Cool Gel 'n Cap Review

Have you ever tried holding an ice pack on a screaming child's head?  I have and let me tell you it is not easy.  Most of the time, I am trying to struggle holding her still, holding the pack and trying to comfort her.  I need more hands!

My daughter is just the right height now that she is constantly bumping her head on the kitchen counter.  She also thinks the dining room table makes a great fort but somehow does not realize that she is too tall to stand up in her "fort"now.

The Cool  Gel 'n Cap is one of those products that I can't believe I made it this long without and it is super cute.  The cap currently comes in two lovable characters, Toby the puppy and Tulip the bunny, with two more to be released soon.

The Cool Gel 'n Cap can be used to safely apply a cold or heat compress and keep them in place.  It can be used for so much more than just bumps to the head, it is also great for earaches, ear infections, headaches, and cooling the head.

It is so easy to use, just follow these three simple steps:

	Step One Turn hat inside out, insert gel pack through opening and flip hat back to right side up.
	Step Two Adjust placement of gel pack to properly cover bump/bruise and place on child's head.
	Step Three Once the Cool Gel 'n Cap™ is in use, parents can offer comfort without restriction of their child's movement.

Each package includes one cap,  two non-toxic gel packs that can be heated or cooled, one non-toxic instant ice pack for emergency or on-the-go situation, and a coloring book with all the fun Cool Gel ‘n Cap characters. All for only $23.95

$10 for $20 or $15 for $30 at Bath & Body Works' Online Store

$10 for $20 or $15 for $30 at Bath & Body Works' Online Store

from $10 worth: discount: savings: $20 50% $10 Company Information: Bath & Body Works website Redeem online.
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Bloggers that Over Thirty Mommy Admires

Thanks to Trop 50 for sponsoring my writing about fabulous bloggers. This year Trop50 is granting 50 fabulous wishes. Click here to enter for a chance to win $1,000 to help grant a friend's wish!

Thumbs Up to Over Thirty Mommy's Five Fabulous Bloggers

I am not sure if I am still classified as a blogging newbie, I have been working on Over Thirty Mommy for about a year and a half, but I feel that I am still a young blogger with so much more to learn.

Over the past year and a half, I have learned so much about blogging from some great bloggers.  While I have not had the pleasure to meet any of them in person (I would love to some day), I still feel that I have come to know them in some way.  Some day,  I will make it to a blog conference and would love to meet up with my fabulous five and many other bloggers that I have come to know through their blogs.

Over Thirty Mommy's Fabulous Five Bloggers (in no particular owner)

1. Jennifer James: Jennifer is one of those bloggers that is truly happy to help out other bloggers.  She founded a well known club for mom bloggers called Mom Bloggers Club (over 12,000 members),  publishes a great online magazine, Mom Blog Magazine and has a wonderful blog, The Mom Salon that are all full of tips and advice for novice bloggers like myself.    I would have to say that Jennifer is on the top of my Wish to Meet someday list.  I would love to thank her for sharing such great advice with other bloggers. While I am sure she keeps some trade secrets to herself, she always seems happy to give tips to anyone that asks.

2. Daddy Forever: It is so refreshing to get a Dad's perspective on parenting.  There are so many (great and wonderful) mom bloggers out there that sometimes it seems the dads are forgotten.  I came to know Daddy Forever by reading about his youngest son "Little Disney" and how he was coping with being diagnosed as Failure to Thrive coupled with contracting H1N1.  Daddy Forever lives, or as he states it " lives in Exile" in Oregon.  I am an Oregon Native so I love reading blogs that are local to me and know the area I am from. His blog tag line made me a loyal follower of Daddy Forever the first time I read it "Dad blog by a tech savvy dad with four geeky kids (1-10). This geek dad blog features reviews, giveaways, and parenting advice that will ruin your kid's life."  It made me laugh out loud in my office and I have had it bookmarked ever since.

3. 5 Minutes for Mom: Janice and Susan at 5 Minutes for Mom amaze me with the number of sites they operate and maintain.  They have a section of 5 Minutes For Mom dedicated to Directories where you can find  great information on Member Blogs, Mom owned Stores and websites owned by Moms.  It is a great resource that has lead me to wonderful sites and stores that I might not otherwise have found.  I first came to know 5 Minutes for Mom for their always fun weekly Wordless Wednesday posts, it is a great way to find and meet new blogs and bloggers (I even participate once in a while).

4.Shannon from The Mommy-Files: Shannon is another blogger that I look up to.  I have never spoken with her but I read her blog frequently to gain knowledge about blogging basics.  Her blog The Mommy-Files is so well organized, it is amazing.  I can not believe how far it has come since 2008, I can only dream of my blog being as popular as hers when I make it to 3 years. I have one daughter and find it exhausting, I have no idea how she manages three boys, a popular blog, writing for 7 other sites, scrap booking and baking.  I also really love the blogger swaps that she puts together for the different holidays, it is so fun to do exchanges with people that you do not yet know.

5. Sherry from Household Six - Military Wife and Mom: Sherry is a new blogger, she started her blog in early December and seems to be taking a short break right now while she starts a new Arbonne business.  While Sherry's blog is not one that I have gone to for tips and blogging advise but it is very important to me and I admire Sherry for another reason.  Sherry is my Sister-in-law, she is married to my brother who is deployed in Iraq right now.  Sherry is an amazing person, she works and takes care of their three children all while holding the family together while their father is gone.   Her blog Household Six, is a daily journal as a military wife and a journal written by their daughter, Tiffany, about her experience as a military teen.  It also includes resources for other military families.

There are so many others that I would love to feature but the list would go on and on.  Thank you to all the blogs and bloggers that I gain knowledge from (even if I have never spoken to you or made many comments on your blogs).

Don't forget to enter the 50 Fabulous Wishes contest for a chance to win $1,000 to support a friend's wish. I was selected for this Tropicana Trop50 sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity, as I do. I received compensation to use and facilitate my post.

5 Big Adjustments You'll Make For Your First Child

5 Big Adjustments You'll Make For Your First Child

by Janice Hill 

A dedicated mom who is determined to find her way without losing her hair :)

You've heard it a million times before, but what you may not know is that it's entirely true; having a child completely changes your life. More love pours out of you than you would have ever thought possible. Your instincts sharpen. Your senses become attuned to the smallest of changes. You are suddenly accountable not only for yourself, but for another human life. The months approaching your due date may leave you with an overwhelming feeling of trepidation because of the level of responsibility, but the second you hold that beautiful new baby in your arms, all of your apprehension melts away. Beyond the mental and physical adjustments, what else should you expect?
1. Say goodbye to the coupe. That cute little two-door car that you’re used to cruising in is not car seat friendly. You are welcome to give it a try, but a couple times of attempting to position a rear-facing infant seat in such a small area will have you shopping for an SUV or minivan in no time. Add a diaper bag, a toy and your purse to the already too small car and you've got little space left for groceries—much less another person.
2. No more sleeping sprees. Sorry Mom and Dad, but baby is not going to let you laze around for hours on end. A growing baby will be hungry every couple of hours. By the time she finishes nursing, takes a nap and then has a diaper change, it will be time to feed again. Babies sleep a lot, but they do it in small doses. Take your Mom's advice and nap when the baby does, even if it's only for 20 minutes at a time. The laundry can wait!
3. Speaking of laundry, give up on the idea of a perfect house. It's not doable. Sure, you can spend all of your time cleaning—only to have to clean again. You can also spend that time enjoying your new bundle. They don't stay little for long, so cuddle her while you can. Sure, run the vacuum and make sure the dishes are clean, but perfection is not required.
4. Showering is overrated. Seriously, remember those luxurious hour-long baths where you took the time to shave, exfoliate, deep condition and apply a facial mask? That won’t be happening for a long time. After you have a baby, time goes faster than ever before. A shower that enables you to wash both your hair AND your body starts to seem like a luxury.
5. Lunch dates with your girlfriends are now playdates with the Tiny Tots group; child development outshines girl-gossip. Nights out will dwindle and spontaneous weekend getaways...not likely to happen.
With all of this being said, the positives will completely outweigh any of the changes you will have to make. You may be sitting there shaking your head, thinking, "Oh no, not me," but the changes will inevitably come. Remember thinking, "I'll never make my kids eat vegetables!" back when your Mom was telling you to eat yours? You guessed it; that will change, too.

Read More by Janice Hill
3 Things to Teach Your Kids By Example


**Disclaimer: this post was not written by Over Thirty Mommy, it was a guest post written by Janice Hill***

Do You Ski? Read More to Get Lift Tickets for 50% Off

 50% off tickets at Mt. Hood Skibowl

Only $29.50 for an All Day/All Night pass! Giving Back to Oregon Schools!

This ezdeal includes:

• For use on Wednesdays only
• For use beginning January 19, 2011 thru closing in Spring 2011
• Buy Multiple, May purchase up to 4 per customer

Available for purchase January 14-16, visit www.myezdeal.com (select Portland for the city) to buy 50 percent off tickets ($29.50) for an all-day/all-night lift ticket for use on any Wednesday. Proceeds from each deal purchased will go back to:

·         Hillsboro Schools Foundation

·         Beaverton Education Foundation

·         Lake Oswego School District Foundation

·         West Linn/Willsonville schools through Music and Arts Partner

·         North Clackamas Education Foundation

 

You even get to choose which district you want to donate to.

Notables:

• No other discounts may be applied
• No change given
• Excludes holidays and holiday periods
• Check our website for details on hours of operation
• No resale or trade of voucher on site

Deals Available in Other Cities

Nashville, TN: A choice of 2 Pet Sitting Visits or 2 Dog Walk Breaks for your Furry Family Member for only $20 ($40 Value)

 

Click Here To Check Out Today's EZdeal

WIN $2000 AND A NEW BUICK!!!!

IT IS ALMOST TIME!!!!

Follow Buick on Facebook today and watch the live facebook event tomorrow to have a chance at winning

$2000 and have a chance at a new Buick.  They are giving the $2000 away tomorrow at 9:15 AM EST!!

For more details read the full post here http://bit.ly/e5dWwe

Please tweet, blog, facebook and/or email all your friends and link them back to this posting(http://bit.ly/e5dWwe)so that they can help me win the prize for the blogger that refers the most traffic to the Buick Facebook Page.

Sample tweet: RT @over30mommy #Win a new @Buick and $2,000 http://bit.ly/e5dWwe

Disclosure: I have the chance to win $5,000 if my link generates the most traffic.  If I win, I will host a special giveaway to allow my readers to share in the celebration with me!!!

Tommee Tippee Makes Traveling with A Toddler Easier

I recently took a trip to visit my husbands family in Wyoming.  My husband had to travel there on business and since it had been almost 6 months since they had seen our daughter (their youngest grandchild) my daughter and I decided to tag along.

Since having our daughter, we have traveled to see Grandma and Grandpa M twice.  The first time she was only 6 months old so she slept almost the entire flight there and back, it was great.  This time I knew it would be different.  We debated purchasing her her own seat (she is just under two so can still be classified as a lap child) but in the end it just did not seem worth the additional $200.

I loaded up all the stuff that I thought we would need to make it through the hour + at the airport prior to the flight, the 2 1/2 hour flight and the 2 1/2 hour drive from Denver to Wyoming.  This included the standard diapers, wipes, snacks, toys and a drink for before security.  When she was a baby they let me take milk over the 3oz limit through for her but I was not clear on the rules now that she was bigger.

After getting through security I purchased a milk for her and put it in her bottle and then placed the bottle in the Tommee Tippee closer to nature Insulated Bottle Bag to keep it cool.  The bags come as a set of two and can be used to keep bottles and food warm or cool.  They are fully flexible and have an adjustable strap that can be used to attache it to just about anything (I attached our to the strap of my backpack carry on so that it was within reach if I needed it while walking).

I was impressed with how well it insulated the milk cold.  We ran out of milk before we reached our destination but it was still cold until she drank the last of what we had purchased at the airport.

I only used one on insulated bottle bag on the way there but on the way back I filled two bottles with milk that I had left from our time at the grandparents (they weren't going to drink it so it would have gone to waste anyway) and placed them in the two Tommee Tippee insulated bottle bags.  I was not sure if TSA would allow me to take that much milk through security but to my surprise they did after running a simple test on the milk to make sure it was milk.  Since I was able to bring more milk, I had some left when we arrived home and to my amazement it was still cold. 

Over all, I think the Tommee Tippee closer to nature Insulated Bottle Bags are great, I did not test them with warm foods but might soon when I pack her lunch for play dates.  They are specially designed to fit the Tommee Tippee closer to nature bottles so they are a bit on the short side but they do (with a little stretching) fit a standard size sippy cup.  I would love to have the Tommee Tippee insulated bottle bag in a taller size.


Where to Buy:
Tommee Tippee products are available directly from their website and exclusively at Toys-R-Us and Babies-R-Us.

Who Wants to Win $2000? How About a New Buick? READ MORE FOR YOUR CHANCE AT BOTH!!

WOW!!! This is the biggest contest that I have had the opportunity to bring to you my loyal readers. 

Act now and to be a part of this great opportunity:


If you are wondering how you can win $200 and have a chance at a new car, it is easy:

1. Click here to like Buick on Facebook.: by “Liking” the Buick Facebook page you will be given access to view a specially produced live event at the North American International Auto Show, Detroit (NAIAS) that will be live streaming on Buick’s Facebook Page.  (Please make sure to use the link and do not go directly to their page, I will explain later)

2. Watch their live facebook event on January 10th, 9:15 AM ET.  If you socially interact with the Ustream, you could be randomly picked to win $2000 and again later for an additional chance to win a brand new Buick!

Unfortunately, by participating in a program to bring you this information, I am not eligible to win the $2000 or the new Buick.  This is why I am asking (or pleading) with you to use my link to their facebook page!

Please tweet, blog, facebook and/or email all your friends and link them back to this posting(http://bit.ly/e5dWwe)so that they can help me win the prize for the blogger that refers the most traffic to the Buick Facebook Page.

Sample tweet: RT @over30mommy #Win a new @Buick and $2,000 http://bit.ly/e5dWwe

Disclosure: I have the chance to win $5,000 if my link generates the most traffic.  If I win, I will host a special giveaway to allow my readers to share in the celebration with me!!!

One Thing I Miss About Working

I have worked since I was 16, since then the longest I have been with out a job was two months (after moving to Wyoming and when I moved back from Wyoming) on two different occasions. That was until now, I was laid off in July from a company that I worked for for just under 10 years (just over 10 years if you count the time I worked there through a temp agency).

I worked in an office that required that I dress professionally.  I have a large closet (not a walk-in, which is my dream, think Carrie's, from Sex and the City, closet at her and Big's apartment) full of professional attire that is just sitting there collecting dust.

It pains me when I look in there and see my designer dresses, tops and pants just wasting away in my closet begging me to take them out and wear them but alas I do not think they will be as appreciated at Cafe Sip-N-Play or story time at the library.  Luckily I have been able to wear some of them to the few interviews that I have been able to procure and to Christmas mass but other than that they all sit in there an look lonely and neglected.

One of my three major weaknesses (#2) is designer shoes.  I only have 4 pairs (so far, need to get back to work to buy more!) I miss wearing them too.  Out of the four pairs that I do have, one is a tennis shoe style that I can wear with my jeans so at least they are not all collecting dust.  OK, they are all in boxes so they are not really collecting dust.  All I have probably 30 pairs of shoes (I cleaned out the closet recently) and I can only wear about 5 of them now that I am not working.  Shoes, I miss you!

My #1 weakness is designer handbags.  Thankfully, I do not have to dress professionally to carry one of my 7 designer purses.  I usually (or my husband) splurge on one new one a year but that will have to wait until I am working again.  I love my designer purses so much that I bought my daughter her first Coach wristlet when she was 11 months old.  Yes, you read that right 11 months!  She LOVES it and carries it to the stores when we go shopping.  I even had a designer diaper bag because I felt that if I was going to have to carry diapers and stuff around, I was going to look good doing it.  The diaper bag is so cute that now it can be used as a laptop tote and I use it as a carry on when we travel.

I love every day that I get to stay home with my daughter (even though I feel guilty for not contributing financially to the household) but I do look forward going back to work so that I can wear all the lonely clothes in my closet.  I will probably have to run them all through my steam dryer first to get the dust off and freshen them up a bit. 

Oh fancy clothes and shoes how I miss you now that I wear nothing but jeans and T-Shirts.

In case you were curious, my #3 weakness is chocolate, the darker the better! YUM

Purex Complete Crystals Softener Review and Giveaway

Over Thirty Mommy was recently chosen as one of the newest Purex Insiders.   It is an honor to have been selected and I look forward to bringing you great information about new Purex products. 

I received a sample size of the newly released Purex Complete Crystals Softener to welcome me to the Purex Insiders program.  Purex Crystals are currently available at Walmart and will be available at other stores beginning in January and February.  

The long lasting scent of the new Purex Complete Crystals softener keeps your laundry fresh for weeks.
The unique crystal form works differently than traditional oil-based softeners that coat fabrics with oily residue, because it infuses fibers with long-lasting fragrance.

 Purex Complete Crystals Softener is available in three on-trend fragrances: Fresh Spring Waters, Lavender Blossom, and Tropical Splash.

Purex Complete Crystals Softeners are safe for all laundry and will not harm, wear down or discolor your fabrics like oil-based softeners.  Over time, traditional oil-based softeners coat fibers causing harmful oily residue to accumulate. Purex Complete Crystals Softeners penetrate fabrics to reduce fiber entanglement and smooth frayed fibers providing a naturally soft feel.
 
Unlike other softeners, Crystals WILL:
• Preserve the flame retardant benefits of your children’s clothes
• Retain your athletic wear’s wicking ability which draws sweat away from your body
• Maintain your towels’ built-in ability to absorb water
• Keep your white clothing from yellowing and graying vs. using traditional softeners

For those concerned about your front load washing machine, rest at ease.  Purex Complete Crystals are safe to use in both HE front loader machines as well as regular top loader machines. Just sprinkle the crystals directly on top of your load of laundry before you start the wash–that’s it! It works the same way in either type of washing machine.

WIN IT! 
Three Over Thirty Mommy Readers will  be randomly chosen to receive a coupon good for a  full size bottle of Crystals.

 

How to Enter: Mandatory

To enter the giveaway please leave me a comment telling me which scent you would like to try first (Fresh Spring Waters, Lavender Blossom, or Tropical Splash).

Extra Entries:
You must complete the mandatory entry before doing any extra entries.

• Follow Over Thirty Mommy publicly (join followers on right-hand sidebar) (1 entry)
• Subscribe to Over Thirty Mommy via Reader or email. (1 entry each)
• Follow Purex on Twitter:  @Purex
• Follow Over Thirty Mommy on twitter and tweet about this review/giveaway. (1 entry daily)
• Like Over Thirty Mommy on Facebook (1 entry)
• Blog about the giveaway on your site and link back to Over Thirty Mommy (leave a link to your post in comment) (5 entries!!!) 
• Grab my Blog Button (2 entries)

 Please leave a separate comment for each entry.  Good luck!

 
Limitations:
This giveaway is open to U.S. Residents 18+ only. Please have a valid email address in your comment or on your blogger profile.  

Giveaway ends midnight PST on January 22nd

2011 Here I Come!

Happy New Year!!

Welcome to 2011!  Did you make any resolutions or goals for the new year?

Here are my personal and professional resolutions and goals for 2011


Personal Resolutions and Goals:


1. Get a job (or win the lottery so I don't have to): I love being home with Wiggle Bean but I have worked since I was 16 and it feels weird not working and bringing in my share of the family finances.  We are surviving with just my husbands income but it makes things tight and is very stressful for me (even though I try to put on a good front and seem like it doesn't).  I will miss my time with Wiggle Bean and feel she is learning more with me home but I am not sure it is financially feasible for us to be a one income family forever.

2. Get back in shape: I lost all the baby weight within 6 months of having Wiggle Bean but I seem to have put some of it back on.  I was always active in sports when growing up and would get back in shape when my husband and I were planning our beach vacations but since having Wiggle Bean, I have given up pretty much all exercise.  While my weight in numbers is not too bad (about 20 pounds more than I would like) I would like to regain some of my muscle mass and get rid of the flab.  My goal for the year is to lose 20 pounds and lose my belly.

3. Eat better: This will also help me accomplish goal #2.  I snack way to much!  I am a choc-a-holic and love sweet snacks.  I used to snack some while working but now that I am home the snacking is out of control.  Most days I do not eat a regular breakfast or lunch and just snack throughout the day.  It would not be such a bad problem if I was snacking on the oranges or apples that are in my fridge but I snack on candy, cookies and chips. 

Professional Goals:

1. Write more frequently: Time seems to get away from me and there are large gaps in my past blogging schedule.  I would like to improve my frequency of writing so that my readers are not left with out anything to read.  I am planning on setting a blog schedule and writing a full post at least 3 times a week.  I know many bloggers post once or more every day but I think that would be setting an unrealistic goal for myself.  Therefore, I will plan on writing every other day and if I get more posts in during a week that will be a bonus. 

2. More personal content: I post some family stories and many reviews at Over Thirty Mommy and enjoy doing both but I would like to put a little more focus on my family blog posts.  It might not keep my traffic numbers up with my sweepstakes friends (I appreciate you all too, so please keep visiting and entering my giveaways!) but Over Thirty Mommy started as a way for me to journal and vent about being an "Older" first time mom and I would like to keep my readers that are looking for personal content happy.

3. Decide if I should move to another hosting site: I have been thinking lately about moving away from Blogger.  I have enjoyed my time with Blogger but think Over Thirty Mommy might be ready for a move to another hosting site.  Maybe Wordpress?  I am being held back but not wanting to lose all my Google friends, email followers, google page rank and other stats that some of my sponsors require. If you have any advise in this area, I would love to hear it?  I need all the help I can get.

Well, those are my resolutions and goals for the year.  What are yours?