Kiss My Face Sports Spray SPF 50

     My family and I are always on the go. Between soccer practices, weekend trips to the water parks, golfing and my nightly walks around the neighborhood, we always need to be sure that we are adequately protected with sunscreen.  Recently, I received a sample of the Kiss My Face Sports Spray SPF 50, and this no-mess, broad spectrum spray has quickly become my active family’s go-to source for sun protection. 

     With a light pleasant tropical scent (smells like coconuts), the Kiss My Face Sports Spray SPF 50 contains no artificial fragrances or colors; is paraben and cruelty free (this product is not tested on animals) and is biodegradable.  It has a wide spray, so you can easily apply it to the legs, arms, and other exposed areas very quickly, and it dries almost instantaneous.  I spray it in my hands to apply on my son’s face, as well as my own, and it does not have a sticky, greasy feel to it.  Best of all, it is sweat resistant, so it won’t run into your eyes and burn. Word of advice─ while it works really well in water, just make sure you reapply after about an hour of swimming, as you would do with any other sunscreen.

     The Kiss My Face Sports Spray SPF 50 retails for $16.99 (8 oz), and can be found in Whole Foods Markets, Sweetbay and Publix stores nationwide.  For further information, please visit the Kiss My Face website at: http://www.kissmyface.com/

The Berenstain Bears Storybook Treasury

     Featuring six stories from the popular and beloved bear family from authors Jan and Stan Berenstain, The Berenstain Bears Storybook Treasury is the perfect collection for reading aloud or curling up and reading with your little one. Follow along as Mama, Papa, Brother, Sister and Honey Bear adopt a new puppy, learn about the importance of responsibilities, wish upon a star, take a trip, explore the seashore and stay home from school due to illness.

      The first story in the collection, The Berenstain Bears’ New Pup, gently touches on all of the 'puppy' raising issues. Little Lady leaves a puddle in one corner, and a ‘present’ in another. I so appreciated the fact that the illustration alongside this  story  shows Sister and Brother Bear cleaning up Little Lady’s ‘present’ and not Momma and/or Papa Bear. This is a perfect tale to read if your family is deciding on adopting a dog.
     The Berenstain Bears and the Wishing Star provides your budding reader with a very clear lesson on wishing. When Sister Bear wishes for a teddy bear, she is delighted to see that her wish comes true.  However, when she starts to get greedy with her wishes, Brother Bear reminds her of the magic of wishing stars, and the dangers of being greedy.

      The Berenstain Bears and the Trouble with Chores gives a wonderful example of what happens when people don’t want to do their chores around the house (sounds familiar here in Momma’s household!).   In the beginning, Brother and Sister Bear try to find ways to get out of doing their chores, and so does Papa Bear (he doesn't want to mow the lawn because a mama spider just got finished making a web on his lawnmower!) and together, the trio make up all sorts of excuses as to why they cannot do them.  Mama Bear then decides that instead of hearing all the bickering, arguing and excuse making, it would just be easier if she did them herself. However, she eventually gives in to her family when they ask to stop doing chores. Mama starts her gardening and quilting clubs again and the treehouse falls into a total mess.  This tale clearly provides a spotlight on how important following through our responsibilities are not only to us but to our family members.

     All of the tales in this collection have engaging storylines and each page has beautiful, vivid full-color illustrations. Each of the stories contain simple sentences that your beginning and/or intermediate readers will be able to read aloud with you. Most importantly, I have always appreciated the fact that each sweet, simple Berenstain tale manages to teach young children very valuable lessons in life. 

The Berenstain Bears Storybook Treasury

Written and Illustrated by Jan & Stan Berenstain with Mike Berenstain

Publisher: Harper Festival (2005)

ISBN: 978-0-06-212014-4

$11.99

For Ages 4 thru 8

Good Health Natural Foods Snacks

    Okay, I’ll admit it.  I used to be a ‘snacker without a purpose’.  The operative word being ‘used to’.  There were  so many times in the past that while dealing with the hectic everyday schedules of myself and my family, it always felt like there was no time for healthy eating.  It was tempting to always go the quick and easy route by grabbing some chips, or a cookie, forgetting to take any consideration for the nutritional value of these high caloric on-the-run snacks.  But, several years ago, once my son was born, I made a change for the better, forgoing those unhealthy options and turning to snacks that not only manage to keep my energy levels going, but avoid the dreaded weight gain. Recently, I received some samples of several snacks from Good Health Natural Foods, and they quickly had my family and I hooked from the first bites!

      Good Health Natural Foods Glories Sweet Potato Chips simply contain sweet potatoes, canola oil and/or corn oil and/or olive oil and sea salt.  That’s it!  Absolutely no artificial flavoring or ingredients.   While I was never much of a sweet potato chip fan, Good Health Natural Foods Glories Sweet Potato Chips has me hooked.  They are conducive to anyone on a gluten-free diet and they have a perfect balance of crunch and salt without overpowering your taste buds. With no trans fats and low sodium as an added bonus, you’re family like mine will soon become a fan of these tasty chips.  Good Health Natural Foods Glories Sweet Potato Chips are also available in maple chipotle flavor.

      Good Health Natural Foods Veggie Stix also provides you with a satisfying salty crunch that almost everyone craves at some point.  However, the salt content is not as overpowering as many other commercial veggie chips/stix currently on the market.  Each colored stix (orange, beige and sage green) contain the subtle flavor of their respective vegetables (carrot, potato and spinach), and best of all, they were not greasy, unlike my experiences with other chips.  They also come in Pizza and hot flavoring, and fair warning:  these scrumptious stix’s are utterly addicting!

      Good Health Natural Foods Glories Sweet Potato Chips and Natural Veggie Stix can be found nationwide at Whole Foods, Fresh Markets, Publix and Waldbaums.   Visit the Good Health Natural Foods website at http://www.goodhealthnaturalproducts.com  to find a retailer near you or for further information on their wide variety of products.

      So yes, it is possible to treat yourself to a healthy snack even if you have a hectic schedule.  Snacks like these will give you the fuel that you need to keep on going throughout your day.

.

Modest Momma's April Skin Care Products Spotlight

Hugo Naturals Baby Oil

     Derived from pure vegan oils, this lightweight soft blend helps to keep both you and your baby’s skin feeling so soft and full of moisture.  Baby Hugo Naturals Baby Oil’s ingredients include sweet almond, jojoba and borage oils, whose antioxidant properties are known to not only provide your skin with protection against the harsh elements but also promote healing, nourishing your skin tone.  The oil is also available in vanilla and chamomile scents.  This cruelty, paraben and SLS free oil, retailing for $12.99 for 4 oz., is available at Whole Foods Markets nationwide.  For further information about Baby Hugo Naturals line of skin care products, please visit their website at: http://www.hugonaturals.com

Gaia Natural Baby Moisturizer

     Filled with the skin-softening properties of cocoa butter, along with the calming pure essential oils of lavender, Gaia Natural Baby Moisturizer will leave both you and your baby smelling heavenly!  Gaia Skin Naturals products are all safe to use during pregnancy, as well as for those babies and adults suffering from eczema (Gaia Skin Naturals are a sponsor of the Eczema Association of Australasia).  Available for purchase at drugstore.com, branddownunder.com and many smaller retailers nationwide.Gaia Natural Baby Moisturizer (250ml) retails for $11.50.  For further information about Gaia Natural Baby’s line of products, please visit their website at: http://www.gaiaskinnaturals.com

Erbaorganics Baby Travel Kit

     Featuring 1 oz. sizes of four of Erbaorganics best-selling baby skin care products─ Organic Baby Body Wash, Organic Baby Lotion, Organic Diaper Cream and Organic Baby Shampoo, this compact kit will come in very handy for those upcoming summer family vacations.  The Erbaorganics Baby Travel Kit retails for $25.00 and can be found in Target stores nationwide.  For further information about Erbaorganics line of skin care products for baby and your family, please visit their website at: http://www.erbaorganics.com

Caldrea® Palmarosa Wild Mint Liquid Hand Soap

     Containing the soothing properties of aloe vera gel, olive oil and a blend of essential oils including Palmarosa (derived from a grass that grows in India), the Caldrea® Palmarosa Wild Mint Liquid Hand Soap helps to blend a refreshing yet light softening cleanser for your hands.  Hints of wild mint, jasmine and woody notes of sandalwood provide added depth to the soap.  I found that this soap works perfectly either in the kitchen when I’m cooking, or in the bathroom, as the fragrant scent of wild mint truly awakens the senses in the early morning hours getting ready for work.  All Caldrea® products contain no harsh chemicals, fragrances and are paraben free.  The Caldrea® Palmarosa Wild Mint Liquid Hand Soap is available in 11 oz. ($10.50) and 16 oz. ($12.50) sizes, and can be found in specialty home stores nationwide.  To find a retailer near you, please visit their website at: http://www.caldrea.com

aden + anais mum + bub skin care

    

     Having long been a fan of aden + anais’ full line collection of muslin baby products, I was thrilled to recently learn that they have an infant skin care line called mum + bub, created specifically for baby’s sensitive skin.  Needless to say, I was so excited to receive a package filled with mum + bub’s products to review a few weeks ago. The new mum + bub skincare line is made from a fermented Australian fruit called Pawpaw, which is used topically as an ointment as well as a skin protectant.  Formulated alongside New York based dermatologist Ellen Gendler, MD, the mild, tear-free skin care products are lightly scented with Australian Sandlewood.  I found that both the lotion as well as the hair & body wash that I tried for over a week intensely moisturized my scalp and skin, leaving it soft and supple.  All of the mum + bub skincare line from aden + anais is entirely free of parabens, phthalates, gluten, soy and artificial colors.  The mum + bub hair and body wash, lotion and ointment (3 oz. only, as the 6 oz. retails for $28.95) retails for $15.95 each and you can review the entire line at their website at: http://www.adenandanais.com

Modest Momma's Toy Picks for April

0+Years

     Are you looking for a simple, yet playful distraction for your little one during long car trips? The Whoozit Big Bang from Manhattan Toy is destined to become your must have favorite car/stroller accessory! The Whoozit Big Bang’s soft shape C ends and bendable structure can be easily positioned around most strollers and car seats (I have a Graco stroller/car seat and it fit easily over each). Soft, brightly colored toys dangle from stretchy elastic fabric strings are easy for little one to grasp.  They include a sun shaped mirror; a smiling little green star as well as a multi-colored blue striped mini rattle ball. This small, compact travel toy will definitely give your little one a simple yet extremely playful diversion away from lengthy car trips, power walks with momma, or those regular weekly/daily rides through the grocery store. Retailing for $25.00, the Whoozit Big Bang from Manhattan Toy can be purchased thru their website at: http://www.manhattantoy.com/

18 months and up

     Art provides little ones of all ages with a forum to express their feelings─ and a new way to develop their thinking skills.  The Tots Art Start from Alex will assist in nurturing your child’s budding creativity, even when they’re still in toddler sizes!  The kit features three easy-to-grip crayons for little hands; 20 tissue papers, 68 peel and stick stickers, 2 doilies, 2 fringe papers and lots of crinkly paper for hours upon hours of sticking, scribbling and creating!  Best of all, each of the six art activities in the Tots Art Start from Alex require absolutely no glue!  No mess means a very happy Modest Momma!! Retailing for $16.95, please visit their website to find a store located near you. http://www.alextoys.com/store_locator

                                                   Ages 3 and up

     I’ve always loved and appreciated games that have various levels of play for children of all age and abilities.  Goodnight Moon My World ABC Game from Briarpatch, is destined to provide your family with hours of enjoyment as well as ample amounts of educational , cognitive and phonemic learning for the little ones. With five different games to play, this colorfully illustrated game based upon illustrations from the book, My World, a Companion to Goodnight Moon (the classic children's book originally published in 1949), encourages early-learning skills of letter recognition as well as memory skills.  The 26 alphabet pairs are interlocking, and they are easy enough for toddlers to grasp, fostering motor strength development.  Perfect for children ages 3 and up, the Goodnight Moon My World ABC Game can be played with one to four players.  Retailing for $20.99, the Goodnight Moon My World ABC Game can be purchased at Wal-Mart’s nationwide or online at http://www.amazon.com

Ages 4 and up

                    On a recent rainy Sunday afternoon, I invited my neighbor and her two little girls over for a princess themed tea and cupcake party. As the tea and hot chocolate brewed on my stove, two big girls and two little ones decided that our party just wouldn’t be complete unless our heads were adorned with some very princess-like tiaras. The Klutz Make Your Own Disney Princess Tiaras helped us to quickly create our very own individual yet regal crowns!  The tiaras have adjustable Velcro closures that provide for a custom fit and come in sparkling Belle Yellow, Cinderella Blue, and Ariel Pink. To decorate them, your little princess can choose from an array of sparkly jewels, shiny sequins, plush pom-poms, and stickers, including Disney Princess portrait cameos, glue, and punch-outs for easy to design bracelets, rings and magic wands. The glue that was included in the kit was not messy.  The Klutz Make Your Own Disney Princess Tiaras are just simply enchanting, and this kit will give any little girl that happily-ever-after feeling! Retailing for $16.95, the kit can be purchased in Barnes and Noble’s nationwide.  For further information, please visit the Klutz website at: http://www.klutz.com/

Sircuit Skin Cosmeceuticals Savior

     During my teenaged years, just like many young women, my skin was prone to breakouts at the drop of a hat.  While I have been lucky enough to say that throughout my late 20s to my mid-30s, my skin tone went through a remarkably calm, normal period.  However, as I inch towards the big 4 0, this peaceful period seems to be quickly disappearing, as the flare ups (most especially on my forehead and around the base of my nose) that so identified my teenaged years are starting to pay me yet another uninvited and unwelcome visit.  Needless to say, when I recently received a sample of Sircuit® Skin Cosmeceuticals Savior™ problem skin cleanser, I had just no idea what a ‘Savior’ it truly would be to my newly complex skin tone.

    Savior™ is a non-sulfate (containing no Sodium Laurel Sulfates) skin cleanser that is formulated to assist with exfoliating your skin while reducing the appearance of blemishes.  After using Savior™ twice a day during the morning and evening for a week, my skin feels refreshed, and this cleanser has really helped to soothe and calm the redness in my skin.  I have found that  Savior™ is ideal for women like me who deal with oily, acne/blemish prone skin. It cleanses your skin without stripping it of necessary moisture. The combination of ingredients which include the purifying properties of Organic Tea Tree Oil, as well as Organic Peppermint Oil and Organic Olive Leaf Oil when used along with the 2% Salicylic Acid purges away excess oil and decongests your clogged pores.   Quick word of advice─ if you are allergic to aspirin, or if you are pregnant, you may want to avoid using this cleanser.

     Retailing for $38.00, Sircuit® Skin Cosmeceuticals Savior™ can be purchased directly through their website at: http://www.sircuitskin.com/shop

5 Simple Jump Starts to Creativity

     Art provides little ones of all ages with a forum to express their feelings─ and a new way to develop their thinking skills.  These practical tips will enable you to nurture your child’s budding creativity, even when they’re still in toddler sizes!

1.        Stock up on age-appropriate materials─ Shop for nonhazardous glues, swatches of fabric (not too small, since they might end up in someone’s mouth!), construction paper, paints and crayons.  Just the right side for you budding Picasso’s hands, My First Crayola’s new line of crayons, markers and stampers are a perfect start for your little one’s budding creativity.  The crayons, markers and stampers are in the shape of adorable animal characters, and feature rounded holders that are easy for your little one to grip and create away!  Affordably priced at $4.99 for each set, you can check out these latest products from Crayola (http://www.) at Target, Michaels and Wal-Mart’s nationwide.

2.       Make it easy to access─ Store all your art goodies in bins and baskets that you and your little one can color-coordinate together.  Alex’s My Wall Easel™  (retailing for $65.95) not only provides convenient multi-colored storage cups to hold paint and supplies, it can easily turn any drab wall into a workspace area for your little one’s.  With no assembly required, the Alex My Wall Easel’s ™mounting system makes it very simple to install it on your wall in a matter of minutes.  Visit the Alex website to find a store near you http://www.alextoys.com/store_locator

3.       Give them space and good lighting─ Make sure your child’s arts and crafts area has adequate lighting for little eyes.

4.       Displays, display, display─ Kids will soon see that their work is important to you and to the family.  Don’t just relegate their creations to the fridge: consider keeping a special scrapbook devoted to each child’s designs, or use a spare wall for posting.  Purchase magnetic clipboards or large frames so that you can easily interchange creations.

5.       Remember the power of praise─ Children need encouragement, recognition and appreciation in all aspects of their life and art is no exception.  By praising their creative efforts, you’re encouraging them to express themselves and share their thoughts with others.

Peepsqueak!

     If you are on the lookout for a sweet story with delightful illustrations that will become a staple story in your house, consider Peepsqueak! (Harper Collins).  As soon as little Peepsqueak bursts out of his shell wearing a bright red shirt with his initials, P.S., he is determined to fly.  He refuses to let any of the other farm animals tell him what he can’t do.  Peepsqueak stays focused on his goal, despite falling several times.  He tries many ways to fly─ jumping off a big rock and standing on top of the other chicks heads (which made my students laugh).

      Peepsqueak!  captured the attention of my Pre-K students throughout the entire time that I read the story to them, and it’s first time author/illustrator Leslie Ann Clark’s simple message that served as both a classroom lesson to my students as well as a reminder to all of us (no matter how old we are) that no matter how small you may be (or feel), if you keep trying,  you will accomplish many things.  Although you may fall, if you continue to get right back up again, you will be that much closer to realizing your dreams.  Peepsqueak! Retails for $12.99 and is available at Barnes & Noble stores nationwide and online.  For more on the author/illustrator Leslie Ann Clark, please visit her website at: http://www.leslieskye.wordpress.com/

No-Spill® Bubble Tumbler® from Little Kids

    

     Bubbles…..I can’t imagine what my childhood would have been like if I didn’t have them to play with during the summer!  And, I passed on my love of bubbles to my son, who would laugh hysterically as he would blow them at our dog (who would try to eat them) when he was a toddler.  What I didn’t enjoy, though, as an adult, was the mess that trailed right behind them─wands that would constantly falls into the solution, causing spills on the floor as we tried to get it out of the bottom of the bottle. 

     So, when I received a sample of the No-Spill® Bubble Tumbler® from Little Kids (which includes a wand and 4 oz. of bubble liquid), I couldn’t wait to discover the difference between this product and all of the others that I have used over the years.   On a warm morning last week, I decided to try this product out with several Pre-K students at my school during their recess.  Quickly, I soon discovered why this product has received multiple awards from several parenting organizations and received the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio’s Gold Sea.  The children knocked it over and left it on its side for a short period of time while we were trying it out during our recess time last week, and my assistant and I noticed that there was no spillage. While it is important to note that you should properly tighten the lid on and store them upright, I found that the design is incredibly durable, and the non-toxic formula does not stain.

     The No-Spill® Bubble Tumbler® from Little Kids retails for $5.99 and is perfect for children from 18 months and up.  You can purchase the No-Spill® Bubble Tumbler® at Kmart, Target, BJ’s, and Toys-r-Us’ nationwide and online.  For further information, please visit the Little Kids website at: http://littlekidsinc.com/