20 Bloggers Making A Difference for shot@life

In case you were unaware, this week is World Immunization week, the perfect time to talk about the importance of global vaccinations.

Nicole of Sisters From Another Mister, together with shot@life and the United Nations Foundation are very happy to announce a link up to share our stories about motherhood.  

A Mothers day meme link up opening on May 8th and running until the 18th.

We invite you to join us on this journey. And just who are WE? And what is this quest?

With a mantra of, Every twenty seconds a child dies of a preventable disease. Only twenty dollars saves the life of a child. Twenty bloggers are making a difference!

It gives me great pleasure to introduce you to these amazing twenty bloggers. Each one looking to make a difference in the world.

Twenty bloggers were invited to be a part of this link up, I am ONE of them! And here we are.

In spite of their very busy lives, they have all pledged to make a difference. Not only donating to the fundraising for this campaign, but also donating their time and blogging resources. I hope that you find it in your heart to do the same!

Our words will raise awareness for global vaccinations and raise money for those who do not have the means to help themselves ... because every child deserves a shot@life!

On May 8th, the link up will be live on Sisters From Another Mister. Each photo on the grid will take you to the post on the blogger's own bloghome. Linkers and commenters will have a chance to win one of several giveaways.

Set aside some BIG chunks of time over those ten days - they are a fab group of writers. You will want to share them all!

Supported by shot@life and the UN Foundation

What can you do?

• Please write a post and come back between May 8th - 18th to link it up on the main page. Write it about being a Mom, having a Mom, knowing a Mom, what being a Mom means to you, about wanting to be a Mom. Write about your mom friends, or a mom who makes a difference. Write what is in your heart and think of this gift of life.
• Please make donations to both link and comment - all donations are tax deductible. Donating is explained on the shot@life donation page.
• Tell your friends, share and tweet, and read them all. Leave lots of comments, maybe win a prize and know that YOU are making a difference!

The donation page is up and running should you wish to contribute now, please visit here.

Team ImmUNITY Nicole Morgan - shot@life

SodaStream Review

SodaStream Review

Oh how I LOVE my carbonated goodies. 

My husband too.

Yes. I know. 'Soda is so bad for you.'

But it really doesn't all have to be!!

www.SodaStreamUSA.com

5 Reasons Why I Love Soda Stream:

*NO ASPARTAME - I don't have to tell you that stuff will kill ya, do I?  Yeah. BAD.

*Easy on the environment - LOVE that we don't have plastic bottles everywhere.

*Taste - It tastes BETTER than store bought regular soda without all the nasty additives

*Convenience - No easier way to make soda than in your own home!

*Affordable - Yes.  To BUY the product it's not cheap.  It's an investment.  Think about the 'big picture'.  You will SAVE money by buying the SodaStream & the sodas.

Earth Day 2013 with Washdrops

Earth Day 2013

Sponsored by Washdrops

I'm always one to buy American made products.  But recently since becoming a parent I've added 'good to the environment' to my list of must dos.

I wasn't ever someone who just tossed garbage out the window or anything insane like that.  But I was pretty lowsy at recycling when I should have. 

Not anymore.  We have a special recycling bin in our house and I can't tell you how rewarding it feels when my 5 year old says 'this is recycling, right mommy?'

Awesomeness.

Today is a day when you REALLY think about the EARTH.  Cause it's EARTH DAY!  lol

Another product out there I'd love to share with you - not only is it 'Made in USA' (that my dear friend Sarah from USA Love List shared with me) but it's great for the environment!

It's called Washdrops.  

What I love about washdrops is how it makes washing your car THAT MUCH EASIER!

 Here is the details straight from their website:

Washdrops is a NEW unique Wash and Shine Solution. Use only one bucket, no hose, no rinse! You can wash any average-sized vehicle anywhere with only one gallon of water and one fluid ounce of Washdrops powerful yet gentle proprietary scientific formula. Plus, Washdrops leaves a beautiful shine!

Washdrops helps comply with the US  Environment Protection Agency (EPA) Clean Water Act. It is biodegradable, solvent-free, butyl free, phosphate free, ammonia free. Washdrops is completely non-hazardous – you can even dispose of Washdrops on a lawn or flowerbed.

HELLO?  Does it get any better than that for Earth Day?

How about winning a fab prize with Washdrops!  Visit them on Facebook for more info.   

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Saving water is a biggie for us right now after seeing our last water bill!  I have to admit-there were some major toilet leaks going on that has sent our water bill over the edge!!  

I've done some research and would love to share with you some Tips to SAVE on your water bill!

5 WAYS TO SAVE ON YOUR WATER BILL

*Use your dishwasher!  Yes.  I always thought the dishwasher uses a TON of water-but that is not true.  It saves!  But be sure to only run it when it's totally full.

*Use your garbage disposal sparingly!  If you compost all your vegetable/food waste you can save $$ every month!

*Water your flowers or lawn in the morning or evening.  Yep.  That way it is cooler and less water evaporation!

*Upgrade die toilette!  New toilets = newer models = better mileage on the H2o!

*Collect run-off roof water.  By using this 'run off' water collected from storms and rain - you can seriously save on your OWN water bill!

*Shorten your showers.  I know. Sounds simple huh?  Well, if you shorten by a minute or two - you can save up to 150 gallons a MONTH!

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Real Mom Media, LLC is working with @ElementAssociates on this Earth Day Project. All opinions are our own.

Joovy Baby Boob Bottles

Joovy Baby Boob Bottles

Why yes!  I DID say boob.  And I might end up getting slaughtered with sickos coming to my site looking for REAL BOOBS.  But no... it's the genius name behind the baby bottles found with this amazing company called Joovy.

I've been a mega fan of Joovy since coming across the brand while searching for goods in my New Baby Gift Guide. (If you haven't seen their other products-must check out the guide!!)

This product is a very cool one.  The name is a fun marketing idea, I have to admit.  One very catchy part of Joovy is that all there products tie into the 'double O' like their title, Joovy.

There is the BOOB Baby Bottle PPSU & also BOOB Baby Bottle PP.  What's the difference you ask?  Well, I asked the same thing.  There really isn't much a difference other than PPSU is a transparent thermoplastic resin (plastic) commonly used in medical devices that require repeated sterilization.  In other words - it doesn't wear out as fast as 'regular' bottles.  They are more durable, impact resistant and temp resistant.  PPSU does not absorb odor or color making it the top of the line to other bottles on the market.  PPSU does not contain BPA, PVC, phthalates or lead.

PP is a transparent durable plastic that is cost effective and does not contain BPA, PVC, phthalates or lead. 

Get it?  

In other words... It's like my house.  My husband drives the fancy Lexus that we use on special occasions and I get the beat up SUV that has old french fries and dust bunnies that I use as our day to day car. 

Eh.  That still doesn't make sense.  hahaha.  But I'm sure you get what I'm saying.

I like these bottles personally for many reasons.  I love that there are just a FEW parts to it unlike some other bottles that has 25 parts to put into to that means you lose a part and you lose a bottle!!!  There is a small ring that goes around the bottle top, the lid, nipple, and you have it.  

I will honestly tell you that the insulated ones were more a hassle than not.  They would be great if your in the dead of winter and you need to keep the milk insulated.  But otherwise, I just took the insulator off and put it aside.  It makes it a bit bulky.

Now the 'cuteness' and 'convenient' factor are the big sellers to me.  Hudson is just drinking 5 ounces a sitting.  I don't want to have to drag around this big bulky bottle with me everywhere.  The small BOOB bottles hold approx. 5 oz.  PERFECT!

There are different nipples for different baby ages too. 

Buy the BOOB at Buy Buy Baby and also on the Joovy Website. 

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DISCLOSURE: Joovy hooked me up with some product to enjoy with my new bug.  These are my opinions-though!  

In 

Unplug on Earth Day with Wooden Games

With Earth Day fast approaching, we are all thinking about ways  to minimize our environmental impact. One way to reduce our waste is to opt for durable and eco-friendly plaything that don't require energy. This is also a great way to help raise a generation of environmentally-conscious individuals.

This Earth Day, Blue Orange Games is encouraging families to turn off the TV, power down devices, and bring everyone together to make their own electricity--FUN! Their collection of sustainably made wooden games has something for everyone.

Keekee the Rocking Monkey - New!

Ages 3+ 

Keekee the Monkey is ready for his big act: juggling balls while balancing on a giant banana! How many balls can Keekee juggle? Players choose the right ball and place it in the right place on this friendly little monkey. Place the last ball on Keekee without any falling to win! The look on kids’ faces as Keekee sways to and fro is priceless. This all wooden game develops dexterity and teaches the principles of weight and balance.

Gobblet - Dr. Toy Best Green Product

Ages 7+

Gobble up, line up, and win! As easy as Tic-Tac-Toe, Gobblet can be learned in a few seconds and is fun to play again and again. Elegantly designed and sustainably made, Gobblet self-stores all the playing pieces and looks attractive on display. With irresistible, fast-moving play and astonishingly simple rules, Gobblet is a fun strategy game for the whole family. Over 1 million sold and a Blue Orange classic!

Fastrack - Dr. Toy Best Green Product!

Ages 5+ 

Fastrack is a high speed disc-flinging game powered by your finger! Use the elastic band to fire all of the discs through the tiny slot to the other side of the track. It's easier said than done! Aim carefully but don't delay or you’ll be bombarded by your opponent’s zooming discs. Ride the fine line between fast speed and accuracy to win! This all wooden tabletop game is sustainably made.

Zimbbos - New Design!

Ages 3+ 

An all wooden stacking game that teaches colors and counting, Zimbbos is the perfect first game for little ones. Players take turns rolling the die to find out how many elephants to stack on to the pyramid, following numerical order. Roll a star to add a balancing bar or circus character. The player to place the 10th elephant on the pyramid without it tumbling down wins! Children develop dexterity and balance awareness while exploring their creativity with Zimbbos.