at Kindie Rock PR is involved with Putumayo World Music by day, and sent over these Putumayo Kids cds. Sorry, the picture isn't that great, but I've heard great things about these kids CDs. They're sure to be nice and relaxing to parents and kids alike.


Ambajam sent over three of their Mini-Cuddles...some of the softest blankets I've ever laid hands on! We LOVE this blanket! It's so soothing, I often want to take it to bed!

Baby Rock Apparel
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Baby Rock Apparel will outfit your little rockers in the hippest duds out there. Avery, Carson and Alex will be showing everyone who's boss with their shirts that say "Sorry Girls, I Only Date Models" and "Sorry Boys, I Only Date Rockstars". They came in this groovin' little lunch box too!!

Tiny Revolutionary
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Tiny Revolutionary is committed to telling the world that as a parent, you're down with the current issues. The triplets will be showing that they'll change the world, celebrating individuality, and that all babies are created equal!

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket
Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket
Zutano really bowled me over with their care package! It included tons of outfits: wrap tops, onesies, leggings, and more in all of their great prints, along with 3 sleep sacks. They're sure to be the most hip babies in the NICU!

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No parent can resist the color and style of Hand Picked Pumpkin. These comfy clothes are sure to keep the babies cozy, cool, and ultra hip as they venture into the world!

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket
Of course, my Vincent didn't fail to send some totally irresistible little kicks for the Alex, Avery, and Carson...They'll be the hit of the town in their Minis and their Mini Frogs. I am sure they'll be Vincent fans for life after looking adorable in the coolest shoes around.

I just want to say THANKS again to all of these great people that provided Amy & Co. with such spectacular gifts...Now, to Amy & John and their new, huge family, we at Mums The Wurd would like to congratulate you and wish you all the best! It is with admiration and love that we give to you all of these awesome clothes and accessories for the newest members of your family. xoxo

Karito Kids "Pita" Doll Giveaway - Day Five

Here is the day five question for our Karito Kids "Pita" Doll giveaway:

Day Five's question is now closed.

Remember: Your answer to the Day Five question must be emailed to mumsthewurd[at]gmail[dot]com with "Karito Kids" in the Subject line and the answer in the body of the message.

The Day five question email submission MUST be dated 11/23/07. After midnight, the Day Five question will not count for an entry.

If you are joining in late, you can still answer the Day One question. Day One's answer will count as an entry throughout the duration of this contest for any newcomers. For more info, see the original post HERE.

Good luck!

The end of Thanksgiving 2007...

...and the beginning of the 2007 holiday shopping season!!!

We hope you all had a "filling" Thanksgiving Day! Laura had some friends over for dinner today and Amy spend the day with family. It was truly a day to be thankful for. Good company and good food. That's what it's all about. On the way home this evening, I noticed a lot of houses had their Christmas lights up. Guess we'd better get on the ball! Although, if you haven't already noticed, our MTW banner is all decked out in its holiday gear. Thanks to MTW friend, Christine Campana for "decorating" our little home online! If anyone would like Christine to spruce up your banner, contact us and we'll put you in touch with her.

BLACK FRIDAY is now upon us, the biggest shopping day of the year. Will you all be out at 4 am beating down those retail doors? I've never been one to jump on the Black Friday wagon but I wish you all the luck if you're heading out that you get those great deals being offered.

Please remember if you're out there shopping for your child to be aware of the products you are purchasing. MTW is on board with the Consumers Union (Non-Profit Publisher of Consumer Reports) to help continue to raise awareness of toxic toys. It's so important that you have done your research and be continually aware of the recalls that are published to ensure the safety of your loved ones.



Here are Consumers Union's 12 shopping tips that will help families enjoy a safe and merry holiday:

Do not buy metal jewelry
- especially cheap metal jewelry - for young children. About 20% of children's metal jewelry has high levels of lead lurking beneath the surface coating. A child who mouths or accidentally swallows a piece of lead-laden jewelry can suffer lead poisoning.

You can test toys for lead by using a home lead test kit.
Although they are not always accurate, a positive test result indicates a high likelihood that the product you're testing has lead. Consumer Reports recommends the Lead Check and the Lead Inspector which performed best in our tests.

Be careful of toys with magnets. Many toys have small magnets that can fall out and, if swallowed, can cause serious health problems that are hard to diagnose. Don't buy toys with magnetic parts that are small enough to be swallowed.

If you find loose, small magnets anywhere around the house, track down the source. Immediately take the product away and any of its other magnetic components from your child and contact the manufacturer and the Consumer Product Safety Commission at www.CPSC.gov

Avoid no-name products and be careful of toys purchased at dollar stores,
street fairs, vending machines, thrift stores, or yard sales.

When purchasing arts and crafts materials, stay away from permanent paints and marke
rs. Look for water-based paints and glues. For a child under three years old, purchase age appropriate material your child can't swallow rather than small foam pieces or small pom-pom balls.

Look for the age grading on toy packages and purchase only age-appropriate toys for your child. The age grading not only relates to play value but also to safety.

Some toys may be inappropriate for your toddlers and babies
. Toys labeled for children 3 and over may have small parts that can be a choking hazard for children under 3 years old. If you have children under 3 don't buy a toy with this warning label.

Do your own safety check to determine if you child's toys are choking hazards for young children. If his or her toy fits through a toilet-paper tube, it is a potential choking hazard. The government approved test for choking hazards is done with a smaller tube. The more stringent toilet-paper tube test helps you keep questionable toys out of your child's hands and mouth.

Beware of toys, which can be broken into smaller pieces
such as chalk, crayons or caps from markers. They can pose choking hazards to toddlers and babies.

Small balls that cause choking are the leading cause of deaths attributed to toys, tricycles are the second and the third is latex balloons. Some latex balloons have been responsible for more than 110 deaths since 1973. Children can suffocate while trying to blow up a balloon or while chewing on or sucking a balloon.

Before you shop, be
sure to check out www.recalls.gov and www.notinmycart.org to check for recent toy recalls. You can also sign up for automatic recall notifications at www.cpsc.gov

Tomorrow morning, I will be on the Magnificent Mile with representatives from Consumers Union and a number of other volunteers passing out the coupon books and stickers you see to the left. The books contain coupons for us, the consumers, to give to store managers while we're out shopping. Since there are only about 1% of product and food imports inspected, it is our responsibility, as parents, to protect our kids and raise awareness about these products. To read more about "The problem", click HERE.

If you live in one of the following cities, please feel free to stop by and volunteer to help spread the awareness this Friday, November 23rd:

NEW YORK
10am ET
Herold Square, SW corner of 34th and Broadway
Group Support: NYPIRG
CU Support: Chuck Bell, Jean Halloran

CHICAGO
10am CT
Original Water Tower, 806 N. Michigan Ave.
Group Support: ILPIRG, Kids in Danger
CU Support: Kathy Mitchell

MINNESOTA:
10am CT
Courtyard above Aquarium
Group Support: MPIRG, possibly Senior Federation
CU Support: Mel Trevino and Brent Scott

BOSTON:
10am ET
Park Street T-Station (Corner of Tremont and Park) Then will walk over to Downtown Crossing.
Local Support: MassPIRG
CU Support: Morgan

*If you happen to make it out or see us passing out the coupon books and giving away t-shirts, let them know that you heard about it at MumsTheWurd.com!

Good luck finding all you are looking for on this major shopping day! Don't forget about all of the great mom and pop shops we talk about here on MumsTheWurd.com, you will find some fabulous, unique products and get some very personal customer service from these wonderful boutiques!

Karito Kids "Pita" Doll Giveaway - Day Four

Here is the day four question for our Karito Kids "Pita" Doll giveaway:

THE DAY FOUR QUESTION IS NOW CLOSED

Remember: Your answer to the Day Four question must be emailed to mumsthewurd[at]gmail[dot]com with "Karito Kids" in the Subject line and the answer in the body of the message.

The Day four question email submission MUST be dated 11/22/07. After midnight, the Day Four question will not count for an entry.

If you are joining in late, you can still answer the Day One question. Day One's answer will count as an entry throughout the duration of this contest for any newcomers. For more info, see the original post HERE.

Good luck!

Alex Casey Baby

We like online boutiques that are easy to navigate and carry an array of great products. Alex Casey Baby fits the bill. They are an online boutique who prides themselves in scouring the market for the best, most unique products to offer their customers. Created by the mother of Alexandra Casey herself, Jill Notkin, wants her customers to have an enjoyable shopping experience at her online boutique.

Alex Casey Baby is an excellent place to shop for gifts and personalized items among many other specialty baby items.

They offer these cute, hand-embroidered onesies and tees (up to size 6T) for the kids. The felt and fleece designs are super soft and obviously great care was spent on the detail of the embroidery.


In the skin care section of Alex Casey, you will find organic bath products made by Little Twig, as well as diaper cream and moisturizers. You can also treat someone you know, who is expecting or has a new little one, to one of the all-natural gift sets (Retail $41.00). If you require special gift-wrapping, Jill will make it happen for you. Just let her know what your special request is.






I couldn't pass up telling you about these ADORABLE sleep sacks. I haven't seen anything like them around.
There are far too many other items in their apparel section to talk about here. You really just have to go and see for yourself!


Choose from exclusive Alex Casey Baby personalized items such as baby albums and plush hooded towels, to diaper bags and accessories.

Make sure to pencil in Alex Casey as one of your online boutique stops this holiday season!

Alex Casey Baby is offering a special 10% discount to Mums readers! Just enter code "wurd" at checkout. Happy shopping!