Babymoov Bebedelice Baby Food Processor Giveaway

If you've ever wanted to make homemade baby food, you'll love this giveaway. The Babymoov Multi-Function Baby Food Processor does it all!

Welcome to the Babymoov Multi-Function Baby Food Processor Giveaway

presented by Mamas Baby Cupcakes, Viva Veltoro & Thrifty Nifty Mommy

and graciously sponsored by Babymoov.  

How would you like to make your little one's baby food?  One machine can help you do that and so much more!  Allow us to introduce you to Babymoov's Bebedelice Multi-Function Baby Food Processor!

The Bebedelice:

• heats and reheats bottles and small jars
• sterilizes bottles
• cooks fresh food without losing its vitamin content, even fish, poultry and meat!
• blends
• defrosts and preserves.
• Easy to use with its 2 control buttons 
• Stops automatically and alerts you via its 2 alarms (visual and sound)
• Includes graduated measuring cup and a set of tongs
• BPA-free

Mamas Baby Cupcakes had the opportunity to review the Bebedelice, 

check out Michelle's full review HERE.

The Bebedelice retails for $119.99, but you can purchase one for as low as $80 on Amazon.  
Just click HERE to view this great sale!

One lucky person will win a Babymoov Bebedelice in their choice of Red or Blue! 

Open to the US and Canada.  Ends 11/11/13 at 11:59 PM EST.

Enter using the Giveaway Tools form below.  Good Luck!

Entry-Form

Disclosure: This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. Prize fulfillment is solely the responsibility of Cariboo and not the participating bloggers. Giveaway is open to residents of the United States and Canada, age 18 and up.  If you have any additional questions, feel free to send an email to thriftyniftymommy {at} yahoo.com. If you're interested in having your company or products featured with a giveaway like this, please contact thriftyniftymommy{at}yahoo.com.

Natural Remedies for Cold and Flu - Guest Post

Cold and flu season is upon us, and before you know it, you won’t be able to throw a stone 50-feet without hitting someone who is suffering from these miserable little illnesses.  From nasal congestion, chills, aches, cough and a fever, these symptoms can keep you down for days, but there are ways to feel better without medication or a doctor’s visit.

Now granted, some medication may help ease symptoms of both seasonal and H1N1 flu when taken shortly after you get sick, but if you try to stay away from prescriptions unless absolutely necessary, then you’re in luck.  There are actually some natural remedies you can employ, which may be all you need for relief of mild to moderate flu symptoms.

Boosting your immune system to fight the common cold and that nasty influenza can be simple if you know what to do.  Below are a few tips that have been shown to really help out with aches, coughs, chills, sneezing and other cold and flu symptoms:

Candy and Cough Drops

Throat lozenges, cough drops and yes, even hard candy, can be surprisingly effective at easing a cough or sore throat. Some lozenges contain zinc and slippery elm, which helps shorten cold symptoms.

Green and Peppermint Teas

Green tea is known to have many properties that can help keep you in good health, and better prepare you to fight or ward off cold and flu bugs. Additionally, peppermint tea is packed with nutrients that help the body fight off illness as well. It also can act as an expectorant, helping the body to cough up mucus.

Ginger and Honey

Ginger’s health benefits have long been touted, and a few slices in hot water will soothe a cough or sore throat.  Also, honey is known to boost the immune system, and a daily dose can help you to feel energetic and stay healthy. It also has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, so if you do develop a sore or scratchy throat, honey will soothe and help heal.

Limes, Lemons and Garlic

Lime juice is reported to decrease the strength of the cold and flu virus in the body and reduce phlegm. Lemons, on the other hand, are loaded with vitamin C, which is known to support the body’s natural defenses. You can add lemon juice to your tea or make hot or cold lemonade with honey to stay well, build resistance to cold and flu and speed up healing. Garlic can also ward off colds and flu. Garlic contains the immune-boosting compound allicin, also know to relieve cold and flu symptoms. Chop it up, put it in some hot water and guzzle it down.

Salt Water and Steam

Saltwater has long been used to ease sore throats and keep respiratory passages moist and free from invading pathogens. You can put it in a mister like nasal spray or even gargle it.  Steam also works. It gets rid of that stuffiness and congestion. Boil a pot of water on the stove and then slowly breathe in the steam.  This will open up your nasal passages and give you some relief. 

Rest

Finally, if your body is telling you to take it easy, do it!  Don't press on with daily responsibilities or exercise in the face of severe cold or flu symptoms. Rest is another way of supporting the body’s ability to fight infection. And don’t skimp on nighttime sleep. Good sleep cycles help the immune system work well, so it’s important to get your full sleep cycle in every night.

Many of the traditional home remedies, when used properly and regularly, can be your body’s best, and least expensive defense against colds and the flu, also helping to minimize their impact if you contract them. So try some of these natural remedies out. You might be surprised how quickly they work.

David Novak’s byline has appeared in newspapers and magazines around the world. He’s an avid health enthusiast, and frequently is featured in regional and national health publications. He is also a weekly writer for Healthline. To visit his other stories on Healthline, visit http://www.healthline.com/. 

Nuby Traveltime Bowl Set Review and Giveaway

Nuby's Traveltime Bowl Set makes on-the-go snacking really easy and convenient.
They are small, portable, and are made for storing your child's favorite snacks.

Features:

• Sized to fit a child's hand.
• Break-resistant
• Dishwasher/microwave/freezer safe
• Bright colors

I really like how the lids close tightly because I know whatever is contained won't spill.

The Traveltime Bowl set includes a long-handle spoon which makes feeding your little one easier. The spoon also allows you to reach into tall jars and containers without getting your finger tips messy.

The Nuby Traveltime Bowl Set is available at these retailers:

www.buybabydirect.com www.diapers.com www.amazon.com (affiliate link) www.cookieskids.com
Connect with Nuby on Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest.

Giveaway

Nuby has generously offered a giveaway to one lucky reader! 

Winner will receive a Nuby Traveltime Bowl Set.

Open to US residents only.

Giveaway ends 10/23/2013 at 11:59pm PST.

Good Luck!

Entry-Form

Disclaimer: As a Nuby Mommy Blogger, I was provided this product in exchange for my honest review! Thank you Nuby :)

Sverve is Turning 1!

One of my favorite online communities for bloggers is turning a year old in December!
#SverveTurns1



Sverve launched last year and has grown to be a fun website where bloggers connect with brands.
As part of the Sverve community you can:

• Apply for brand campaigns
• Share your blog posts with other influencers
• Share other tips from different blogs
• Get endorsed by other Sverve members to help increase your influential score
• Endorse others based on their blog topics
• Participate in social share campaigns and make money by simply tweeting

New sign-ups are eligible to win $50 cash!

If you blog and aren't already part of the Sverve community, you can sign up here (affiliate link) to start applying for campaigns and endorsing others! Have fun! :)

Humpfree the Humpless Camel by Julia Dweck: A Review

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of Humpfree the Humpless Camel in exchange for my honest review. Thank you Julia! :)
Did you know that camels can close their nostrils along with its two rows of eyelashes to protect them from the wind and sand?

Humpfree the Humpless Camel

“Now Humpfree Camel had no humps.

His back was free of any lumps. 

While others had one bump or two,  

Just where were Humpfree’s? No one knew.” 

Poor Humpfree is hopelessly searching for his missing humps. He goes around looking for what he believes are his perfect bumps.

His first discovery was two balloons which quickly turned out to be a failure. Humpfree encounters other objects in hopes that he can find his humps but they all end up not working out!
In the end, he receives the greatest news about his missing humps.
Here is a preview from Julia's Facebook page:

Review

The book has fun illustrations throughout and the rhyming words are a great addition. I notice that my son seems to pay attention more when I read a book with rhyming sentences. He must like the flow of it!
Julia Dweck also writes other books such as Blucy: The Blue Cat, Mary Had a Sleepy Sheep, and many others!
What is your child's favorite book?

School Lunches: What You Need to Know

How many times have you heard the joke about the cafeteria mystery meat? The heaping spoonful of not-so-tasty beans or the horribly bland vegetables? Do you remember eating those questionable chicken nuggets? More often than not, school lunch hasn't been a favorite for anyone.

What's So Bad About School Lunch?

School lunches are connected to escalating health care costs and the productivity of a generation of future adults. Many of these health issues include ADHD, obesity, and diabetes.

Here's one thing you should think about - Just because food is being provided to children in schools does not make it healthy. In fact, school lunches are:

• Highly processed
• High in sodium
• Loaded with MSG
• Full of preservatives
• Full of sugar
• Made with artificial colors and flavors

Research has shown that these artificial colors trigger behavior problems in children as well as learning and health problems such as:

• Temper tantrums
• Hyperactivity
• Allergic reactions
• Poor concentration

Feingold Association of the United States

The Feingold Association is a non-profit organization formed in 1976. Their main goal is to help families test out the possible link between their child's behavior/learning problems and the ingestions of certain food additives.

Here is a very interesting video regarding artificial colors and flavors.

The FAUS has recently completed a web site that addresses the major issues regarding school food, and gathered what they have learned over the years.

"We have long been interested in school food for several reasons:

 1.  Most of it is filled with synthetic additives our member's children cannot eat.

 2.  We have seen in our own homes that preparing simple, healthy food is not difficult and is usually less expensive than additive-laden options.

 3.  We know that bad food means health problems and that this brings many problems for families, communities and the nation.

 4.  We are very sensitive to the issue of hungry children and believe that one tool to address this is having nourishing food available in schools.

 5.  As we saw the impact that good nutrition had on our families we recognized that many social issues -- from antisocial behaviors to increased health costs -- are related to food and nourishment."

To find more information regarding school lunches, visit www.School-Lunch.org

Let's help improve school food!

Do you pack a lunch for your child(ren)?

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post.

Dream Nursery Giveaway Hop Event

Hi everyone! Intoxicated On Life is hosting a free Dream Nursery Giveaway Hop! The theme for the giveaway hop will be based on nursery and/or infant-related items.

Hosts: Intoxicated On Life (host of grand prize), Breastfeeding Place, and Atta Mama

Event Date: January 4 - January 11, 2014

Deadline to sign up: January 1, 2014

Blogger Requirements

• You must have a designated giveaway for the event.
• Your prize value must be a minimum of $25.
• You may have multiple prizes packages, but each one should be $25 minimum.
• Your post must be dedicated to this event. Event button, details, host name, and Linky must be posted in your giveaway post.
• The giveaway post must be live by 9 am (EST) on January 4th or you risk being removed from the Linky.
• Giveaway ends January 11th at 11:59 PM (EST).
• Please do not have more than 1 or 2 easy mandatory entries. There is no limit on extra entries.
• You must include proper disclosures, have no entries that violate policies of the various social media outlets.

Sign up here

Natural Birth Choices - October 2013 Carnival of Natural Mothering

Welcome to the October 2013 Carnival of Natural Mothering! 

This article is a part of the Carnival of Natural Mothering hosted by GrowingSlower, Every Breath I Take, I Thought I Knew Mama, African Babies Don't Cry, and Adventures of Captain Destructo. The topic for this month is Natural Birth Choices. Visit all of the other mom bloggers' posts through the links located at the bottom of this page to read about their natural birth choices.

The More You Know

During the beginning of my pregnancy I did tons of research because I didn't know what to expect. Believe it or not, I never knew that mothers had the choice to decline an epidural. I thought it was mandatory. In my family, natural birth was unheard of. My mom had 2 c-sections performed due to a doctor who didn't believe in the power of a woman's body during childbirth. 

I had to prove to myself that it was possible.

I chose to have an unmedicated birth because honestly, I was afraid of "the big needle." The thought of it made me nervous. Many women believe that an epidural is a godsend but you often don't hear about how it can negatively affects a woman's body or the side effects it has on a newborn baby.

Curiosity led me to look up information about the pros and cons of medications during labor and childbirth. Once I learned about it, I was set on having a natural childbirth.

Finding Support for Natural Birth

Reading Ina May's Guide to Childbirth encouraged me to stay with my decision to give birth naturally. The birth stories and labor techniques gave me the motivation to prepare myself for the big day. I read the book every night before bed; it was like my bible. 

I also read the natural birth forums on websites like Baby Center and The Bump. Seeing how many moms have gone through childbirth with no epidural, knowing how proud they were of themselves definitely helped and encouraged me further. 

Here are a few quotes that stuck with me:

"During labor, what helped was knowing that what I was feeling was totally natural and purposeful. Each contraction, while painful, was not a harm to me but a help to bring my child into the world."

"Knowing that a natural childbirth was the best option for my baby was a huge help. My first act as a mother was protecting my baby from harmful interventions. The endorphin rush after delivery is the most amazing feeling I have ever experienced."

"You are a birthing goddess".

My Birth Plan 

via

Being a first-time mom, I had no idea how to set up a birth plan. Again, I researched and wrote down everything before finally typing up my birth plan and handing it to my OB/GYN. The OB/GYN I had was not against natural childbirth but he wasn't necessarily agreeing with everything I had on my birth plan. At one point he asked me if I found all of the information on the internet which made him skeptical about my choices. As embarrassing as it was I stood my ground.

Initially, not every request on my birth plan went as planned and I was fine with that. You can't predict how everything will go but you can at least express your wishes to your doctor.

One of my requests was not to have labor artificially induced. When my due date had passed, the doctor scheduled a date to have an induction. I wasn't happy about it but didn't say a word. Fortunately, I went into labor naturally two days before the scheduled appointment.

The Big Day

Contractions hit me suddenly on the morning I gave birth. I labored at home for 12 hours, taking walks every few hours and breathing through every contraction. At one point I wanted to give up and just get to the hospital to relieve the pain but I pushed forward.

I got to the hospital and to my surprise, was already 5 cm dilated! The birth went by quickly and three hours later I held a healthy 7 lb baby boy that made it into the world epidural-free. 

Choosing to birth naturally made breastfeeding and bonding so simple. There were no drugs involved to hinder that. I didn't get to attend any childbirth classes or have a midwife or a doula alongside me but I am so proud of myself for choosing what was best for my son. It's even more amazing when your friends and family are proud of your accomplishment.

"Modern humans are about 50,000 years old, and only very, very recently in that history was pain relief in childbirth available. Humankind didn't come to an end because childbirth is painful. A female body was built to do this."

Bloggers, visit GrowingSlower to sign up to be a part of next month's carnival.