Since becoming a Mom I've wanted to make sure my kids have the very best start in life. This includes making sure that they are eating healthy foods. When Kaelyn began eating solids, I did my best to make sure she was getting all of her food groups and that they were as natural as possible. I still do this, but as time goes on, I find that she has become more and more picky when it comes to eating her fruits and vegetables. Within the next couple of months Kaden will begin eating solid foods. I hope to do the same for him as I have for Kaelyn, and that's why I was excited when introduced to Ella's Kitchen!

Paul Lindley passionately believes that his daughter, and her generation, should have the opportunity to eat better and discover how great healthy food can be..and so, Ella's Kitchen was born! Realizing the importance of approaching things from a child's point of view, Ella's Kitchen contains food made of simple and natural ingredients with packaging that kids can really connect to.

I was very happy to learn that the Stage 1 Baby Food and Fruit Smoothies are made of nothing but 100% organic fruit and vegetables...not even water is added! Some benefits include:

• USDA organic approved
• For babies 4 months and older
• New pouch with re-sealable anti-choke screw top
• Gluten free
• Dairy free, egg free, wheat free
• Allergen free
• Great taste - kids love it!
• No mess, no spoon
  

When I was asked to review some of the products from Ella's Kitchen, my first thought was to wait until Kaden has started eating solid foods. The thought of Kaelyn enjoying them had not even crossed my mind until it was pointed out to me that this may be a great way to sneak some yummy healthy food into her day! After realizing that the pouches would allow her to squeeze the food right into her mouth, I decided to give it a try. It could be kind of fun, right?!

We were sent a sample pack which included 6 Stage 1 Baby Foods and 2 Smoothie Fruits from Ella's Kitchen.

The moment I opened the box Kaelyn was begging to eat some. This impressed me right away! The fact that the packaging was so colorful and fun made even my picky 2 year old want to try some! YAY! I couldn't wait for her to try it, so that day for lunch we tried The Red One Smoothie Fruit which included a blend of strawberries, bananas, apples and raspberries.

She LOVED it! It was not only great tasting, but also fun for her to squeeze and slurp. I couldn't believe getting her to eat healthy foods was this easy!

Since then, we've tried several of them (even a couple of the stage 1 baby foods) and have had the same response. I couldn't be happier knowing that she's eating healthy and loving it at the same time! I am really looking forward to trying them with Kaden once he begins eating fruits and veggies.

The fact that they are good for 48 hours in the fridge after opening is great! I especially love the twist on cap which makes keeping leftovers (if there are any) even easier. They would also be really easy to squeeze into trays and freeze for months. What a great way to have baby food on hand!

After having had the chance to try Ella's Kitchen products, I would definitely recommend them to parents of babies and/or toddlers. They're not only fun and healthy, but great for busy parents...you can just grab them and go!

Buy It: You can purchase Ella's Kitchen food at a number of locations found here, including Babies R' Us and Diapers.com.

Win It: Ella's Kitchen is offering one lucky reader a sample pack similar to the one we received. To enter, visit Ella's Kitchen and leave a comment letting me know something you learned.

Extra Entries: (only valid after the required entry has been completed)

1. For TWO extra entries, subscribe to A Mom's Balancing Act via e-mail (easily found along the side column). Be sure to leave TWO comments so that both entries can be counted.

2. For FIVE extra entries, blog about this giveaway (linking to this post and Ella's Kitchen) and leave me FIVE comments with the URL to that post.

3. Post my blog button or blog URL to your blog and leave a comment with the URL to your blog. (If it already is, leave me a comment letting me know)

4. For THREE extra entries, Grab my 'Celebrating Moms' event button and leave a comment with the URL where it can be found.

5. For TWO extra entries, Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (Tweet once a day for an extra entry every day)! RT Enter to win a sample pack of @EllasKitchen organic baby food and smoothies @MomBalancingAct http://tinyurl.com/y8fdcmk Ends 4/8

6. Follow Ella's Kitchen on Twitter

7. Become a Fan of A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook

8. Share about this giveaway on Facebook Share

9.Become a Fan of Ella's Kitchen on Facebook

10. Become a Friend of Ella's Kitchen and receive e-mails with helpful tips, product info., etc.

11. Follow my blog publicly on Google Friend Connect

12. Enter one of my other giveaways and leave me a comment letting me know that you did (current giveaways can be found along the side column)....ONE entry for EACH giveaway you enter!!

Please be sure to leave me a *separate* comment for each entry you complete above including with each, your e-mail address so that I can easily and accurately contact the winner!!

This giveaway will end April 8th and is open to the US Only!

**The products for this review and giveaway were provided at no cost by Ella's Kitchen. This was not a paid post and my honest opinions were given.**

It wasn't until after I had children that I realized the need for using safer products in our home. I became more aware of the hazardous chemicals in the cleaning products we were using and was determined to find a safer way to clean. I am so happy I turned to more natural cleaners! It helps put my mind at ease knowing that my family is not being exposed to all toxins in so many products on the market today!! I am always looking to learn more about natural cleaning products and brands, and was thrilled when I came across Dapple.

Dapple is a line of natural-based cleaning products for households with children. What I love about their natural baby products is that they are baby-safe and use ingredients found in nature that are proven to clean well. Whether it's dried milk on bottles or sticky fingerprints on toys...Dapple has something for every mess you need tackle.

We were sent a travel-size Dish Liquid and Toy Wipes to review.

I was very excited when the products arrived on our doorstep! I couldn't wait to put them to the test. I used the Dapple Toy & Surface Wipes first. I was amazed at how well they worked! Best of all, I was able to clean my kids' toys without having to worry about harsh chemicals and them putting them into their mouths afterwards. The fact that they are free of cholorine, parabens, phthalates, and dyes is much appreciated! I find the travel size to be very convenient when we're away from home. I just stick them in the diaper bag and go. Not only are they great for toys and high chairs, but also swings and more.


I also tried out the Dapple Dish Liquid and it works great! Like the Toy Wipes, I found the Dish Liquid to be very convenient when we're away from home. It's small enough to fit in our diaper bag so I can take it wherever we go. It would be perfect for vacations and plane trips too. I love to use it on all of my kids' dishes and cups as it's great to know that it's safe and going to work well.


I am very impressed with these two organic baby products from Dapple and would love to try the other products they carry at some point. I am especially interested in the Dapple Toy Cleaner Spray and the Dapple Baby Laundry Detergent.

If you have children and are looking for good quality, effective cleaners that are natural and safe...be sure to check into Dapple and the great line of products they carry.

Buy It: You can purchase the Dapple products I reviewed, as well as others on the Dapple website.

You can also find Dapple on Facebook and Twitter.

**The products reviewed were provided at no cost by Dapple. This was not a paid post and my honest opinions were given.**

One of Kaelyn's favorite things to drink is chocolate milk. It's not something she gets a lot of, but when she does it's quite the treat! We try to give her organic milk whenever possible, so I was pretty excited to learn that our favorite brand, Horizon, has come out with a new Organic Lowfat Chocolate Milk with DHA Omega-3!

This new Horizon product provides an easy way to add calcium and DHA to your family's diet. As many are probably aware, DHA Omega-3 is a very important nutrient that helps support things like heart, brain and eye health. Since we're always looking for the best when it comes to the foods Kaelyn eats, I was thrilled to learn we would have the opportunity to review it!

We were sent two coupons so we could try Horizon Organic Lowfat Chocolate Milk with DHA Omega-3 for ourselves.

Before drinking it, I wasn't sure what to expect. In the past I have tried 'healthy drinks and foods' that tasted bland and, well....'healthy'. I was hoping that this drink was as great tasting as it is for our bodies. After a couple of sips...I can tell you myself, my husband and Kaelyn all agree that it tastes great! It tastes lighter like other lowfat milks you may have tried, but still has a great sweet taste that you'd expect from a chocolate milk. I was very impressed and plan to purchase this again for our family. It's yummy and gives Kaelyn important nutrients she needs. You can go here to check out the ingredients and nutrition facts of this product.

Buy It: You can check out their store locator to find a location near you to purchase this and other Horizon products.

Win It: Horizon has kindly offered TWO readers each, 2 coupons for a FREE half gallon of this product and 2 coupons for $1 off Horizon Organic lowfat Chocolate Milk With DHA Omega-3 (that's 4 total coupons for TWO Winners)!

To enter, leave a comment letting me know why you would like to try this product.

Extra Entries: (only valid after the required initial entry has been completed)

1. For TWO extra entries, subscribe to A Mom's Balancing Act via e-mail (easily found along the side column). Be sure to leave TWO comments so that both entries can be counted.

2. For FIVE extra entries, blog about this giveaway (linking to this post and Horizon) and leave me FIVE comments with the URL to that post.

3. Post my blog button or blog URL to your blog and leave a comment with the URL to your blog. (If it already is, leave me a comment letting me know)

4. For TWO extra entries, Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (Tweet once a day for an extra entry every day)! You can copy and paste: RT Win Two FREE @HorizonDairy Organic Chocolate Milk W/DHA Omega-3 Coupons! 2 WINNERS! @MomBalancingAct http://tinyurl.com/yg35duh Ends 3/9

5. Follow Horizon on Twitter

6. Become a Fan of A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook

7. Become a Fan of Horizon on Facebook

8. Follow my blog publicly on Google Friend Connect

9. Enter one of my other giveaways and leave me a comment letting me know that you did (current giveaways can be found along the side column)....ONE entry for EACH giveaway you enter!!

Please be sure to leave me a *separate* comment for each entry you complete above including with each, your e-mail address so that I can easily and accurately contact the winner!!

This giveaway will end March 9th and is open to the US Only!

**Two coupons for free samples were provided to me by Horizon at no cost to review this product. Horizon also provided two winners with four coupons each. This was not a paid post and my honest opinions were given.**

As a salesman who is in his vehicle a lot, my hubby finds it difficult to take leftovers to work for lunch. He's often on the road and doesn't have a way to warm his food up. When we're traveling, I have also run into the same problem with food for Kaelyn. Thankfully, I have been introduced to Warmables and couldn't be happier!


A family of three who are focused on what they eat, realized how important it was to provide their school age son a healthier alternative to the lunches he was being served at school. Given their love for fresh, healthy food...they decided to find a way to pack nutritious lunches which could be kept warm until lunchtime...and so, Warmables was born.


Warmables products were created to give people a way of keeping healthy lunches warm for an extended period of time. It started with Warmables for kids and now includes Warmables for the office and 5 pit bag products. The Warmables lunch systems are delivered as 3 or 4 piece sets (the Warmables pouch, liner, a BPA-free food container and a cherry pit bag) and do not produce any garbage at all! Now parents of children who eat lunch at school, and adults who pack lunches have an environmentally friendly and convenient way to keep healthy meals warm for 4-6 hours.

Some of the benefits to using Warmables include:

• healthier school lunches
• saving money
• fighting childhood obesity, a growing problem in the US
• environmentally friendly (does not produce any garbage)

Warmables was kind enough to send us a Warmables for kids lunch system to review.


When I received the product I was immediately impressed. I had no idea that each piece would be such good quality. The Warmables pouch acts as the insulator and is made with layers of various cotton and polyester fabrics which are then lined with nylon.


The BPA-free plastic food storage container holds up to 16 oz. of food and does not leak. It is safe to heat and store meals in as well which is very important to me.


The cherry pit bag is an old trick used before the time of modern heating systems. It helps to keep your child's (or your) lunch warm.


To use Warmables, you just fill the plastic container with food, heat it in the microwave and put the container with its hot contents into the Warmables pouch. You then heat the provided cherry pit bag in the microwave, but it in the Warmables pouch, seal it and put in your child's insulated lunch box.

We have had the opportunity to use Warmables several times already. It's so simple to use, and the fact that it helps us to keep healthy meals warm is one of the best parts! No more eating out at fast food restaurants when on the road or while hubby is at work. I am really thrilled to have been introduced to this product, not only because it enables us to eat healthier by keeping food warm, but it also helps to save money and reduces garbage. I would definitely recommend the Warmables for Kids lunch system. I am very interested in trying the Warmables for the office at some point as well....it would be perfect for my husband.

*Warmables offers a giveaway on their website every month...all you need to do is sign up for the newsletter and read it. Information on the monthly giveaway is sent out via the newsletter.

Buy It: Warmables products can be purchased from www.warmables.com.

Win It: Warmables has offered one lucky reader a Warmables for Kids lunch system like the one we received. To enter, visit Warmables and tell me something you learned.


Extra Entries: (only valid after the required initial entry has been completed)

1. For TWO extra entries, subscribe to A Mom's Balancing Act via e-mail (easily found along the side column). Be sure to leave TWO comments so that both entries can be counted.

2. For FIVE extra entries, blog about this giveaway (linking to this post and Warmables) and leave me FIVE comments with the URL to that post.

3. Post my blog button or blog URL to your blog and leave a comment with the URL to your blog. (If it already is, leave me a comment letting me know)

4. For TWO extra entries, Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (Tweet once a day for an extra entry every day)! You can copy and paste: RT Healthier lunches for your kids! Enter to win a Warmables for Kids Lunch System @MomBalancingAct http://tinyurl.com/ycfxkra Ends 3/9

5. Sign up to receive the Warmables Newsletter

6. Become a Fan of A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook

7. Follow my blog publicly on Google Friend Connect

8. Enter one of my other giveaways and leave me a comment letting me know that you did (current giveaways can be found along the side column)....ONE entry for EACH giveaway you enter!!

Please be sure to leave me a *separate* comment for each entry you complete above including with each, your e-mail address so that I can easily and accurately contact the winner!!

This giveaway will end March 9th and is open to the US Only!

**The products for this review and giveaway were provided for free by Warmables. This was not a paid post and my honest opinions were given.**

When our daughter was still in a crib, I knew that a growing number of medical and safety experts were advising against the use of traditional, bulky crib bumpers due to the concern that they can pose serious dangers, including the risk of SIDS and suffocation. I wanted what was best for her, so we opted not to have a traditional bumper. I wanted her to have something that would keep her safe from rolling into the crib rails, but didn't realize there are options out there other than bulky bumpers. Thankfully we had no problems, but since having our son I happened to come across CozyWedge and am SO glad that I did!


CozyWedge is a safer, simpler bumper alternative. Some of the features/benefits this product offers are:

• the firm wedges won't block your baby's airway
• the fact that they're low profiles means that there's full air flow and your baby is visible at all times
  
• it lifts out for easy sheet changing
• the slipcover is organic and washable
  

We were sent the CozyWedge in Avocado to review. When I received it in the mail it was even nicer than I expected it to be. The material is a soft organic cotton and the foam is firm, yet comfortable. I can see how this would definitely be a safer alternative to many of the crib bumpers we see on the market today.



The CozyWedge bumpers fit snuggly around the crib, won't slip down and are VERY easy to remove when changing sheets. I love that they cushion the crib so Kaden is safe when in it, yet they are firm and won't pocket around his mouth or nose. The foam is actually the same as that used in swimming noodles and is nonabsorbent, CFC-free and odorless.


I couldn't believe how easy it was to use. When it arrived, I was able to quickly put it together by placing the foam wedges in the slipcover. After that, all I had to do was place it in his crib and tie it to the rails. It was truly a breeze, and best of all...SO worth it knowing that it's a safer option than having a traditional bumper in his crib.

Picture from the CozyWedge website which shows how easy it goes togetherI am very impressed with how well the CozyWedge works. It couldn't have come at a better time either, because recently Kaden has begun to move and roll around more in his sleep. I am comforted to know that he is safe when in his crib now that we have the CozyWedge! From my experience, I would definitely recommend this product to parents who have children in cribs. The CozyWedge is also available in a variety of great colors! I was very pleased with the avocado and how well it went with the decor we have in Kaden's room!

Buy It: You can purchase the CozyWedge for $59.95 in a variety of colors.

Win It: One lucky reader will win a CozyWedge in the color of their choice. To enter, visit CozyWedge and leave a comment letting me know which color you'd choose if you won.

Extra Entries: (only valid after the required initial entry has been completed)

1. For TWO extra entries, subscribe to A Mom's Balancing Act via e-mail (easily found along the side column). Be sure to leave TWO comments so that both entries can be counted.

2. For FIVE extra entries, blog about this giveaway (linking to this post and CozyWedge) and leave me FIVE comments with the URL to that post.

3. Post my blog button or blog URL to your blog and leave a comment with the URL to your blog. (If it already is, leave me a comment letting me know)

4. For TWO extra entries, Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (Tweet once a day for an extra entry every day)! You can copy and paste: RT Win a CozyWedge (the safer, simpler crib bumper alternative) in color of choice! http://tinyurl.com/yfptsyz @MomBalancingAct Ends 3/8

5. Become a Fan of A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook

6. Follow my blog publicly on Google Friend Connect

7. Enter one of my other giveaways and leave me a comment letting me know that you did (current giveaways can be found along the side column)....ONE entry for EACH giveaway you enter!!

Please be sure to leave me a *separate* comment for each entry you complete above including with each, your e-mail address so that I can easily and accurately contact the winner!!

This giveaway will end March 8th and is open to the US Only!

**The products for this review and giveaway were provided for free by CozyWedge. This was not a paid post and my honest opinions were given.**

After becoming a mom, I now not only put far more time into choosing the cleaners I use in my home to ensure that my family is safe from nasty chemicals and toxins...but also look for cleaning options that make life a little easier. As a busy mom, I find that every minute saved leaves me more time to spend with my kids and husband.


I was recently given the opportunity to review The Ultimate Cloth.

I was very excited to use it, as it was hard to believe that with just water so many surfaces in my home could be cleaned without leaving residue and streaks. Could it really cut cleaning time in half and do the job of the expensive cleaners I use now?? Well...after having used them several times already...I can tell you that they live up to the hype...and are my new favorite cleaning product!!

I began in the bathroom by scrubbing down the mirrors and the stainless steel fixtures. To use it, all you have to do is simply wet it thoroughly and wring it out well. The idea is to use the cloth damp...not soaking wet. I thought I had seen clean, until I used The Ultimate Cloth...now my entire definition of what clean is has changed. With just a couple wipes my mirrors were sparkling and had no streaks! I was so impressed with how easy it was to use, that I continued into our hall where we have a large mirror (made up of smaller square mirrors) that Kaelyn LOVES to leave her little finger prints on. Again, with just a couple wipes...it was completely clean!

This is a picture of one part of the mirror in our hall...clearly wiped and touched by Kaelyn's little fingers multiple times throughout the day.

This is a picture taken after I took The Ultimate Cloth to it...amazingly clean with just a couple of wipes.

So far I have only used The Ultimate Cloth on our mirrors, the countertops, windows and stainless steel fixtures...however, there are many more surfaces it can be used on as well. In fact, it can be used on ALL other surfaces in your home, office, vehicle, motrocycle, boat, and RV! It's great on counterotps, floors, electronics - including, but not limited to...stainless steel, black, ceramic and glass stove tops, granite, marble, hardwoods, laminates, tile, leather, painted surfaces, plasma TV screens, camera lenses, computer monitors and more!! The list is absolutely endless.

So how does it work? Well, opposed to an ordinary cloth that simply pushes dirt and dust around, the MiraFiber Technology of The Ultimate cloth has open spaces between the fibers that act as millions of tiny 'scoops' that pull dust, dirt and oil from the surface leaving a spotless, streak-free surface.


The Ultimate Cloth is an eco-friendly way to clean your home. Without the harsh chemicals, it cleans without leaving streaks on glass and other hard surfaces. If you have The Ultimate Cloth, there is no need to have expensive glass, surface and floor cleaning chemicals any more! I think this is fantastic...not only will I save money on these, but also the rolls of paper towels I go through. Finally, it cuts cleaning time in half. This was a claim that I was a bit skeptical about, but after using this product, I can say that it truly does cut down on my cleaning time...which means more time for my family! It is also guaranteed to have 5 years of general use which is fantastic!

I would recommend The Ultimate Cloth to anyone I know. Who wouldn't want a simpler, less expensive way to clean without all the chemicals, right?! It would make a fantastic gift and is definitely a product I consider to be a Mommy Must.

If you're interested in trying out The Ultimate Cloth for yourself, you can receive one for just the cost of shipping and handling by visiting, www.ultimateclothamerica.com/free.html!

You can also Follow The Ultimate Cloth on Twitter and Become a Fan on Facebook.

**The product for this review was provided for free by The Ultimate Cloth. This was not a paid post and my honest opinions were given.**

When Kaelyn was younger, it was much easier to get her to drink water. As she's gotten older, I find it's a struggle to get her to want anything but milk and juice. She doesn't get a lot of juice, but when it comes right down to it would still rather have milk over water. That is, until we were introduced to WAT-AAH!

In search for the reason why kids seem to reject water, a mom came up with the idea to go straight to the source...her own kids. She asked them how they could be convinced to drink more water and their answers were very straight forward and simple. They wanted it to be less boring and have a better name. They kept screaming "water" for inspiration, which sounded like "WAT-AAH!"...and AHA! a brand was born. They continued to help their mom by giving their input on the design of the bottle....something fun and appealing to children. Focus was also given to the important stuff like health, hydration, bone growth, better brain function and energy...and so each formula was created. WAT-AAH!, ultra pure water with no sugar, is the first premium water brand by kids for kids.

We were sent the four varieties of WAT-AAH! and asked to take part in the WAT-AAH! challenge.

To take the challenge, we simply placed the four bottles of WAT-AAH! in our fridge next to regular bottled water, sodas and sugary juices. We let our two year old daughter Kaelyn choose what she wanted to drink, and without a second thought she went straight for the WAT-AAH! I was shocked. She normally would be begging for milk or juice. She immediately grabbed for the "pink" WAT-AAH! saying "ooo...pink".


After taking a drink she said "It's great!" It was wonderful as a mother to see my little girl so thrilled to be drinking water...a beverage that was not an easy one to get her to drink in the past. Kaelyn is proof, along with the other 1600+ children who have taken the challenge, that the kid-friendly and very appealing WAT-AAH! design, name and logo really does help to encourage kids to drink water over other sugary drinks.


After Kaelyn passed the "WAT-AAH! Challenge", she was very excited to get her fun WAT-AAH! temporary tattoo put on!


The four varieties of WAT-AAH! are:

Pink-"Body" = Pure spring water with no sodium, no chemicals and no sugar
Blue-"Brain"= Ultra purified water with kid friendly electrolytes and no sugar
Orange-"Bones"= Ultra purified water with bone-building magnesium and no sugar
Green-"Energy" = Ultra purified water with energizing oxygen and no sugar

Buy It: You can purchase WAT-AAH! on Amazon.com or find a place near you by visiting the WAT-AAH! website and clicking "Where to get WAT-AAH!".

Win It: WAT-AAH! has generously offered one lucky reader a mixed case of WAT-AAH! filled with fun goodies (pencils, erasers, stickers, etc). To enter, visit both the WAT-AAH! website AND the WAT-AAH! blog and tell me something you learned on each.


Extra Entries: (only valid after the required initial entry has been completed)

1. For TWO extra entries, subscribe to A Mom's Balancing Act via e-mail (easily found along the side column). Be sure to leave TWO comments so that both entries can be counted.

2. For FIVE extra entries, blog about this giveaway (linking to this post and WAT-AAH!) and leave me FIVE comments with the URL to that post.

3. Post my blog button or blog URL to your blog and leave a comment with the URL to your blog. (If it already is, leave me a comment letting me know)

4. For TWO extra entries, Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (Tweet once a day for an extra entry every day)! You can copy and paste: RT Win a case of WAT-AAH! ultra pure water and fun WAT-AAH! goodies @MomBalancingAct http://tinyurl.com/ydmb98m Ends 1/28

5. Follow WAT-AAH! on Twitter

6. Become a Fan of A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook

7. Follow the WAT-AAH! blog

8. Enter their contest to win a pair of custom made WAT-AAH! shoes!

9. Follow my blog publicly on Google Friend Connect

10. Enter one of my other giveaways and leave me a comment letting me know that you did (current giveaways can be found along the side column)....ONE entry for EACH giveaway you enter!!

Please be sure to leave me a *separate* comment for each entry you complete above including with each, your e-mail address so that I can easily and accurately contact the winner!!

This giveaway will end January 28th and is open to the US Only!

**The products for this review and giveaway were provided for free by WAT-AAH!. This was not a paid post and my honest opinions were given.**

Anyone who has children who use pacifiers knows how dirty they can get. Unfortunately, no matter how hard we try, pacifiers get dropped on the floor and handled by many people. With all the germs around us, especially this time of year...it's so important to keep pacifiers as clean as possible. That's why I was happy to learn more about Pipila and their portable UV pacifier sterilizer.

Pipila has created a portable pacifier sterilizer using a patented UV/O (ozone) lamp that helps to kill up to 99.9% of germs on your child's pacifier without changing the shape of the nipple or leaving a residual smells or funny tastes on it. It's scary to think how many germs are on the pacifiers our children use, and I'm so glad to have come across a handy, portable product that allows me to keep them clean at home and on the go.

There are many benefits of the Pipila, some of which include:

• Eliminates up to 99.9% of harmful germs.
• Pacifier nipple shape is not changed by the sterilization process.
• Portable, compact type; convenient and easy to use. e.g. shopping, visiting or traveling.
• Allows parents to sterilize Pacifiers anywhere, anytime securely.
• Safe, hygienic and environmentally friendly.
• Accommodates all standard pacifiers.
• Sterilization is complete in 6 minutes!
• Operates with only 2 x AAA (1.5V) batteries.
• A great gift idea for a baby shower or party

We were sent a Pipila to review. I couldn't believe how easy to use it was once we tried it out. To start you simply put 2 AAA batteries in. Then, rinse off the pacifier, open the lid and place the binky face down into the hole in the center of the device. Gently press down and the UV light will turn on that indicates it is ready to sanitize. Close the lid and wait 6 minutes until the light turns off and there you have it....a sterilized pacifier ready to use. It's a similar sterilization process as that of hospitals.

Pacifier in place

Sanitizing

After having used it a number of times, I can tell you that this is a product I would definitely recommend to any parent with a child who uses a pacifier. It's definitely a mommy must-have, as it helps to put my mind at ease about keeping the pacifiers around our house clean. It's so easy to use too...which is perfect for the busy family.

Buy It: You can purchase the Pipila in yellow, red, or blue directly from the Pipila website or from a number of other locations as well (local retailers can be searched on their homepage). It sells for $34.99.

How To Enter To Win: Pipila has kindly offered one lucky reader their very own Pipila. To enter, visit Pipila and leave me a comment letting me know something you learned.

How To Get Extra Entries: (only valid after the required initial entry has been completed)

1. For TWO extra entries, subscribe to A Mom's Balancing Act via e-mail (easily found along the side column). Be sure to leave TWO comments so that both entries can be counted.

2. For FIVE extra entries, blog about this giveaway (linking to this post and Pipila) and leave me FIVE comments with the URL to that post.

3. Post my blog button or blog URL to your blog and leave a comment with the URL to your blog. (If it already is, leave me a comment letting me know)

4. For THREE extra entries, post my Holiday Extravaganza event button to your blog and leave me THREE comments with the URL to your blog. (button can be found along side column)

5. For TWO extra entries, Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (Tweet once a day for an extra entry every day)! You can copy and paste: Win a Pipila Portable Pacifier Sanitizer during #HolidayExtravaganza @MomBalancingAct http://tinyurl.com/ye38hof Ends 12/28

6. Become a Fan of A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook

7. Follow my blog publicly on Google Friend Connect

8. Enter one of my other giveaways and leave me a comment letting me know that you did (current giveaways can be found along the side column)....ONE entry for EACH giveaway you enter!!

Please be sure to leave me a *separate* comment for each entry you complete above including with each, your e-mail address so that I can easily and accurately contact the winner!!

This giveaway will end December 28th and is open to the US Only!

**The products for this review and giveaway were provided for free by Pipila. This was not a paid post and my honest opinions were given.**

As we continue to hear about the flu season almost everywhere we go, particularly the swine flu this year, many of us find ourselves doing everything we can to prevent and control the spread of germs and bacteria around our homes. Germ Guardian is a company we can go to to help us do this in the most safe, natural and effective way possible with the array of great products they carry.

We were sent the UV-C Pluggable Air Sanitizer to review.
The Germ Guardian Pluggable UV-C Room Air Sanitizer helps to eliminate over 98% of airborne bacteria. It also destroys odors and allergens like dust mites and mold spores using natural UV-C light to sanitize the air (the same technology hospitals use to sanitize the air).

Features include:

• Kills over 98% of airborne bacteria
• Fights odors from mildew, smoke, pet areas, cooking and more
• Kills airborne mold spores
• A special UV-C bulb is used that does not produce ozone
• Whisper-quiet operation
• No filters to clean or replace
  

I was thrilled to have the chance to try out this product, as finding new ways to kill the germs and bacteria in our home is one of my top priorities...especially this time of year! I was curious to see if it actually does what it claims to...and after having had the chance to use it, I can tell you that it truly does! I plugged it in a number of rooms in our home...currently it's in our living room. I have found the room to feel much fresher and don't notice any odors that may have been there before. I found this to be true in every room I put it in! One might expect something like this to be loud, but I hardly even notice it's plugged in. It only makes a soft humming noise, which I actually find to be quite pleasant. One thing that's really great about this product is that, unlike other Air Sanitizer products you may have heard of or tried, this one does not require a filter. Not having a filter means saving money and time...yay! The UV bulb lasts approximately 4,000 hours, which is about 166 days if you leave it plugged in all the time.

As I said, Germ Guardian offers a number of products that help us to naturally, effectively and safely control and prevent the spread of germs and bacteria in our homes. I would love to have many of their products, especially the Dry Heat Nursery Sanitizer and their UV-C and True HEPA Complete Air Cleansing System!
The products offered from Germ Guardian would make great gift ideas for anyone on your list this year...especially those with young children. It's practical and something many parents would appreciate having around their homes.

Buy It: The UV-C Pluggable Air Sanitizer can be purchased from the Germ Guardian website for $69.99.

How To Enter To Win: Germ Guardian has generously offered one lucky reader their very own UV-C Pluggable Air Sanitizer. To enter, visit Germ Guardian and tell me another product they carry that you like.

How To Get Extra Entries: (only valid after the required initial entry has been completed)

1. For TWO extra entries, subscribe to A Mom's Balancing Act via e-mail (easily found along the side column). Be sure to leave TWO comments so that both entries can be counted.

2. For FIVE extra entries, blog about this giveaway (linking to this post and Germ Guardian) and leave me FIVE comments with the URL to that post.

3. Post my blog button or blog URL to your blog and leave a comment with the URL to your blog. (If it already is, leave me a comment letting me know)

4. For THREE extra entries, post my Holiday Extravaganza event button to your blog and leave me THREE comments with the URL to your blog. (button can be found along side column)

5. For TWO extra entries, Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (Tweet once a day for an extra entry every day)! You can copy and paste: Win a Germ Guardian Pluggable Air Sanitizer during #HolidayExtravaganza Giveaway Event @MomBalancingAct http://tinyurl.com/yapvr59 Ends 12/6

6. Follow Germ Guardian on Twitter

7. Become a Fan of A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook

8. Follow my blog publicly on Google Friend Connect

9. Enter one of my other giveaways and leave me a comment letting me know that you did (current giveaways can be found along the side column)....ONE entry for EACH giveaway you enter!!

Please be sure to leave me a *separate* comment for each entry you complete above including with each, your e-mail address so that I can easily and accurately contact the winner!!

This giveaway will end December 6th and is open to the US and Canada!

**The products for this review and giveaway were provided for free by Germ Guardian. This was not a paid post and my honest opinions were given.**

I have never been a fan of tap water. In my opinion, water should not have a taste, and most tap water does. If it tastes, it's probably not good. I drink a lot of bottled water which to me is much better. However...in recent months I've learned more and more that most bottled water isn't as "pure" as the companies would like you to believe. That's why I really wanted to try and drink more filtered water. Not only is it better for myself and our family, but it's also more cost effective and eco-friendly!

ZeroWater was kind enough to send us their ZeroWater Pitcher.

I was really excited to try this product, as they claim it leaves behind nothing but pure water. I was curious to see if this was really the case, and was pleased to find that it is!! The ZeroWater is fantastic!! Each pitcher come with a TDS meter which measures your water for Total Dissolved Solids. The number represents the number of dissolved substances in parts per million that is in your water.

When we first received the ZeroWater pitcher I was looking forward, and honestly a little nervous, to test our tap water, as well as to test the ZeroWater. We first tested the tap water which was shocking to say the least. The TDS gave us a reading of 365!! Yuck! We filtered water through the ZeroWater pitcher and tested that...it was a zero!! I couldn't believe that ZeroWater's claims were so precise.

I am thrilled to have found a water filtration system that actually does what it says it will do. It's a relief to know that my family is now getting nothing but pure water. It's actually the only filtered water that comes from a filter that meets the FDA's definition of purified bottled water.

There were many things I loved about this pitcher besides the obvious fact that it actually purifies water. I really like the sleek design....it's not too big and not too small. I absolutely LOVE the push button at the bottom of the handle which makes it easy to dispense the water rather than having to take it out of the fridge each time to fill a glass. The best part in my opinion though, is the TDS meter! I think it's great that ZeroWater is so confident in their water that they actually send the water meter for you to have and use. We've really found comfort in having it and being able to test the water we drink.

The ZeroWater pitcher would make a fantastic gift for anyone on your Christmas list this year! It's safe for the environment, saves money and good for you...you can't get much better than that. It's a very practical gift, especially for those with small children. When Kaelyn first began drinking water I would have loved to receive this as a gift so I could introduce water to her in the purest form.

Buy It: The ZeroWater pitcher and filters can be purchased on the ZeroWater website and in Target stores nationwide for approximately $35 for the pitcher and $29.99 for a pack of 2 filters.

How To Enter To Win: ZeroWater has generously offered one lucky reader a ZeroWater pitcher of their own! To enter, visit ZeroWater and leave me a comment letting me know something you learned from their FAQ's section.

How To Get Extra Entries: (only valid after the required initial entry has been completed)

1. For TWO extra entries, subscribe to A Mom's Balancing Act via e-mail (easily found along the side column). Be sure to leave TWO comments so that both entries can be counted.

2. For FIVE extra entries, blog about this giveaway (linking to this post and ZeroWater) and leave me FIVE comments with the URL to that post.

3. Post my blog button or blog URL to your blog and leave a comment with the URL to your blog. (If it already is, leave me a comment letting me know)

4. For THREE extra entries, post my Holiday Extravaganza event button to your blog and leave me THREE comments with the URL to your blog. (button can be found along side column)

5. For TWO extra entries, Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (Tweet once a day for an extra entry every day)! You can copy and paste: ZeroWater Water Filtration Pitcher Giveaway @MomBalancingAct http://bit.ly/KQFDf Ends 11/23

6. Become a Fan of A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook

7. Follow my blog publicly on Google Friend Connect

8. Enter one of my other giveaways and leave me a comment letting me know that you did (current giveaways can be found along the side column)....ONE entry for EACH giveaway you enter!!

Please be sure to leave me a *separate* comment for each entry you complete above including with each, your e-mail address so that I can easily and accurately contact the winner!!

This giveaway will end November 23rd and is open to US Only!

**The products for this review and giveaway were provided for free by ZeroWater. This was not a paid post and my honest opinions were given.**

It wasn't until I had our daughter that I began thinking about using safer products in our home. I want to make sure that I'm helping to give my kids the best start in life, which means being more cautious about the products we use and the foods we eat. I really like SproutBaby because they help support parents in their desire to use high quality organic and eco-friendly products at reasonable prices. They help bridge the gap for families between making healthy choices and making easy choices. I love that their products are not only safe for my family, but also for the environment...and to have it all located on one website makes it very convenient. We no longer have to sacrifice wholesome options because of affordability and accessibility thanks to SproutBaby.com.

I was recently informed of one of their newest products, the Thinkbaby Stainless Steel feeding set which offers the latest in 100% sustainable and certified organic utensils, especially made for newborns and babies. Using a feeding set like this not only helps to reduce waste, but also offers a BPA, Phthalate, PVC and Polycarbonate-free product with containers that come with lids for easy use while traveling! This is a set I feel would come in useful in many different situations and a product parents would absolutely love!

SproutBaby offers a number of other great products as well. One of my favorites can be found in the Baby Care category...the Sweet Knee Petite Baby Bag, full of some of their greatest products like the Sweet Knee Bubbly Soap and Oatmeal Cookie Baths.

Buy It: The Thinkbaby Stainless Steel Feeding Set can be purchased from the SproutBaby website for $39.99.

How To Enter To Win: SproutBaby has generously offered one lucky reader a Thinkbaby Stainless Steel Feeding Set of their own. To enter, visit SproutBaby and leave me a comment letting me know another product they carry that you like.

How To Get Extra Entries: (only valid after the required initial entry has been completed)

1. For TWO extra entries, subscribe to A Mom's Balancing Act via e-mail (easily found along the side column). Be sure to leave TWO comments so that both entries can be counted.

2. For FIVE extra entries, blog about this giveaway (linking to this post and SproutBaby) and leave me FIVE comments with the URL to that post.

3. Post my blog button or blog URL to your blog and leave a comment with the URL to your blog. (If it already is, leave me a comment letting me know)

4. Post my Holiday Extravaganza blog button to your blog and leave a comment with the URL to your blog. (If it already is, leave me a comment letting me know)

5. For TWO extra entries, Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (Tweet once a day for an extra entry every day)! You can copy and paste: SproutBaby: Thinkbaby Stainless Steel Feeding Set Giveaway @MomBalancingAct http://bit.ly/4vZzvs Ends 11/11 (If tweeting every day, you may have to vary this a little bit as Twitter is not allowing duplicate tweets anymore)

6. Follow SproutBaby on Twitter

7. Become a Fan of A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook

8. Become a Fan of SproutBaby on Facebook

9. Sign up for the SproutBaby Newsletter

10. For TWO extra entries, Follow my blog publicly

11. Enter one of my other giveaways and leave me a comment letting me know that you did (current giveaways can be found along the side column)....ONE entry for EACH giveaway you enter!!

12. For FIVE extra entries, purchase anything from the SproutBaby website before the end of this giveaway (be sure to leave FIVE separate comments when doing so to ensure each entry is counted).

Please be sure to leave me a *separate* comment for each entry you complete above including with each, your e-mail address so that I can easily and accurately contact the winner!!

This giveaway will end November 11th and is open to the US Only!!

**The product for this giveaway was provided for free by SproutBaby. This was not a paid post and my honest opinions were given.**