Fleur de Light Candles are making a difference in the lives of those struggling with hunger. Through the sales of their See the Light, Feed the Hungry Candles, in cooperation with the Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadania, they have been able to feed over 19,000 people since August 2011!

I first took notice of the See the Light, Feed the Hungry Candles while working on a blogging project for Second Harvest’s Hunger Action Month last September. I can honestly say that prior to that project, I was not aware how widespread and devastating the problem of hunger is across South Louisiana. The founder of Fleur de Light Candles, Sondra Berger, recalled her parent’s depression era stories of battling food shortages and knew that she wanted to make a difference. It was a quote by Mother Theresa that says, “If you can’t feed one hundred people, feed just one,” that inspired her.

The Times-Picayune, New Orleans’ newspaper, began compiling recipes soon after the storm and eventually this cookbook came to be. I am recommending this cookbook because the 250 recipes are delicious and because each recipe tells a story. It is hard to describe how New Orleans cuisine is so intertwined in the city’s culture. No matter the occasion, there is food and not just any food, really good food. Food with flavor, spice, and stories!

 Cooking Up a Storm includes the very best of classic and contemporary New Orleans cuisine, from seafood and meat to desserts and cocktails. But it also tells the story, recipe by recipe, of one of the great food cities in the world, and the determination of its citizens to preserve and safeguard their culinary legacy.

“Driven by creative innovation and through playful virtual reality, TrashCanKidz will bring about change in the lives of millions of orphaned, vulnerable and street children world-wide.” via TrashCanKidz.com

When you adopt a TrashCanKidz you will also get access to their online virtual reality game which takes place in The Forgotten World. Your character will help make the world a better place all while while helping real children living on the streets.

The unique thing about TrashCanKidz is the only way to purchase one is by having an ambassador code. When you purchase your own TrashCanKidz you will be given an ambassador code to share with your friends. When 15 people purchase a TrashCanKidz using your ambassador code your child will be able to select another TrashCanKidz for free!

I wouldn’t give you this information about this eye-opening product without sharing my code!
So here is is:

324329918

My son selected Slam, an 8 year old, who is cool, mischievous, and boastful! He likes skate boarding, stunts, and practical jokes.

When your TrashCanKidz arrives it comes in a carrying bag shaped like a trash can. Slam also came with a hat.

Slam in his carrying case!

My son learning more about how TrashCanKidz are helping kids around the world.

Playing the online game in the Forgotten World! Just to note: We did have a few issues with the online game freezing but we have been having issues with our WiFi so I’m not sure if it is the online program or our WiFi. Just wanted to give you a head’s up.

You can learn more about Slam and the other TrashCanKidz on the Web here:

Disclosure: I received a TrashCanKidz in order to facilitate this review through Mom Select. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.  

• Moisture-wicking sports bra helps keep you cool & dry
• Convenient key pocket so you can take your workouts anywhere!
• Reflective logo at the back
• Breathable mesh panels
• Soft bottom band for comfortable support
  

Over the years, my family has tried almost every brand of laundry detergent possible. We have learned that my husband, son, and I are each allergic to a different brand. Now, thanks to Purex’s new Triple Action formula laundry detergent, which comes in a free and clear version, I can use the same Purex laundry detergent for every member of our family. I also use it to wash my 8 month old son’s clothes. Being able to use the same detergent for everyone is a great space saver in the laundry room.

Then I was faced with another dilemma. I am glad to use the free & clear version that doesn’t have any dyes or perfumes to prevent anyone from having a skin reaction to the perfume or dye, but I like  clothes fresh out of the wash to have a nice, clean smell. Then I came up with the perfect solution. On my husband and I’s clothes I use Purex Crystals Fabric Softener. Not only does it soften our clothes, it also leaves them smelling fresh and clean without being overwhelming. My favorite scent is lavender blossom. (It’s the one in the purple bottle).

FyrFlyz Light Up Toys are a great way to entertain  kids at a nighttime party.
My son and his friends played with them on New Year’s Eve!

Disclosure: I received FyrFlyz Light Up Toys as part of the Claritin Mom Crew. As always, all opinions are 100% my own! 

It’s a great time to be a football fan in Louisiana. LSU is about to play for another National Championship and tonight, the New Orleans Saints defeated the Dirty Birds, Atlanta Falcons for the second time this season! It was great seeing the team win but even more special than beating our rival on Monday Night Football was watching Saint’s quarterback Drew Brees surpass Dan Marino’s record to become the NFL’s All-Time Single Season Passing Leader with over 5,000 yards thrown. What Dan Marino accomplished in 16 games, Drew Brees did in only 15! That means, if he plays in game 16 vs. the Panthers, everything he throws for will be lagniappe in regards to the record! Congrats to the NFC South Division Champs and to #9 Drew Brees for earning a well-deserved place in history!

Because I was extremely anxious as the yards needed for Brees to reach the record were being counted down, 80, 30, 18, 7….. RECORD! I started searching for cute Saints items online and came up with a few of my faves!

If you haven’t already read Drew Brees’ book then read it! It’s funny, sad, and shows his leadership and determination. The story about how he met his wife, makes for a perfect romantic comedy! It’s not ALL about football.

The Fox Sports Robot is one of my favorite gift ideas for any little boy or big boy for that matter.
My son got it last year for Christmas and it is still one of his favorite toys.
He even does the dance with him where you run in place to the left, then to the right, and then jump in the center!
(I know…. I watch WAY to much football)

When I was pregnant, I carried my Tervis Tumbler everywhere and even though the Pillow Pet song really, really annoys me they are really cute and cuddly!

All of these items can be found on Amazon.com!

It’s a win-win situation for mom and tween! They get products designed for them that they will WANT TO use and mom gets to hear a great report from the dentist at their next check-up! Let’s just say that the dentist is not my favorite place! I rank it right up there with being a contestant on Fear Factor. So in order to avoid anything more than a standard cleaning and check-up I choose to brush, floss as much as recommended and try to get my son to do the same. Not only am I protecting our smiles but I’m protecting the family’s pocket book because dental treatment can be costly and painful!

Included in the new Crest annd Oral-B Pro-Health FOR ME line is the Oral-B Pro-Health FOR ME CrossAction Toothbrush which is designed to clean in between those sensitive gaps that kids age 8 to 12 have. The handle is even designed for a hand their size! It’s got a comfort grip handle and comes in great colors like a bright blue, lime green, and a bright pink! To go with their toothbrush is the Crest Pro-health FOR ME Fluoride Anticavity Toothpaste in a minty flavor. It comes in with a unique art design on the tube that was chosen  by tweens.  The Crest Pro-Health FOR ME Anticavity Fluoride Rinse comes in kid-approved breezy mint and breezy berry bubblegum flavors. This step helps reach areas where your child may have missed and freshens breath without the burn of alcohol. It comes with a measuring cup for easy dispensing. Finally, my favorite product, the Oral-B Pro Health FOR ME Floss Picks in lime green! They are really easy to use and prevent the long string of floss still hanging around in the sink! That’s a mom pet-peeve of mine!

If your child is not yet eight, Oral-B has a line of products called Oral-B Stages that fit your child’s stage of development. Oral-B Stages is dentists’ #1 recommended toothbrush brand for a reason. In a study of over 800 children it was found that 69% of parents reported that compared to other brushes used, their child was motivated to brush longer with the Stages brush! Oral-B has 3 different stages. Stage 1 is from children 4-24 months old, Stage 2 is for 2-4 years old, and stage 3 is from 5-7 years old. Go to the Oral-B Stages pageto learn more about which products are appropriate for your child’s stage.

I love sharing great products with fellow moms and and thanks to Crest and Oral-B sponsoring a Mommy Party, I had the opportunityto share Crest and Oral-B ProHealth FOR ME with fellow moms and their kids! We had around 14 kids that were able to take home their own Crest and Oral-B Pro-Health FOR ME line of products. The little ones received an Oral-B Stages product. At first I thought that kids, especially older kids around 9-12 years old, would be like, “Oh, its just a toothbrush. Bummer.” But they were really excited about getting “Cool” “Awesome” Toothbrushes!  Those are their words, not mine! We also watched the new movie just out on DVD, Cars 2! It was a great time and Moms and tweens were excited about their new dental care products! I have heard back from a few moms and they are never going back to traditional floss… ever! Their kids all really liked their new toothbrushes and they do think that the fact that having a toothbrush that your child likes the design of motivates them to brush and to brush longer!

 

On the Crest Pro-Health page your child can play the online game Yuck Mouth and learn more about why dental hygiene is so important! Look to the Oral-B Stages Parent Guide for great information about dental health and tips for setting up a dental routine!

Disclosure: I received Crest and Oral-B products through a campaign sponsored by MomSelect. As always, all opinions are 100% my own. 

 The LSU Tigers are the #1 college football team in the country and will take on #2 Alabama  in Louisiana Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 9, 2012! Some people just don’t get it! We beat Bama once and now we have to show-off and do it again!

Poor Mike the Tiger was hoping for fresh tiger bait, not the same ole’ SEC kind! O’well!
Sorry to Oklahoma State! (Yes, you were robbed)

Anyway….. Even if you don’t have over $1500 to spend on a single ticket,
(and that is for the nosebleed section)
you can still show your team pride with these great LSU themed gifts.

These are great gift ideas for LSU Fans on your list, even the little ones!
(Because it’s never to early to introduce them to purple &  gold)

You can find all of these great items and more at Amazon.com.

Scroll until you find the product you are looking for and it will take you right to it.

Better yet, are you traveling with little ones this holiday season?

Make their journey as comfortable as possible with a Noodle Head Travel Buddy!
They are designed for kids 18 months and older and
are used to support their head and neck anywhere you go.

On a train, plane, or in a car, your little one will rest comfortably with their travel buddy!
They are really cute, soft, cuddly and come in many different animals to choose from such as
an alligator, pig, dog, and lion, just to name a few!

We have the Blue Dog travel buddy and I can’t wait until my youngest son
is old enough to ride in the car with him!

My little guy and his blue dog!

You can order your child their own Noodle Head Travel Buddy
and have it in time for Christmas!

It would make a perfect stocking stuffer!
I am gifting them to family members traveling to see us and
they can travel home with their travel buddies!