review » Dawniemom Reviews

Do you know a Precious Girl?

Sep 142008

One of the many responsibilities of being the mother of a little girl is trying to make sure that she grows up in a safe, loving and moral environment. But with the influence of so much *stuff* that gets thrown at kids today, it’s not easy. It’s the main reason why we do not have cable so my daughter isn’t inundated with ads and commercials for things that are not age-appropriate for her.

In fact, a study conducted by MomTalkRadio.com showed that 78% of moms feel that the majority of dolls, games, shows and websites targeted at little girls are too sexy or inappropriate for their daughters

Age-appropriateness is big with me. HUGE. I refuse to let my 5 yr old wear makeup or “sassy” clothes – regardless of what her friends are doing. And believe me, they’re doing it. But it’s hard to stay on top of these things.

That’s why, when I was asked to review something new from the people who bring us Precious Moments, I jumped on it.

Introducing The Precious Girls Club!

“A special world of joy and goodness created just for precious little girls!”

Precious Girls Club is an online world where girls can go and play and learn in a safe environment, while encouraging the virtues that Precious Moments has always encouraged: helpfulness, kindness, responsibility, loving and caring. It is based on an all new book series for girls.

Their online world looks like it’s going to be a lot of fun. AND! They’ve made it so parents can go in through the parent side and communicate with their daughter, as well as monitor how they’re doing in terms of the games and activities on the site. Girls can have their own houses and decorate them as they want, as well as play games,

They’ll also have all kinds of merchandise available to share with your daughter. Personally, I can’t wait for the charms & charm bracelet! They’ll also have storybooks, music cds, figurines, water globes and plush toys. There are also all sorts of fun printable coloring pages, games and crafts for you to download for free. I can’t wait for it to officially “open”.

You can sign your daughter up now, and be notified when it opens in a few days.

Precious Girls Club is more than a club – it’s a way of thinking, acting and living.

Do you have a Precious Girl in your life? I have 4 Precious Girls Club story books to give away! A Little Bit of Faith is the first book in this new series that celebrates the special gifts that make each girl precious.

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If it sayyyyysssss

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Sep 062008

Libby’s Libby’s Libby’s
on the label label label
you will like it like it like it
on your table table table.

We’ve always had that jingle in the background whenever dinner rolls around. Libby’s vegetables were always a staple at our house growing up. My brother & I used to sing the song whenever we saw the can. After I had Libby, it became HER song.

As a mom, though, more than a song is important to me when I’m feeding my family. That’s probably the best part about canned vegetables. When you rely on a brand like Libby’s, you KNOW what to expect – you KNOW they’ll be fresh, you KNOW it’s quality. I’ve never had a problem feeding my family canned vegetables, simply because I know that they’ll taste great and be good for them.

Thanks to Mom Central, though, now I know about Libby’s "Get Back to the Table" month. This I hadn’t heard about. With the kids back to school, and all the associated activities that comes with it, Libby’s wants to encourage us to get back to the table together for our meals. In our house, we eat every dinner together. The only exception is when Jimmy has to work late, and even then, I’ll hold it off until the kids get annoying. We eat together every single night. We catch up on the day, share with Jimmy what the kids have done that day. Anthony will tell his dad what he’s learned that day – and now with Libby starting schooling, she does the same thing. It’s just a great way to wind down together after the day.

According to Libby’s site, too, when families eat their meals together, your kids benefit SO much! Studies show that kids who eat dinner with their families five or more times a week are more likely to have higher grades in school. They also find that kids who eat with their families have an easier time saying no to drugs. It also encourages them to eat BETTER. What’s better than healthier, smarter, more confident kids!?

In our house, canned vegetables are a big part of our meals. I use them as a side dish, of course, but also in the main meals themselves. I routinely will throw veggies into their mac & cheese for lunch. We found out, accidentally, that when you combine a can of nice, fresh corn with a can of diced tomatoes and refridgerate it – OMG good! Libby’s has TONS of recipes on their site to help you make healthy, YUMMY meals for your family. In fact, I’m making one of them tonight!

Go check out Libby’s site – get your family back to the table – and enjoy the numerous benefits! (Oh yeah, and coupons too!)

libby’s, get back to the table, product reviews, mom central

Daniel-X is my new hero.

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Aug 282008

I LOVE James Patterson. Ever since my sister got me turned onto his writing, I’ve been ravenous to read anything new that comes out. While I was pregnant with Zachary, I went back and read every single Cross series book. I’ve read all of the Women’s Murder Club series. I’ve read most of the books he’s written that aren’t in those 2 series. I LOVE his writing. I love reading in general, though.

My son Anthony, though – he’s a different story. He’s always looked at reading as a necessary and unpleasant CHORE. The only thing I’ve ever gotten him to read that he enjoyed was the Treehouse series of books, and to be honest, those were quite a few levels below what should be his level of reading. But nothing ever engaged him enough to want to read.

Until The Dangerous Days of Daniel-X.

Daniel-X is James Patterson’s newest brainchild. Geared towards "young adults" as well as their parents, it held my NON-reader’s attention from page 1 till the end of the book – which he got to within DAYS!

The story and James Patterson’s writing style (short chapters, lots of description) kept him engaged virtually every waking hour. He kept coming to me to tell me the latest that he’d read and his ideas about what might happen next. He hadn’t even finished the book and was asking me about the next one.

I think that any book that can engage a kid’s imagination like that – and inspire him to then make up more stories when he goes outside to play with friends – inventing different scenarios, etc. is worth its weight in gold.

When that SAME book can also entertain the parent? PRICELESS!

Special thanks to MomCentral and MotherTalk for the opportunity to review this book!

Is it time for a tune-up?

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Aug 232008

In my part of the world, it’s cool – in fact, the low for tomorrow night is the LOW 40’s. But in other parts of the world, it’s still Hot. Hot. Hot. When it’s hot like that, I spend as much time as I can in the water – be it pool, lake or ocean.

The problem is, it all takes a toll on my hair. My hair gets dried out and yucky looking. If I’ve dyed it, the silver streak in my hair has turned a nasty orange from all the stress. It’s not pretty. Suave knows that. Suave cares. (Boy, do I sound like a commercial, or what?!)

Suave & MomCentral have asked us bloggers to help you with your summer hair. They’ve provided these tips to help you end the summer on a high note, at least as far as your hair is concerned. And as moms, we need all the help we can get sometimes!

Help Your Hair Survive the Summer in Style with Tips & Tricks from Suave® Celebrity Hairstylist Luke O’Connor

Shine Through Summer

Chlorine from the pool can quickly turn hair dry and dull. Look for hair products specially-designed to infuse shine. Also, blow dry hair from roots to ends, making sure you do not ruffle your hair. By doing this, you’ll keep the cuticle of your hair lying flat, thus reflect more light, and producing more shine.

How to get the Shine: Suave Vibrant Shine Shampoo and Conditioner is formulated with silk amino acids to restore shine and luster to dull hair for bright, shimmering strands.