Tuesday, November 30, 2010



GMC WORLD PREMIERE MOVIE CHRISTMAS WITH A CAPITAL C STARRING DANIEL BALDWIN AND TED MCGINLEY

From time to time I come across notices that I think might be of interest to my readers and I enjoy keeping you guys interested!

Thought this movie might be a welcome change from all the other holiday movies you and your family have seen a million times!

Enjoy!




AIRS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5 AT 7 P.M. ET

Atlanta, GA (November 22, 2010)- GMC, America’s favorite channel for uplifting music and family entertainment, will premiere Christmas with a Capital C, their first GMC World Premiere Christmas movie, on Sunday, December 5 at 7 p.m. ET. The movie will encore at 9 p.m . ET and 11 p.m. ET.

‘Tis the season to be jolly, but holiday traditions are under attack when lawyer Mitch Bright returns to his hometown of Trapper Falls, Alaska. Residents of the small town who once looked forward to each year with enthusiasm and taking great care to drape the town with Christmas cheer every season, find themselves in the heat of a legal battle with a former member of their community. Christmas with a Capital C stars Daniel Baldwin (Cold Case) as Mitch Bright and Ted McGinley (Married with Children) as Mayor Dan Reed. High School rivalry between the two re-ignite over a Nativity scene in the town square. Nancy Stafford plays Reed’s wife. Brad Stine plays Reed’s brother. The movie is based on the song “Christmas with a Capital C” by the Contemporary Christian band Go Fish. The Go Fish video for this song has received over 15 million views online.

“Christmas with a Capital C is based on what has been referred to as ‘the war on Christmas,’” said Leslie Chesloff, executive vice president, programming, GMC. “The movie delivers provocative subject matter and rich performances by an ensemble cast of talented actors. The quaint community and picturesque landscape of Seward, Alaska lent itself beautifully to the storyline of this movie,” she continued.


Christmas with a Capital C is written by Andrea Gyertson Nasfell and directed by Helmut Schleppi. James Chankin, Michael Scott and David Cuddy are producers. Visit http://www.watchgmctv.com/.




Thursday, November 25, 2010


Wishing All My Readers A Happy Thanksgiving! 


Tuesday, November 23, 2010



Saturday, November 20, 2010

Pier 1 Imports: Making Your Holiday Sparkle And Glow!

This post brought to you by Pier 1 Imports. All opinions are 100% mine.

I am all about bling.  I love things that sparkle and shimmer.  And I found plenty of beautiful bling to use for my holiday entertaining at Pier 1!

It is very important when I throw a party to dazzle my guests right away with unique and beautiful serving pieces.  It makes the food that they hold look elegant and inviting, which is exactly what I want my guests to feel when they first walk in the door.

I fell in love with this piece while looking at all the items for holiday entertaining at the Pier 1 website.

A great gift for your favorite chef, this shimmering bowl with a graceful vine motif is perfect for someone who loves unusually beautiful things in their kitchen.

 

  • Colors: Gold/Green
  • Handcrafted of glass
  • Size: 14.75"W x 11.25"D x 5"H
  • Machine-molded
  • Safe for food
  • Safe for hot and cold liquids
  • Hand wash only  
  •  
  • It goes really nicely with this piece as well!
  • Wow, this is a really pretty platter. Look, the vines are hand-painted and it's handcrafted of golden glass. Hey, don't come in and buy this one. We want to keep it for ourselves. What? We're not allowed to say stuff like that. Okay, come in and buy one. But don't tell your friends. We'll sell out before you know it.

     
  • Size: 14"W x 14"D x 1.5"H
  • Lead free
  • Not dishwasher safe
  • Not microwavable safe
  • Safe for food, hot and cold liquids  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  • I see it on a shimmery gold tablecloth with gold candlesticks. Imagine walking in and seeing at table set with these items on it and you begin to see the possibilities for your holiday entertaining with Pier 1!
  •  
  • Even better to know is that during the months of November and December, you can support Toys for Tots by dropping off an unwrapped toy and/or making a cash donation at the register. 
  • And if you “Like” Pier 1 Imports on Facebook during the month of November, Pier 1 will donate $1 to Toys for Tots  too     
  •  
  • So what are you planning to buy this season for your holiday entertaining at Pier 1?  Let me know!
  • Visit Sponsor's Site



    Friday, November 19, 2010




    Saving For Your Children’s Education


    Brace yourself for a shock. The average public college education for a child born in 2003 is $95,000. Private college? Up to $240,000. You’d better get ready, or your child will be stacking up a mountain of student loans.



    Start saving for your child’s education soon after they’re born. Even if the fund starts small, the longer the account exists, the more time it has to grow. Increase your contributions as your salary increases. Allocate a part of your annual bonus to go toward their fund. Grandparents who like to give your children savings bonds or cash at birthdays can instead make a deposit into your child’s mutual fund where it will make an impact on their future.



    A Couple Suggested Funds



    A 529 is great option, because anyone can open one, and the money deposited grows tax-free. The money can then be withdrawn to cover college costs without being taxed. You are able to start saving before your child is born. You start by selecting the state plan that best fits your needs based on how much you can invest, how the funds are invested, and the tax ramifications, such as being able to avoid state taxes in addition to federal taxes. Second, sign up using a simple form. After that, you begin to deposit as much each year as you can under the plan's guidelines. Your money is invested and grows completely tax-free, and each plan is professionally managed.


    Coverdell Education Savings Account (CESA), formerly known as an Education IRA, will allow you save up to $2,000 a year tax-deferred. The biggest advantage is that funds can be used for elementary and secondary school education, in addition to college. A word of caution: the funds are considered student assets when financial aid is calculated, potentially reducing the amount of financial aid your child will be eligible to receive by falsely increasing their anticipated earnings. The maximum contributions are limited as well, so watch out for administrative fees. They could turn out to be larger in proportion to the dollars saved.


    The Rule of 72



    This rule is simple, yet all too often overlooked. Take the interest rate you’re receiving on your investments and divide it by 72. This will tell you how many years it will take the money to double. Try it out and you’ll see why the interest rate you get on your money is so important.



    As you can see, the rule is remarkably accurate, as long as the interest rate is less than about twenty percent; at higher rates the error starts to become significant.



    You can also run it backwards: if you want to double your money in six years, just divide 6 into 72 to find that it will require an interest rate of about 12 percent. Below is a table showing how the rule works.

    Rate of Return      Rule of 72      Actual # of Years       Difference (#) of Years


      2%                          36.0                      35                                     1.0

      3%                          24.0                      23.45                                0.6

      5%                          14.4                      14.21                                0.2

      7%                          10.3                      10.24                                0.0

      9%                            8.0                        8.04                                0.0

      12%                          6.0                        6.12                                0.1

      25%                          2.9                        3.11                                0.2

      50%                         1.4                         1.71                                0.3

      72%                         1.0                         1.28                                0.3

     100%                        0.7                         1                                     0.3





    Author: John-Michael Haines




    Source: http://www.moneychimp.com/features/rule72.htm ,
    Table came from: http://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/04/040104.asp , http://www.ehow.com/how_109539_save-childs-college.html#ixzz14QZRty9g


    Tuesday, November 16, 2010

    Carmex Healing Lotion and Cream: Just What You Need As The Winter Rolls In

    This post brought to you by Carmex®. All opinions are 100% mine.

     

    Just wanted to give you, my dear readers, the heads up on Carmex® Healing Lotion and Carmex® Healing Cream!  You already know that Carmex is known for their expertise in protecting your luscious lips from wind, sun, and cold weather.

    Carmex has now applied that same wisdom to Carmex® Healing Lotion and Carmex® Healing Cream, which is only available at Walgreens, Walgreens.com, and Drugstore.com. 

    Here's what you need to know about Carmex Healing Cream:

    • Use on your driest skin— especially hands, feet, elbows and knees
    • 9 healing ingredients penetrate and help repair your very dry, rough or cracked skin
    • Concentrated—use a small amount
    • Absorbs fast for a non-greasy feel; has a light, pleasant scent  

    Here's what you need to know about Carmex Healing Lotion:

    • Use anywhere skin feels dry
    • Daily use will help protect skin and keep dryness away
    • Rich healing ingredients, including Aloe and Vitamin E, nourish and moisturize skin
    •  Absorbs fast for a non-greasy feel; has a light, pleasant scent

    My experience with both these products is very positive.  They both perform exactly as expected and described and my skin feel wonderful after I apply the lotion and cream.  Especially for the driest of skin areas like the soles of my feet!  And I love that Carmex has stayed true to their look, which makes this product easy to find amongst the countless other creams and lotions that may promise the same thing, but deliver a lot less for a lot more money.  Did I tell you they both retail for only $5.99?

    Right now, Carmex has a cool contest going on their Facebook page if you "like" them so take a moment and enter to win some great winter products!  Believe me, your skin will thank you!

    Visit Sponsor's Site



    Sunday, November 14, 2010


    Lucky 7-7-7!  Yes, I Now Have 777 Google Friend Connect Followers!

    I am somewhat of a slot machine admirer. Which means I deposit far more then I withdraw when I go to a casino. 

    So it struck me as significant that today I reached 777 Google Friend Connect followers.  Does it mean anything significant in this great cosmic universe of ours?  Probably not.  Maybe it is time to play the lottery, huh?

    Thanks, my dear readers, for getting me here!  Thanks for sticking with me.


    Thursday, November 11, 2010

    Take Time To Pause And Say "Thank You" To The Brave Men And Women Of Our Military!

    I know..it's a day off of work, a time to take advantage of some wicked pre-holiday sales, etc.  In the midst of it all I urge you to take one moment and say a tiny prayer for those who serve.  And if you see someone in uniform not only today but any day say a quick" Thank You" to let them know they are appreciated.  Their smile and pride at your recognition will be the greatest reward!


    Wednesday, November 10, 2010

    Baby Formula: It's Not About The Name, It Is About The Savings!

    This post brought to you by PBM Products. All opinions are 100% mine.

    It's been a long time since Sarah was an infant but I remember quite clearly how much of a struggle it was to pay for the formula that she needed to drink.  As it always was an item that had the topmost priority on my shopping list, there were times I had to put other items on hold in order to pay for the weeks needs. 

    In those days there were not as many choices as there are today.  No longer it is necessary to buy name brand formula's at outrageous prices; these days store brand formula is just as good and so much more affordable!

    All infant formulas are subject to the same exacting standards of the FDA pursuant to the Infant Formula Act. This legislation vested FDA with the authority to ensure that all infant formulas sold in the United States provide the necessary levels of identified nutrients required for the growth of healthy babies. Store-brand formulas are nutritionally equivalent to Enfamil® and Similac® brand-name formulas but cost up to 50% less for a savings of $600 a year per baby !!. . 

    Parent's Choice Formula happens to be a great alternative to high cost, name brands and it is available at a variety of stores like CVS and Walmart.  They have a really cool savings calculator that shows you how much you can save by a switch to generic formula.

    CBS's Moneywatch.com actually published an article recently that recommends generic formulas as an easy way to save money in a tight economy.  They talk about the fact that new parents are bombarded in the hospital with free, name brand formula samples and come to believe that in order to be good parents, they have to spend the higher price on their baby's formula needs.  This article makes mention of the Infant Formula Act of 1980 that requires ALL formulas to adhere to strict FDA guidelines, regardless of the brand name.

    Isn't it time it stops being about the name?

     

     

    Visit Sponsor's Site



    Tuesday, November 09, 2010

    Carmex: Be Good To Your Skin This Winter: A Review And Giveaway!

    Yeah for me!  I was chosen to be a member of the Carmex Blog Squad!  So that means that I get to tell you, my dear readers, all about what is new and cool about a product we all know and love - Carmex!

    I was sent a beautiful set to review ( Guess who is also going to have a chance to win the exact same set?).  It contained a variety of Carmex products in a really nice case that will be really handy when I travel.

    Here's what I got:

    Carmex Healing Lotion



    Carmex Healing Cream


    Original Formula Carmex Lip Balm in the jar


    Carmex Cherry Flavored Lip Balm in the jar


    Carmex Strawberry Flavored Lip Balm in the jar


    Original Formula Carmex Lip Balm in a tube

    Carmex Cherry Flavored Lip Balm in a tube


    Carmex Strawberry Flavored Lip Balm in a tube


    Original Formula Carmex Lip Balm in a stick


    Carmex Cherry Flavored Lip Balm in a stick


    Carmex Strawberry Flavored Lip Balm in a stick


    Carmex Moisture Plus Ultra Hydrating Lip Balm in Clear


    Carmex Moisture Plus Ultra Hydrating Lip Balm in Peach


    Carmex Moisture Plus Ultra Hydrating Lip Balm in Pink

    I want to focus on just a few of these products in this review:
     
    Carmex Healing Lotion is amazing!  It is made using a patent pending process that delivers healing and moisturizing without a greasy feel. 
     
    •Use anywhere skin feels dry


    •Daily use will help protect skin and keep dryness away

    •Rich healing ingredients, including Aloe and Vitamin E, nourish and moisturize skin

    •Absorbs fast for a non-greasy feel; has a light, pleasant scent

    I loved this stuff!  My feet become so dry during the fall and winter months and I have used this lotion liberally on my feet, covering with cotton socks before I go to bed.  In the morning my feet are soft and smooth!


    Carmex Cherry Tube -  A new take on a classic product with the addition of the cherry flavor! 

    Keeps lips soft

    Alleviates the roughness of dry lips.
    Protects from wind and sun
    Replaces moisture and protects from sunburn.
    Helps heal chapped lips

    Contains germ-killing menthol and phenol, speeding the healing process.

    This is the perfect answer to dry and chapped lips from winter dryness.  It is the perfect size for my pocket and immediately makes my lips feel smooth and hydrated.


    Carmex Moisture Plus Tints  - This is Carmex newest product and the tint makes me feel elegant and moisturized at the same time!

    With a little help from vitamin E and aloe, Carmex Moisture Plus lip balm helps nourish and moisturize lips leaving them so kissably soft they will be hard to resist.

    With SPF 15, Carmex Moisture Plus protects your lips from the sun so you can play all day and know you’re covered.

    Take it out for a night on the town. A sheer pink, sheer peach or clear satin gloss finish add a hint of shine, while the sleek, slant-tip applicator looks almost as stylish as you.

    Yes, you have made it to the end where you find out how you can win what I received, a $50 Carmex value!

    (1) You MUST be a Google Friend Connect follower of my blog ( this will be verified)


    AND

    (2) You MUST tell me which of the Carmex products found here sounds the most interesting to you!

    That's it! Too easy!!

    BOTH (1) and (2) MUST be done for your initial entry! Leave me ONE comment stating that both items were completed. If you already follow me just let me know.

    If you want additional entries:

    (3) Follow me on Twitter

    (4) Like me on Facebook

    (5) Tweet about this giveaway - you can do this daily - leave a separate comment for each tweet

    (6) Blog about this giveaway and leave me a comment with a link to your post and link back to this give-a-way post as well!

    (7) Subscribe to my blog via email ( see email sign-up on sidebar)

    (8) Enter any of my other current giveaways and let me know which one you entered
    Give-a-way to run until 11:59 pm EST on November 17, 2010. Winner will be chosen via Random.org. Email will be sent to winner with a response needed within 72 hours of winning email with shipping information. If winner does not respond to email, an alternate winner will be chosen. Good only within the continental USA. Make sure you leave a contact email within your post or check to make sure that I can email you via your blogger profile.



    Disclaimer: I was provided with the items in this giveaway, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or conduct a product giveaway


    Thursday, November 04, 2010

    Wholesale Furniture Brokers: A Furniture Store And So Much More!

    Check out this armoire above,  Nice, huh? It's got an " art deco" sort of feel to it and I think it fits into just about any type of decor.  I love the fact that it is round and that it looks so sleek and elegant.

    Now I bet you are wondering where you can get one, huh?  Wonder no more...this Jewelry Armoire

    and thousands of other furniture and home accessory items, are available at Wholesale Furniture Brokers.

    What a thought to finally have all my jewelry organized!  As opposed to the way it is now, which is a tangled, jumbled mess!  How many earrings lost, how many chains knotted beyond repair...the more I think about it, the more vital this item becomes. 

    Check out Wholesale Furniture Brokers and let me know what you think!


    Tuesday, November 02, 2010

    Time To Tenga!  A Review!

    This will be a PG review of an Adult Toy called collectively "Tenga".  It is so hard to explain but so very cool for him!

    From the Good Vibration Website:

    "They’re not just for breakfast anymore! Enjoy self-pleasure anytime with Tenga Eggs. Peel the outer layer like you would a hard-boiled egg, then crack open the shell to reveal an “ona-cup.” These egg-shaped masturbation sleeves offer several unique internal textures. Get different stokes from different yolks! Wavy has horizontal ripples and Twister has vertical ones. Silky features a thread-spun surface while Spider is lined with a web pattern. Clicker has protruding spheres; Stepper has notched out semi-circles.  Although intended for a single session, the cup could be used a couple of times if handled and cleaned carefully. Indulge in a diet of delicious sensation with these incredible, pleasurable eggs!"

    2 1/2” long x 1 3/4” wide (6.4 cm long x 4.4 cm wide)

    Elastomer
    White

    I wish I could tell you what it feels like to use the Tenga Eggs, but I can't!  My boyfriend, however, adores these little babies and has had alot of success with using them when we are unable to be together ( although we have used them as an adjunct to our own time together when he is looking to experience something a little bit "different"). 

    I can tell you that they are an affordable way to put some fun into the time you spend together and with seven different varieties each under ten dollars it is easy enough to try them all!

    Time to Tenga, baby!

    Disclosure: I was provided with a sample of this item in order to write this review but it in no way obligated or influenced what was posted.


    Arbonne: What You Need To Look Your Best For The Holidays: A Review and Giveaway!

    Can you believe it is almost that time of year again?  Time for parties and dinners with relatives you only see once a year?  Time to think about how you can look your best?

    Then it is time to look in Arbonne!  If you haven't heard yet, Arbonne is the premier company of skincare and wellness products to help you look fantastic.

    Since 1975, Arbonne is the name that has come to define quality products and an unwavering commitment to both the environment and their customers. Arbonne is a highly regarded, premium brand with a Swiss heritage. The products are healthy, botanically based and inspired by nature. Arbonne offers over 400 products ranging from skin care to cosmetics, nutrition and wellness products.


    Arbonne personal care and nutrition products are Vegan-certified and many items are also gluten-free. Their formulas are never tested on animals and do not contain animal-derived ingredients or animal by-products. The products are pH correct, hypoallergenic, and are dermatologist tested. They do not contain any mineral oil, chemicals, fragrances, dyes, formaldehyde-donating preservatives, or PABA.”
     
    I was recently sent a whole box full of amazing skincare products to try out and review for you.
     
    One of the lines I was sent to try is the RE9 Advanced. 

    Arbonne is best known for their anti-aging skin care line, RE9 Advanced. Re9 Advanced synergizes not one, but 9 major age-defying elements and botanicals in a powerful system of products clinically proven to start working within 24 hours.”

    This product just feels amazing on my skin. Not greasy but silky smooth it glides on effortlessly and smells amazingly pleasant! It includes a Smoothing Facial Cleanser, Regenerating Toner, Intensive renewal Serum, Corrective Eye Cream, Restorative Day Creme, and Night Repair Creme. The fact that it starts to produce results within 24 hours means you can start your road to looking your best quicker then you will with just about any other skin care line out there!


    The SeaSource Detox Spa line of products was pretty amazing too!
    Arbonne leads the way to health and well-being with SeaSource Detox Spa—a superior, unparalleled product line created for detoxification, restoration and total renewal. While it’s important to detoxify in today’s environment, it’s also just as important to give yourself a “time-out” on a regular basis. This comprehensive line of products stimulates, strengthens and supports the body’s natural ability to cleanse and restore itself, helping to purify the body inside and out and return it to a state of healthy bliss.”

    More gel-like in texture, it made my skin feel clean and pure.  It has an almost fruity aroma, and includes products like Foaming Sea Salt Scrub, 5-in-1 Essential Massage Oil, Detoxifying Rescue Wash, Sea Mud Face & Body Mask, Purifying Sea Soak, Fortifying Hair Mask, Re-Mineralizing Body Lotion 24H and Renewing Body GelĂ©e.

    Arbonne also has cosmetics, sun care products, and even baby skin care items as well.  What's even more interesting is that being an Arbonne consultant is a great way to promote some great skincare products and make some extra money at the same time. 

    Arbonne International just celebrated 30 years of providing men and women with botanically-based, pure, safe and beneficial Swiss formulated products. Their premium personal care and nutritional products are only sold through Independent Consultants, providing you with a more customized shopping experience. If you’d like to sign up as a client for free to shop online, ask questions and request your own samples from Independent Consultant Lisa Edwards please click here.


    What could you do with an extra $400 a month? The Arbonne experience starts with changing your skin, then it’s about changing your life. Arbonne provides a generous compensation plan, an exceptionally nurturing support system, and caring committed leadership. Sign up today with the Girl meets Green team and start your Arbonne business by clicking here. Or contact Independent Consultant Lisa Edwards to learn more about the Arbonne business model at LisaEdwards@MyArbonne.com . “Knowing and loving our products are the only prerequisites for success as an Arbonne Independent Consultant. Create success on your terms!”



    Use this link to sign up for free as a client to purchase products, request samples or ask questions.  It in no way obligates you in any way and you can get some samples to see if Arbonne will work as well for you as it did for me.
     
    Even better, Lisa Edwards, who is sponsoring this review and giveaway and is my Arbonne consultant has a great website that not only promotes healthy and green living, but also has a monthly contest where you can win a $100 Gift Certificate! Check it out at Girl Meets Green!

    I want to share with you some of the people at the helm of this amazing company. 


    ~ Arbonne’s new CEO, Kay Napier is an amazing woman who was  previously the VP of Proctor & Gamble and the Sr. VP of McDonald’s

    ~ Arbonne’s Sr. VP of Product Development is Peter Matravers. He was previously with Aveda and Neutrogena and holds over 20 U.S. and International patents.

    You can read about it here.

    So now that your interest in piqued you are wondering what you can win and how you can win it.  Have I got a giveaway for you!

    Lisa sent me an amazing boxed set with products to try from both the RE9 and SeaSource line.  And that is exactly what you will get to win, my dear readers!  It has seven different products with enough of each to get a good idea of what Arbonne is all about.  And the ONLY place you can get it is through this giveaway!

    Here we go!  If you want to win, here's what you have to do:

    (1) Be a Google Friend Connect Follower of this blog

    AND

    (2) Sign up at the Girl Meets Green website so that you can be entered into their monthly contest here.
    PLEASE NOTE: In order for this entry to count as the mandatory entry for this giveaway you MUST put "Wendy" in the referral entry line. 

    Completing this mandatory entry really counts as an entry into both contests at the same time.  How cool is that?  Leave me one comment stating that you fulfilled both requirements.  If you already have done either or both, tell me that too!

    If you want more entries ( as I know you will) you can also:

    (3) "Like" Girl Meets Green on Facebook here and leave this comment on their wall:

    Purple meets green! Enter for another chance to win an Arbonne sampler box here: http://www.madamerkf.blogspot.com/

    Feel free to copy and paste that to the wall to make it easier to get this extra entry!  Tell me in a separate comment here.

    (4) Follow Girl Meets Green on Twitter here and let me know that in a separate comment

    (5) Follow me on Twitter here and let me know that in a separate comment

    (6) Tweet about this giveaway ( can be done daily) ( leave a comment for each tweet)

    (7) Go to the Arbonne website and tell me another product you would like to try

    (8) Sign up for my email newsletter so you never miss another review or giveaway!  Use link on sidebar and leave a comment that you did or already do!

    (9) Blog about this giveaway and leave me the link in a comment and let me know that in a separate comment.

    There you go!  What are you waiting for?  Start entering!

    Give-a-way to run until 11:59 pm EST on November 16, 2010. Winner will be chosen via Random.org. Email will be sent to winner with a response needed within 72 hours of winning email with shipping information. If winner does not respond to email, an alternate winner will be chosen. Good only within the continental USA. Make sure you leave a contact email within your post or check to make sure that I can email you via your blogger profile.




    Disclaimer: I was provided with the item I reviewed as well as the items in this giveaway, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or conduct a product giveaway.




    Bringing Home Baby: Lysol's "Mission For Health" Making It A Little Bit Easier!

    Wow.  I remember the day that I brought home Sarah from the hospital.  Almost 17 years ago!  I was scared.  I had no idea what to do.  I worried about how I was going to keep this precious little gift safe from all the things that could harm her.    Especially germs.  Oh I remember that feeling so well!  Not wanting anyone to touch her; worrying about every cough, every sneeze, every dirty hand.  Lysol became a good friend in those early days of motherhood.  Spraying every surface with which Sarah came in contact with.

    These days new moms have it so much easier.  The amount of options available to keep your home and baby's environment are staggering!  And Lysol is leading the way with a new website called " Mission For Health", not only for new moms but for everyone.

    I was challenged to think of ten ways to help new moms bringing home baby to keep that baby safe and healthy.  These are my thoughts:

    (1) Pocket size hand sanitizers are a great way to quickly make sure that the hands that are holding baby are as clean as they could possibly be.  Carry one or two in your diaper bag at all times and insist that people disinfect their hands before handling the baby.

    (2) Keep surfaces your baby will be placed on as clean as possible.  I think the Lysol Disinfectant Spray To Go is perfect for a quick way to sanitize non-porous surfaces.

    (3) Insist that no one smoke around your baby.  When Sarah was born this was very hard to enforce as it was before the strict smoking bans many places have today.  As a new mother, I was afraid at times to speak up when someone smoked around Sarah.  Don't ever be scared to ask someone to smoke somewhere else and if you are in a place that allows smoking, leave!

    (4) Wash your hands!  Especially before and after diaper changes.  The Lysol Healthy Touch No Hand Soap System is a perfect answer to keeping your hands as germ free and clean as possible.

    (5)  Got tons of those small receiving blankets as shower gifts and have no idea what to do with them?  Keep a few in your diaper bag and use them as a barrier between germy surfaces and your child.  When they get to grimy to use anymore, toss them!

    (6) Public areas are the scariest as far as keeping baby safe from germs.  Lysol Disinfecting Wipes are an easy way to disinfect a public surface easily ( such as high chairs) and quickly.

    (7) If you are not feeling well or sick yourself, you still have to take care of your baby.  Use a disposable face mask and disposable gloves to keep baby from catching what you have.

    (8) Although babies smell wonderful, it can be hard to keep their bedroom smelling as wonderful as they do.  It is important to keep the air in their bedroom germ free too.  Lysol Neutra Air Sanitizing Spray is perfect to accomplish both of those objectives.

    (9) Be very careful with the toys that you buy.  Recently there have been news reports about toys that are manufactured overseas that use harmful chemicals on their toys.  Since babies put everything in their mouths, only buy toys that are made in countries that adhere to the same product standards that we do.

    (10) Finally, keep kitchen surfaces where you prepare your bottles as clean as possible.  In my day we never realized that surfaces could have so many contaminants.  Lysol's Anti-Bacterial Cleaner takes care of this easily.

    The healthier you make your home and the environment around your baby, the healthier your baby will be.

    I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Lysol® Wee Wisdom blogging program, making me eligible to get a $50 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here