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Thursday, December 2, 2010

Store Brand vs. Name Brand Formula

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of PBM Products. All opinions are 100% mine.

When it comes to giving our babies what's best for them, us moms do everything we can.  And most moms know that breastfeeding is best, the American Academy of Pediatrics recognizes it as the gold standard in infant nutrition.  But if you're unable to breastfeed or choose not to, you need to consider what brand of formula works for your baby.

According to the Food and Drug Administration [FDA], all formula marketed in the U.S. must meet the same nutrient specifications, which are set at levels to fulfill the needs of infants.  So store brand formula  is the nutritional equivalent to name brand, just labeled with the "store brand" names of retailers such as Walmart, Sam's Club, Target, CVS, Kroger, Walgreens, and Babies "R" Us.  Ultimately there is no better formula, only more expensive.

So what makes store brand formula less expensive than name brand?  Store brand formulas cost less because they are not heavily marketed or advertised and are not given away to hospitals for free.  The cost savings is therefore passed along to you, the consumer and new parent, with potential savings up to $600 per year per baby.

Store brand formula is becoming a better option, not only during these difficult economic times, but also when consumer confidence in brands may be vulnerable.   Back in September, Abbott voluntarily recalled certain Similac powder infant formulas because of the possibility of the presence of a small common beetle in the product last month.

The FDA determined the formula poses no immediate health risk, but some infants could experience symptoms of gastrointestinal discomfort and refusal to eat as a result of  irritated GI tracts.  If these symptoms persist for more than a few days, a physician should be consulted. 

To immediately find out if the Similac product in your possession is affected call (888) 376-2054 or visit the recall lookup page on their website and the return process will be explained.

If you're interested in trying store brand formulas you can view the whole list of store brand retailers here and before you head out to the store, get your store brand formula coupon.

Visit Sponsor's Site

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Oxylent- a New Prenatal MultiVitamin Drink {Review & Giveaway} Ends 12/15 Plus 15% Discount Code!!

I remember when I was a pregnant with each of my girls, trying to do all the right things- eating healthy, exercising, and trying to take my daily prenatal vitamin.  I honestly dreaded taking that pill- it was so big, like a 'horse' pill... so difficult to swallow.  I really wish I would've had something a lot simpler and easier to take, and something that tasted good.
Prenatal Oxylent is a daily multivitamin drink that's easy to digest and tastes great.  It's also the official prenatal multivitamin of the American Pregnancy Association.  Prenatal Oxylent nourishes by offering key nutrients to support your body throughout your pregnancy.  It supports by providing vitamins C and D for immune and bone health.  And it balances with Magnesium, which enhances cellular balance, and also with vitamin B6 which assists in reducing nausea associated with pregnancy.
  • Formulated by leading health professionals
  • Great tasting with no sugar
  • Easily digested and absorbed
  • Superior quality including Albion Minerals
  • Third-party tested for purity and potency
Prenatal Oxylent provides fast absorption through effervescent technology, allowing for nearly 100% immediate absorption.  In recent articles in Nutrition Business Journal, effervescence is forecasted as the future delivery system of choice.  According to the Physicians’ Desk Reference 2000, only 10–20% of supplements in pill form are absorbed by your body.

I was sent a sample packet of Prenatal Oxylent to try but since I'm not currently pregnant, and I'm not nursing anymore, I gave it to one of my sisters to try instead.  She's currently nursing her baby and still uses a traditional prenatal pill but has a hard time remembering to take it and says it's hard to get down.  She said she really liked the drink- that it was simple to take and tasted great.  After she tried it she actually asked me if I had any more drink packets she could have!

I'd say, and my sister agrees, that the only downside would be that the cost is more than what prenatal pills cost.  But if you consider the fact that your body isn't absorbing everything it should from the pills anyway, it makes the cost totally worth it... and the fact that you don't have to swallow a huge pill anymore is priceless!
Vitalah the company that makes Prenatal Oxylent, also has Original Oxylent- a multivitamin drink for adults and Children's Oxylent- a multivitamin drink to support your growing child's development.  You can buy Oxylent online, use code SUSIEOXYLENT for a 15% Off Discount (good thru Feb. 28, 2011), or go here to find a retailer near you.
WIN IT:  1 lucky reader is going win a 30 day supply of Prenatal Oxylent to try for themselves!!

Do any or all of the following to be entered to win (leave a separate comment on this post for each one you do):

•  Visit Vitalah and tell me one thing you learned from their site
•  Follow Oxylent on Twitter
•  Like Oxylent on Facebook
•  Follow my blog publicly via GFC
•  Subscribe to my blog via Email
•  Follow me on Twitter
•  Like me on Facebook
•  Enter any of my other giveaways +1 for each
•  Vote for my daughter in the Fancy Nancy Photo Contest +2 entries, can be done daily
•  Post about this giveaway (Facebook, Cafemom, Blog, etc.) +5 entries, leave 5 separate comments
•  Tweet about this giveaway (may be done daily, leave link)

Pregnant or Nursing? #Win a 30 day supply of NEW Prenatal Oxylent MultiVitamin Drink @susiebhomemaker http://bit.ly/hriceq #Giveaway

U.S. ONLY

This contest ends on 12/15/10 at 11:59 pm EST. Open to U.S. residents only.  The winner will be drawn via random.org and has 48 hours to respond to winning notification email before another winner is drawn. Please make sure your email is visible on your profile or leave with your comment(s).

Disclosure:  I was given a product in exchange for my review, no other form of compensation was received.  The opinions and thoughts I’ve shared with these products are 100% my own and yours may differ

Monday, November 29, 2010

Awesome Cyber Monday Deals!

Well Black Friday was the biggest shopping day of the year, but today (Cyber Monday) is the biggest online shopping day of the year!  Check out some of these spectacular deals:



BabyLegs Leg Warmers

BabyLegs is offering 2 awesome online deals- using code CYBER8 you can get certain 3 pairs of Leg Warmers for only $10 (hurry, these won't last long)!!  And using the same code, you'll also get 25% Off your entire order (won't apply to the 3 for $10 deal, but to everything else in your cart).  The code cyber8 also works at the following online stores for 25% off:

www.BabyFrenzy.com
www.ChicoBag.com
www.EarthMamaAngelBaby.com
www.GoGagaLife.com
www.HappyHeinyStore.com
www.KateQuinnOrganics.com
www.MobyWrap.com

Check out these other cyber deals:
Bath & Body Works is offering 25% off your order with code CYBER25!
Famous Footwear has an extra 20% discount with code CYBER20, on top of their Buy one, Get one 1/2 off + FREE standard shipping!!

Will you be shopping online today?

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Shopping for Car Insurance

We all know we need it for those just-in-case moments, you definitely don’t want to be caught in a situation without car insurance or without the proper coverage, but are you sure you're not paying too much for it?

I hate overpaying for anything, so I always shop around for car insurance when my current policy is about to be up.  It can sometimes seem easier and less of a hassle just to continue to stay with the company you already have.  But in some cases that may not be the best bang for your buck.  Your car insurance company could literally be driving away with your money.  But who really has the time to call each individual car insurance company to a get a quote?  I know as a busy mom of 3 kids I don’t!
Well when you visit Auto Insurance Select you can get quotes from up to six top auto insurance companies including Allstate, Progressive, Nationwide, and MetLife.  It's all in one place online... and it's Free.  It's simple and easy, just enter the state where you live and get quotes quickly, all at your fingertips.  You can compare the rates and determine what’s best for you, saving you time and money and giving you peace of mind knowing you’re completely covered when you’re on the road.

They also have informative articles on how to compare auto insurance companies, tips on lowering your rate, factors that may be affecting your rate, and top frequently asked questions to help you get all the answers you need before selecting something as important as your car insurance.

Some of the ways to lower your rates from their website are:

1. Collect As Many Car Insurance Quotes As Possible

Like anything else, it pays to shop around a bit for car insurance. By collecting as many quotes as possible, you can make a more educated decision - and you can end up saving, big time. The Internet makes collecting a large number of quotes easy.

2. Ask For Higher Deductibles

The higher your deductible is for things like collision coverage, the less you will pay for your auto insurance premium. Raising your deductible from $200 to $500 - or even $1,000 - can save you 15% to more than 40%. Make sure you have the cash to pay that deductible if the need arises.

3. Research Insurance Rates Before You Buy A Car

Check how much that new car will cost you for auto insurance. Get car insurance quotes to find out if it will be affordable. Remember that a new car brings costs beyond its sticker price along with it; plan accordingly.

4. Bundle Up Your Plans

Find out if the insurance company who provides your homeowners or renters insurance also offers car insurance. Many times, bundling up on insurance policies can save you a lot of money. Ask your current insurer for car insurances quotes to see if any sort of discount applies.

5. Lower The Coverage On Older Cars

If your car is getting up there in years, it's not financially reasonable to keep paying for full coverage on it. Ask for car insurance quotes for a pared down policy that will still keep your car legal - but that won't cause you to pay for unreasonable levels of coverage.

6. Ask For A Low Mileage Discount

Are you one of those people who tends to stick close to home most of the time? Do you work close to home - or at home? Chances are, you'll qualify for a low mileage discount. Before requesting car insurance quotes, let the agencies know that you're a low mileage driver.

7. Your Credit Score May Affect Your Car Insurance Quotes

Many auto insurance providers take a driver's credit rating into consideration when coming up with car insurance premiums. If your credit is so-so - or poor - work on improving it. Once it's improved, ask for a new quote and see how much you can save.

8. Find Out About Group Discounts

Do you belong to any clubs, organizations or associations? If so, you might qualify for a group discount on your auto insurance. Be sure to run all of the clubs you belong to by your insurance agent before asking for car insurance quotes - it could save you money, big time.

9. Pay Your Premium In Full

Sometimes, car insurance companies charge additional fees for customers who pay their premiums on installment plans. If possible, try to pay your insurance premium in full to avoid those fees. Be sure to ask about the cost of those fees when getting car insurance quotes.

10. Keep A Clean Driving Record

It should go without saying, but try to avoid getting tickets whenever possible. A clean driving records goes a long way toward saving money on auto insurance. Be careful about who you lend your car too, also - if they have an accident in your vehicle, that claim can affect your car insurance rates in the future.

11. Invest In Anti-Theft Devices

Whether you live in a high crime area or not, it never hurts to have anti-theft devices installed on your vehicle. By telling your agent about those devices, you can enjoy a significant savings on your car insurance quotes. The amount you'll save will more than pay for that initial investment.

12. Take A Driver's Education Course

Driver's education courses aren't just for sixteen year olds. In fact, taking a refresher course every now and then - and providing your insurance company with documented proof that you took it - can save you a bundle on car insurance. Driver's safety courses are also excellent options. This training saves you money and helps you be a safer driver, too.



Disclosure:  This was a sponsored post brought to you by Auto Insurance Select.  All opinions are 100% my own.

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Giving Thanks... for Sweet Potato Casserole

Before the craziness of the day begins, I wanted to write a quick Thanksgiving post and share my Sweet Potato Casserole recipe.

I am so blessed and thankful for my loving family, they are my world!  As much frustration as they can make me feel at times, they also give me unconditional love and bring a smile to my face every single day.

I'm truly thankful for my health right now.  I hope I have many more years of healthy living to enjoy my precious family.

I'm also thankful for the roof over our heads, the ability to pay our bills, and the food on our table... so without further ado, here's the recipe for my Sweet Potato Casserole!

9 x 11 in. pan, 350° for 30- 45 min.
Bottom
5 sm. cans of sweet potatoes (or 2 lg.)
3 tsp vanilla
4 well mixed eggs
1/2- 1 c. sugar (as needed, sweeten to taste)
1- 2 sticks butter, melted (I use 1 1/2 sticks margarine)
~mix until all liquids mixed to potatoes
~spread evenly
Top
2 c. brown sugar (dark)
1 c. flour (as needed until thick)
2 c. chopped nuts (optional)
1- 2 sticks butter, melted (I use 1 1/2 sticks margarine)
~mix until sticky or flaky
~spread/sprinkle over potatoes
~don't cover while baking
~bake until top is brown and crisp
Mmm, delicious!!

What are some of the dishes on your table this Thanksgiving?