Feeding Journals

You can keep track of when, how long and how much your baby nurses or bottle feeds. For Breastfeeding, you’ll remember whether to start on the left or right breast on the next feeding (something I always had trouble with) because the Similcac Baby Journal app saves where you stopped on your last feeding. You enter when you start and stop on each side. For Bottle Feeding, you drag the line down on the “bottle” to save the amount of formula your baby drinks.

Sleeping Journal

Just click on when your baby naps or sleeps at night and wakes up. Easy peasy.

Diaper Change Journal

Not only can you record the number of diaper changes, if it was urine only, or both urine and bowel movement, the color and consistency bowel movements, if the diaper leaked and add notes. Not fun stuff, but as a mom, especially a new one, all of this is very important. It seems that your life revolves around it.

Growth Journal

Record weight, length and head circumference.

Trends

This is where it all comes together – the Trends section. You’ll be able to see the whole snapshot of what’s been going on with your baby’s eating, sleeping and diaper changing habits. It can even predict trends from a small amount of data. And you’ll be able to see your baby’s growth pattern. You’ll have the answers for your pediatrician when you’re asked how much your baby is eating or how many diapers he or she has gone through. It’s all right there for you.

Advice

The Similac app provides advice right at your fingertips! Have a question about how long your baby should sleep, how to know if your baby is hungry, just use the Tips and Advice section. You can call their Feeding Expert live 24/7 for immediate questions for free.

I remember writing all of this stuff down when my daughters were babies, well trying to. As much as I tried, I’d forget or be too tired and think I’ll do it in the morning. Since all you need to do is just touch your iPhone to save your information, this makes it much easier. And most of us are connected to our iPhones anyway.

I was compensated by Collective Bias – a Similac partner – for my time to review the Similac Baby Journal App. All opinions are my own.

Sellers – As a consignor, you make 65% of your sales. You price your own items, so you know exactly what they are selling for.  Just register for a consignor number, make your tags, tag your items and then drop them off for inspection on Tuesday, March 1st, between 1pm and 7pm or Wednesday, March 2nd between 8am and 10:30am.

Shoppers – Shopping starts on March 3rd at 9 AM at the Tampa Bay Baptist Conference Center. Be there early for first dibs on the varied items that you need and want!

Pre-Sale Information – You can shop for free at the pre-sale event on March 2nd from 4 – 6 PM,  if are pregnant with your first child, have had your first child in the past 12 months, have adopted your first child in the past 12 months, are a foster parent, have not attended a First-time mom pre-sale at any previous JBF Tampa events, are the member of a military family.

Volunteers – Have your consignment fee waived and earn more money on your sales when you volunteer. Instead of 65%, you’ll earn 70%, plus you’ll get to shop before anyone else, even before the Pre-Sale event:

• 12-hour Volunteers – volunteer 3 or more shifts – Shop at 12:00pm on Wednesday, March 2nd
• 8-hour Volunteers – volunteer 2 or more shifts- Shop at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, March 2nd
• 4-hour Volunteers – volunteer 1 or more shifts -Shop at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, March 2nd, 2011.
• NOTE: Most volunteer shifts are divided into four hour time slots.  If you are wanting to get a longer pre-sale pass, you do not need to work all qualifying hours on the same day and they do not have to be worked by the same person, ask a responsible teenagers, husband, grandmother, etc.

My Review – I have been both a seller and buyer at JFB North Tampa for the past 2 years. There items for sale are good quality since they are inspected before they hit the sales floor. Many items are brand new. The prices are fantastic! As a seller, I’ve made good money each time. I do volunteer and it is a fun atmosphere. If you’re there for 4 hours, you’ll get some food and of course a break. Expect to meet friendly people and watch the time fly by. Don’t forget to like the Just Between Friends of North Tampa Facebook page to keep up on the latest news and find out about giveaways from blogs.

Consignment Sale Dates and Times
Thursday, March 3 – 9am to 7pm ($2 Admission or Free with a donation to the Pajama Program – brand new pajamas or a book)
Friday, March 4th – 9am to 5pm (Free Admission)
Saturday, March 5th – 8am to 2pm (Free Admission and Half Price Sale)

Location of Just Between Friends
Tampa Bay Baptist Conference Center
15601 Lake Magdalene Boulevard
Tampa, Florida  33613

Time is of the essence. Register to sell, to volunteer and to attend the Pre-Sale consignment sale at Just Between Friends of North Tampa today.

Location Based

On TradingCradles.com, you can buy and sell based on your location. Broken down into large cities in the United States, look for the closest area to where you live. This makes Trading Cradles different from other online market places.

Security

Safety is important on Trading Cradles. Although you provide your email when selling something, a security generated email is given to potential buyers. All ads are manually approved by Trading Cradles’ parental team. They do ask if you find something suspicious, to flag the item. It is suggested that you don’t transfer funds, instead meet in person in a public location to see the item and exchange funds then.

You can also find a product recall list to compare items for sale against. When purchasing something, do your homework! Use that list to be sure the item is safe for your baby.

Save Time

Ads are only 250 words long. This allows for the most important details to be featured. For buyers, you can easily look through the ads and if something catches your eye, contact the seller for more information. For example, if you are looking for used strollers, go to your location, then click on the category strollers. You can then look for brands or features that are important to you. The price is listed right under the photo. How easy can that be! Under each listing is buttons for Facebook, Twitter, email to a friend, print and link to ad. You can also contact the seller directly from the ad. You can also hide ads without photos or images.

Selling

Children outgrow items so quickly. Sometimes we chose to hand them down to a friend or family member. Often though we need some extra money. According to Trading Cradles,

If you are a new parent in America, you will probably spend more than $10,000 on your baby in the first year alone. By the end of that year your baby will have probably outgrown everything three times.

Selling on Trading Cradles is easy. If you have gently used baby clothes for example, select your location then the category. Fill in a short form, which will be reviewed by the safety team. Once it is approved it will be added to the website.

Facebook

Trading Cradles has it’s own Facebook page where giveaways are held. Right now, if you like their page, you’re entered to win a flat screen TV. Plus liking an ad, even your own, helps it sell. The more likes an ad gets, the faster it will sell. Called a Like-a-thon, make use of it as a seller.

Twitter

Follow tradingcradles on Twitter to learn about items for sale, giveaways and new posts from their blog. I discovered their Sell It Sunday contest. Post an ad on Trading Cradles on Sundays and you are automatically entered to win one of their weekly prizes – gift cards.

sponsored post

I received a box filled with Johnson’s baby products – Pink lotion, Head to Toe Wash, Desitin, Johnson’s Gold Shampoo, Oil, Powder and the new Bedtime Bubble Bath and what memories I had! First off the smell is the best. I mean baby’s have that wonderful “baby smell” anyway, but it seems that using Johnson’s Baby products makes that smell just right.  Desitin is my favorite product for preventing diaper rash and for taking care of it if it happens. Of course, Johnson’s Gold Shampoo is tearless and was used when I was a baby. The bubble bath was new to me, but I like that it’s tearless and gentle for baby.

Now for baby shower gift suggestions:

• A changing table organizer – Buy a basket covered in fabric with the color of baby’s nursery.  Fill it with the Johnson’s Baby Products, diapers and wipes. Add a small photo album or brag book.
• A travel case for the mom on the go – Purchase a small plastic container that closes well and has a handle. Add sample size Johnson’s Baby products, a washcloth, some bath toys and a toy for baby’s car seat.
• A bed time gift bundle – Along with crib sheets, a small blanket and a safe stuffed toy, bundle together Johnson’s Baby Sleep Care products.

Savings Alert! Find coupons for many Johnson’s Baby products along with other offers.

Johnson’s products make baby shower gift purchasing easy and fun.

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Johnson’s and received samples of Johnson’s Baby products to facilitate my review

No need to look through the same old costumes in your local store that so many others have looked at. No need to go to more than one store, or wait in line, just shop online and choose from hundreds of costumes. Customer Service is even open 7 days a week!

Here’s the Cuddly Lion Child Costume – Medium:

I loved the way it was packed, not in in an envelope, but in a box:

Check out the detailing:

My Review: The order process is simple. There’s a size chart to help you out. And if you by chance you order the incorrect size, you can make an exchange and not pay for shipping and handling. The costume is very well made. I have no worries that it will last well beyond Halloween. The price is just right too. There are categories for FairyTales, TV and Movies, Animals and Superheroes. Lots to chose from.

Purchase: Infant, Children, Tween, Teen and Adult costumes are available from Costume Express . There’s a few discounts available right now including Free Shipping on orders $75 or more and a Clearance section too.

Giveaway: Win a $50 Gift Certificate to Costume Express.

The Rules:

1. Contest starts now and ends Monday, Oct. 5th at midnight EST.
2. Open to adults 18 and over in the US.
3. Only one entry per person. (including all entries allowed in this giveaway)
4. Winner will be chosen by Random.org.
5. Winner has 2 days to claim prize.
6. Have fun and tell your friends.

How To Enter:
For One Entry For Each Below: (please leave a separate comment for each entry)

Mandatory to be entered into contest – Visit Costume Express and leave a comment about what costume you’d chose and for whom. If this entry is not done, all other entries will not be counted.

For Extra Entries:
1. Write a comment about how you celebrate Halloween.
3. Write a blog post linking to this post including a link to your post. (Worth five entries. Please leave five separate comments such as Blog Post One)
4. Follow my blog on Facebook – use the Networked Blogs widget on my sidebar – Leave your Facebook name please.
5. Follow me on Twitter. Leave your Twitter ID please.
6. Become a fan of Brain Foggles on Facebook. Leave you Facebook name please.
7. Tweet about this contest and leave a link to your tweet please. You can tweet about this contest once per day (please leave a comment for each tweet):

Win $50 to Costume Express from @ConnieFoggles And Celebrate Halloween! http://tinyurl.com/ybv2beq PL RT

This post and giveaway sponsored by Costume Express. I was provided with the costume above. Please see my Disclosure Policy for more information.

*CONTEST ENDED. WINNER ANNOUNCED.*

JFB North Tampa is a highly anticipated event. Besides the public sales dates there is a pre-sale event only open to first-time moms, military families and volunteers. No children are allowed at pre-sales since it is so busy.

How much money can you save at a JFB North Tampa Sale? There’s no guarantees of course, but prices are set to sell. According to the following segment from My Fox Tampa Bay, a woman saved about $100 on her shopping spree. All items are checked thoroughly by hand. No stains, no recalled items, no damaged items are allowed. (Please note this video’s dates and times are from last year.)

You can also earn money through Just For Friends North Tampa as a seller for their consignment sales. Sellers earn 65% and volunteers earn 70%. If you refer a friend you earn an extra 5% on your sales.*My Consignor Number is 856* Here’s what you need to do to sell your items:

1. Chose only your best items and be picky. Consider if others would purchase before you decide to sell.
2. Clean and iron all clothing.
3. All clothing must be on hangars and zipped or buttoned up.
4. Check if toys or other items are on the CPCC recall list.
5. Clean all toys, baby items, car seats, etc. thoroughly.
6. Package toys with small parts in plastic bags.

For more detailed information on preparing your merchandise visit the JBF North Tampa How To Get More Cash For Your Item page. You also will need to price and tag your items at home. All instructions are provided and you can even purchase a tagging gun for $20 to make the process easier.

The charity portion of the Just Between Friends consignment sales are what really makes this an event you can feel good about participating in. When you tag your  items, be sure to check the charity button so that any unsold items are donated. For the upcoming sale, The Spring in Tampa is the designated non-profit.

The Fall Sales Event will be held
October 29-October 31, 2009
at the
Tampa Bay Baptist Conference Center
15601 Lake Magdalene Boulevard
Tampa, Florida  33613

Consignment sales like Just Between Friends offer a unique way to save and earn money without the hassle of running your own yard sale. There are franchise opportunities available also.

It is possible to be frugal when buying baby formula. Of course the most frugal and healthy way to feed your baby is breast feeding, but for those who choose not to or unable to, you can save money by purchasing store brand powdered formula.

Consumer Reports has been recommending this to parents for years. Now their book, the new 10th edition Consumer Reports Best Baby Products summarizes these years of studies. Store brand is less expensive that brand name formula and it has the same nutrients. All formula made in the United States has to meet the U.S. Food and Drug Administration standards for infants.

When I was a single mother I received help from WIC, Women, Infants and Children, a government-run program that provided food and medical check ups for my daughter. I wasn’t able to nurse her after about three months due to medication I had to take, so she began taking formula. WIC gave me coupons for store brand powdered formula. They instructed me on nutrition so I knew that this was safe and healthy for my baby.

To check on the costs of store brand vs. national brand formula, use this baby formula savings calculator. You’ll be amazed to learn that you can save about 50% by choosing a store brand such as Parent’s Choice. And now, everyone needs to find ways to be frugal.

You know how babies’ necks are often chubby? (And cute too.)  When they are bottle fed, the drips can get caught there and cause a rash or a sour smell. I remember trying to use a cloth diaper, a bib, a burping cloth, but I’d have to keep moving those around because they’d slip. And still, I’d end up with a wet baby and wet clothes.

With the Scrunch Bottle Bib, the velcro goes around the bottle and the soft bib area fits just where you need it. It is made of 100% cotton, is machine washable and is reversible so that it can be used twice. It comes in pink, blue, yellow, green, and multicolors and fits any size bottle.

My Review: I shared this with my friend Leanne’s daughter, Layla who is 6 months old. She is on a hypoallergenic formula that has a pretty bad odor to it. No matter what Leanne does, the formula spills on Layla and smells.

Leanne sat with Layla who was very hungry, and tried out the Scrunch Bottle Bib for the first time while I took some photos and we chatted. Leanne found it easy to use and found that it was very soft to the touch. Even when Layla grabbed the bottle herself it stayed attached to the bottle. We were pleased with the results too. After the bottle was empty, there were no spills at all on Layla or her clothes, but the Scrunch Bottle Bib was wet. It caught every drip.

Knowing that it can be reused a second time makes it something that will be used again and again. Leanne thinks she may rinse it out during the day to use a third or fourth time too. Or maybe someone will buy one for her, hint, hint!

To Purchase: Visit Wee Baby Inc. to buy a few for yourself or as a baby shower gift at $7.99 each.

Review courtesy of Family Review Network.

Ecostore USA is a green company in all respects. From their product line to their packaging and their tag line – No Nasty Chemicalsâ„¢ they produce cleaning, baby care, bath, body, hair and even pet items that are sure to be environmentally friendly.

I was so pleased when I received my shampoo and conditioner in the mail with a letter that stated all of the packaging, including the paper the letter was printed on was environmentally friendly. It was shipped very well with no leaks. Right now Ecostore USA is offering free shipping on all orders $25 and over.

I received the Vanilla Shampoo for dry and damaged hair. It is “An alluring combination of eco science and aromatherapy our Vanilla Shampoo is nourishing for the scalp. This is an excellent product for chemically treated hair. (6.8 fluid ounces)”

The Vanilla Conditioner for dry and damaged hair is also for dry and damaged hair. Both are recommended for chemically treated hair. Even though my hair isn’t colored, I have hard water and my hair is very dry.

My review: Both shampoo and conditioner had a light vanilla scent. Even with our hard water, I didn’t need to use a lot to get a lather going with the shampoo. The conditioner was the same – no need to use extra. Within about two weeks of use, I could already see a difference in my hair. Usually the ends are frizzy and dried, but even when blow drying without using my round brush, the frizz was gone. The ends stayed in place and looked softer.

To buy: Visit EcoStore USA online and order from there. Remember that there are other products available besides hair care and the free shipping offer as written above. Their products are also sold at Meijer stores.

Giveaway: Win two products of your choice.

The Rules:

1. Contest starts now and ends Monday, July 17th at midnight EST.
2. Open to people in the US.
3. Winner will be chosen by Random.org.
4. Winner has 2 days to claim prize.
5. Have fun and tell your friends.

How To Enter:
For One Entry For Each Below: (please leave a separate comment for each entry)

Mandatory to be entered into contest – Visit EcoStore USA and leave a comment about one product and why you would want it.

For Extra Entries:
1. Sign up for this blog’s RSS feed. (Only for new followers)
2. Leave a comment on my other blog, Connie’s View. Let me know the post please.
3. Fave my blog on Technorati.
4. Write a blog post linking to this post.
5. Follow my blog on Facebook – use the Networked Blogs widget on my sidebar – Leave your Facebook name please.
6. Follow me on Twitter. (Only for new followers) Leave your Twitter ID please.
7. Become a fan of Brain Foggles on Facebook. Leave you Facebook name please.
8. Tweet this and leave your Twitter ID please:

Win EcoStore Products and be closer to nature @ConnieFoggles http://tinyurl.com/nuqe4g PL RT

photo by G. Viciano

Featured Products

FishBites Swimmies - Spending time in the water is one of the most fun and exciting parts of summer. FishBites Swimmies by Swimways is a great solution to give the little ones the extra security they need in the pool, in a fun and exciting way.

Delsey Helium Fusion Carryon - If you are hitting the road or flying the skies this summer for your family vacation, the Delsey Helium Fusion carry-on offers a lightweight solution for packing your travel essentials.

Do Something Daily Calendar - Tired of hearing the kids say they have nothing to do? The DoSomethingDaily Calendar offers fun and exciting suggestions for things to do on each and every day of the year. Make memories with your family, every day!

Perlabella Pearls – Want to combat some of the wrinkles cause by sun damage? Perlabella’s Retinol solution helps to fight the signs of aging, that can be caused by excessive sun exposure and other factors.

More Summer Fun

iTurtle

Playdoh Spaghetti Factory

Submergency

Nerf NFL Progrip Football

SuperSoaker 50

Boochie Game

Good For The Kids

Talking To Toddlers

Two Belles and A Bead Engraved Necklace

Cardstore

Jumeau Handbags

Staphaseptic

Member Reviews/Giveaways

Bonggamom – $50 Tiny Prints Gift Certificate

IceFairy’s Treasure Chest – KiNeSYS, Purex 3-in1, and more

Eccentric, Eclectic Woman – Bra Barrette, Skipping Hippos

Riding With No Hands – 20 Piece Rubbermaid Set

Consumer Queen – FurBuster

PlusSizeMommy – Giant Hershey Bar, Zensoy, and more

MommyNotGuilty – KidBanz Sunglasses

Robyn’s Online World – Kodak Digital Frame

Simply Being Mommy – EA Sports Active

Lattes and Life – Oscar Meyer Hot Dogs & Parent’s Choice Formula

Motherhood Moment – Summer Fun

A Simple Kinda Life – Summer Soiree of Giveaways

From Cribs to Car Keys - EcoStore $25 Gift Certificate and more

Miscellaneous Finds 4 U – Tiny Prints and more

All Momfluence guide reviews are product-provided, featured positions were purchased by vendors. Member reviews and giveaways are not associated with Momfluence.