Energizing vitamins

Just started taking One A Day Energy daily vitamins. I was doubtful but hopeful to feel some energy boost taking these. The good news - they work. I have felt more energy all day long. Chasing around 3 kids under 4 years old is still tiring but I'm no longer spent at the end of the day, which encourages working out more.

Great cell phone for busy moms

This is a super bargain, you actually end up getting a check back for almost $50 when it's all said and done. The Blackberry Curve 8320 gets great reviews. I just ordered one tonight. What sealed the deal for me: it works on WiFi networks to boost the signal for no extra cost. Or you can use it on WiFi with an added $10 a month charge and all calls made to anyone are free.

Dad diaper gear

DadGear Diaper Vest

Something for the proud papas today... diaper gear for Dads. Pops wants to do his part taking care of the little ones, but when it comes to gear to do so, it's harder to find. But there is some pretty cool stuff targeting dads (but great for mom's too).
Many dads refuse to leave the house carrying a diaper bag that looks like a purse, and why should he? There's several much more dad-friendly options out there.

JJ Cole Logic Bag

We have the JJ Cole Logic Bag. It comes in a couple colors. I love to use it because it's so streamlined. My husband likes it because he says it's easy to carry around, doesn't hurt his back to carry, plus looks much more manly than other diaper bags without being too bulky. He also likes the insulated water bottle holder. The logic bag also has multiple zippered pouches to store the essentials, from ointments and rattles to keys, credit cards, and phone. I use this bag frequently as well.
Another cool option... the DadGear Diaper Vest. Perfect for fall and winter especially, but practical throughout the year. This bad boy will hold the same amount of goodies as a traditional diaper bag. But you'd never know it to look at it. It costs in the $80 range but you'll probably get your money's worth in the first month. And who says mommy can't wear it too!

DadGear Messenger Bag

DadGear also makes this cool messenger style bag. The DadGear Graphics Messenger comes in several styles, but I think this one with flames is the hippest of them all. Old pops will look anything but with this slung over his shoulder.

Fuji Finepix camera

After much looking and product testing at Target, I decided on my new digital camera. The winner: the Fujifilm Finepix z20fd. I am so happy with it after just taking a few random trial shots! Wow! It's a ten megapixel camera and its under $200. Hard to beat. Plus very user friendly. Here's a LINK
Here's just one pic of each girl from tonight's trial run. Oh and I did ZERO editing to these pics...this is how they took (minus i size reduced them to post).

Backpack leash

Recently a friend asked what she could do if her tot wouldn't hold her hand when they got out of the car or walking on a busy road. This is my answer to that: the backpack leash.
Ava knows the rules and even if she's mad she will hold my hand when we get out of the car and when crossing the street. I, however, also use one of those cute backpack harness/leashes when we walk somewhere without strollers or carts if its a busy place. Ava LOVES it. In fact, she asks for "monkey" when getting out of the car! They cost about $10 and are available at Target and Walmart and such places. We like it so much we bought a second one to keep at the house for when we go on walks.
Here's a LINK

Things to help pregnant moms stay cool in the summer

When I was pregnant last summer in Arizona, I was always miserable and continually looking for ways to cool off (besides taking a shower once an hour). My favorite friend became MistyMate's "Misty 2.5" personal mister ($10 at amazon.com).
This bad boy is slimmer than a baby bottle and about as tall. You can tuck it in your back pocket around the house or in your purse on the go and give yourself a fresh jolt every minute if you want. Another plus – it doesn’t need batteries. You just fill it with a little water, pump it a few times, then you can mist yourself down from head to toe. MistyMate claims that it can cool your climate up to 30 degrees. It’s great for pregnant moms and everyone else. My toddler thinks it’s a special treat to get to mist herself too!
Sound Good? Why stop there! Use the MistyMate in combination with these four other great products for a summer of refreshment:
•Burt’s Bees Lavender Complexion Mist ($10) – This cooling mist has a calming effect, is nourishing for the skin, and can be kept in the fridge for extra zing. Plus it smells great and is 100% natural!
•Burt’s Bees Mama Bee Leg and Foot Crème ($9) – Burt’s Bees comes thru with another winner with this invigorating leg crème especially for pregnant gals. The peppermint oil cools while energizing tired muscles. Can’t beat that.
•Aveda’s Blue Oil Balancing Concentrate ($12.50)– I first tried this when my massage therapist rubbed a few drops into my scalp. It’s a stress-reliever plus is billed by Aveda as “cooling acupressure therapy.” Made with peppermint oil and blue chamomile, it can be used on the scalp, muscles, or anywhere else that needs a little lift.
•Palapa Azul Frozen Fruit Bars – Available at Wild Oats, Whole Foods, and other specialty food stores. These frozen goodies are revitalizing and fill another pregnancy desire – the need to munch on treats. They are all natural and come in a variety of refreshingly fun flavors, including: Watermelon, Mango, and Cucumber-Chile.