Arm & Hammer Baking Soda - Perfect For Your Health & Beauty Needs!

Many people, including myself, turn to Arm & Hammer Baking Soda for many of their household cleaning needs.  I have had tough stains in my kitchen that I thought were a lost cause...until I used Baking Soda.  It worked like magic! A box costs less than a dollar and isn't harsh smelling or full of chemicals that you can't even pronounce.

Did you know that you can also use Arm & Hammer Baking Soda for your health & beauty needs?  I know I didn't!  Mom Central sent me a gift basket full of spa goodies so I could have an at home spa experience with Baking Soda, and it really could not have come at a better time!  Sleep deprived, no extra time, and getting spit up on multiple times a day...you can see how much I needed some 'ME' time!  And what better way to get it?  This was a 'review' so sorry Hubby, it has to be done ;)

Included in my basket was a booklet full of beauty tips that all include baking soda.  I decided to to try the Home Pedicure Foot Soakfirst, because frankly my feet have been pretty neglected lately and have seen better days. It was easy to create, and left my feet feeling noticably softer, and with less dead skin build up. Here are more Health/Beauty uses for Arm & Hammer Baking Soda!

Facial Scrub and Body Exfoliant

For smooth, radiant skin, give yourself a gentle facial and body scrub with ARM & HAMMER® Baking Soda. Make a paste of 3 parts ARM & HAMMER® Baking Soda to 1 part water. Rub in a gentle circular motion to exfoliate skin and remove dead skin cells. Rinse clean. Gentle enough for daily use!

Hair Care

Get rid of product buildup by sprinkling a small amount (quarter-size) of ARM & HAMMER® Baking Soda into your palm along with your favorite shampoo. Shampoo as usual and rinse thoroughly. The ARM & HAMMER® Baking Soda helps remove the residue that styling products leave behind so your hair is cleaner and more manageable.

Soothing Bath Soak

For a relaxing ending to a long day, add 1/2 cup of ARM & HAMMER® Baking Soda to your bath to neutralize acids on the skin and help wash away oil and perspiration. Your skin will feel silky smooth!

Home Pedicure Foot Soak

Start your home pedicure by dissolving 3 tablespoons of ARM & HAMMER® Baking Soda in a basin of warm water and soak feet. Gently scrub with a paste of ARM & HAMMER® Baking Soda.

Pearly Whites

For gleaming smiles, brush teeth with ARM & HAMMER® Baking Soda. . Just sprinkle baking soda into your palm, dip a damp toothbrush into it, and brush*. For a refreshing mouthwash, use 1 teaspoon baking soda in ½ glass of water. Swish the solution through your teeth and rinse.


*ARM & HAMMER® Baking Soda does not contain the anti-cavity ingredient fluoride. Use it where water is fluorinated or when non-fluoride toothpaste is desired for adult use or as directed by your dentist of physician.

Hand Cleanser

Soften skin with a paste of 3 parts ARM & HAMMER® Baking Soda to 1 part water. Forget the harsh soaps and gently scrub away ground-in dirt and neutralize odors on hands with 3 parts ARM & HAMMER® Baking Soda to your liquid hand soap. Then rinse clean.

Clean Brushes and Combs

For lustrous hair with more shine, keep brushes and combs clean with ARM & HAMMER® Baking Soda. Remove natural oil build-up and hair product residue by soaking combs and brushes in a solution of 1 teaspoon of ARM & HAMMER® Baking Soda in a small basin of warm water. Rinse and allow to dry.

Natural Deodorant

Dust ARM & HAMMER® Baking Soda under arms as needed to feel fresh all day.

The magic of ARM & HAMMER® Baking Soda actually absorbs odors instead of just covering them up.  

I also shared my new found tips with my Husband, who uses hair products in his hair everyday.  He included the baking soda in his shampoo to help remove the build up that the products leave in his hair.  It helped his hair feel less oily, and his scalp feel cleaner!


I had such a nice time using the relaxing products in my spa basket....included was even a scented candle to really help me relax and unwind!  I can't wait to use everything again during my next 'me' time.  Arm & Hammer Baking Soda is an affordable, easy, natural way to pamper yourself and give yourself a new way to get clean.  It's not just for household uses, so try something new for yourself!

 “I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Arm & Hammer and received a beauty basket to thank me for taking the time to participate.”









Blog Hops - Find New Friends to Follow - Follow Me, I Will Follow Back!

There are so many blogs that participate in different Friday Following blog hops, I decided to join in today! Not only to get some more followers, but to discover new blogs and give myself plenty of new posts to read. With late night feedings, sometimes I'll open up my laptop and read a little, so I need some new material ;)

If you'd like to join in, go check out Fun Follow Friday at Simply Stacie ..

and Hop Along Friday with Chubby Cheeks Thinks.

If you follow my blog, please leave a comment on this post letting me know, and I will be sure to visit your blog and Follow you back!!

Have fun blog hopping!

Unique,Frugal,Fun Valentine's Day Gifts for Women, Men, and Kids!

Valentine's Day is a favorite holiday of mine....probably has something to do with treats, flowers, jewelry....all good things!  I am very easy to buy for (my Husband may not agree) I just like something simple....not flashy or expensive.  Just something sweet and thoughtful.  And NOT a box of chocolates....that may be great for some people, but I don't like any of them that they include in those big heart shaped boxes.  Get me a peanut butter filled chocolate heart....now that would be perfect!

Valentine's Day isn't just for me in this house....we also get my daughter something special and fun.  Another yearly tradition since my husband and I met was to get our mothers a gift.  It's just a nice way to make a woman feel special and to let them know you are thinking of them.

Here are some fun gift ideas, for the many people in your life that you may want to share this fun day with!

Flowers. Giving them in person is sweet, but a surprise delivery is also so much fun!  Roses are traditional but picking their favorite flower shows more thought in my opinion.

Spa Gift Card.  Seriously, perfect gift.  I have never been to a spa, but I would love to go someday.  It's something I wouldn't go spend money on for myself, but if I had the gift card I wouldn't feel any guilt for doing something nice for myself.  Moms deserve it!

Dinner Out. Pick a favorite restaurant, maybe the one you had your first date at (ahem....unless you were 19 when you met and had your first date at Perkins)  My Husband and I will usually get a nice meal to go...and eat it at home together since we have young children.

Jewelry. Can't go wrong there!  I generally don't wear a lot of jewelry unless it means something to me, so getting something engraved wold make it more special.

Pajamas....sexy or comfy! It can be lingerie (classy kind lol!) or maybe a nice luxurious robe. 

Candles, Perfume., Bath Products.  Always a safe choice!

An apron from FlirtyAprons.com!  Gorgeous styles, great fit!  Makes ordinary cooking and baking more fun and more flirty.

MEN

Cologne. Pick their favorite scent....if you don't know what that is you can go off of what he already uses and pick something similar. Check their body wash or deodorant...this will give you a clue. Or visit a department store and get help from salesperson...best sellers are a good choice.

Watch, Tie, Cuff Links, Wallet.  Classic choices, always nice!

Tickets to sporting event or concert. You can make it a future date night or give him a night out with his buddies.

Bottle of nice Wine

Electronics. GPS, IPOD, IPAD, Headphones for his online gaming habit....I am sure this would be a favorite choice for most men!

Video Game. Not romantic, but maybe something he'd really enjoy.

Grooming Set or a nice electric razor. Hubby have a beard? Or is he trying to keep his face clean shaven? Both are practical gifts he will get a lot of use out of.

FRUGAL

Breakfast in bed.  Can be fun if the kids help too!

Write them a Love Letter.  You can even get it printed on old fashioned paper to add to the effect!  Words that come from the heart will be much more meaningful than anything you purchase at the mall.

New Book from their Favorite Author. If they love to read, they will appreciate this gift so much!


Make a Gift basket of their favorite things!  Some theme ideas are bath products (bath salts, bubble bath, lotion, manicure set, nailpolish, eye mask) Movie theme (a dvd, popcorn, movie theater candies, blanket to cuddle with)

Give your spouse a massage! It's free and it will make them feel so good!  Maybe you'll even get one in return!

Cook them their favorite Meal!  This will be cheaper than eating out and will mean more since you pepared it yourself.  Light some candles, open a bottle of wine.....you can even eat a late dinner after the kids go to bed so you can have an adult conversation :)

Have a Movie Night - Netflix!  At a dollar a night you can't get more frugal than that! Reserve a movie online early in the day to avoid the rush & risk not getting the title you want.

KIDS

Craft Kits- This is a great gift that your child will love to open! You can even do the craft with them for some quality time! I love Creativity For Kids

DVD - Pick a valentine themed DVD with their favorite characters. Don't worry - they will get use out of it even when Valentine's Day is over.  My kid watches Elmo's Christmas Countdown all year long!

Baking Kit. I like ones that have a fun theme, with cool cookie cutters and decorations. You could even make your own kit and bake them that same day. Sassafras is a great place to look!

Pair that With A Sweet Child's Apron! I love Jillie Willie

Pretty Dress Up Clothes, headbands, bows, tights, Heart Shaped Sunglasses. Make them pink & sweet!

Ladybug Pillow Pet or the Red & White Valentine Dog

Games - you can get a lot of use out of a board game....add them to your family game night rotation!

Toys that include hearts, are red/pink, or play food sets with cupcakes and other sweet treats

Pretend Archery Set - Cupid anyone? Your little man will love it!

Heart Shaped Pillow

......

The most important thing is to personalize the gift.  Maybe they have been hinting at something they need, like a new pair of slippers. Or a NOOK FROM BARNES AND NOBLE.  Oops.  Sorry, caps lock must have gotten stuck there :)

Whatever you end up buying, making, or doing.....be sure to let people in your life know how much you love them.  Not just on Valentine's Day, but every day.

No company asked me to link to them....just sharing some favorites with my readers to be helpful!

Let it Snow....Errr...I Mean Rain!

While most of the country is getting snow dumped on them.....and having freezing temperatures.....here in my lovely new state I have seen none of that.

Today the high is 58!

 And I haven't seen snow since I left my chilly state of Minnesota. 

We do get plenty of rain though....not surprising for the Pacific North West.  Sometimes it will rain and rain.....and be grey and dreary.  But then the sun comes out, and it really makes you appreciate it even more.  Kind of like how the bitter cold MN winters made me appreciate a 50 degree Spring day even more.

The views here are spectacular and impress me everytime.  Of course we can only see the mountain when the sun comes out.....

I will admit that sometimes I miss the snow. An inch or two would make my yard look pretty, and I know my daughter would love to play in it again like we did back home.  I certainly don't miss the below freezing temps of MN though, the kind of temp that actually hurts when you have to go out in it.

We are slowly getting used to our new home, but I am still missing the old one...

Pillsbury...simply - Delicious Addition to Any Meal! Review With Great Giveaway Package!

On these cold and busy nights, I like to keep my meals simple, hearty, and delicious.  With a newborn, I don't have a lot of time to spend on my meals, so I choose things that are easy to make and are still good for my family.

I often use refrigerated pizza dough, crescent rolls, and biscuits in recipes or as a yummy addition to a meal.  Because we enjoy those so much, I was excited to be able to try the new Pillsbury simply...products including Buttermilk Biscuits and Rustic French Bread.  

Both of these products contain zero grams of trans fat, no high fructose corn syrup, and no artificial colors or flavors. They are both made with real ingredients like sugar, honey, and buttermilk. It's definitely a food that you can feel good about choosing to make!  It's also affordable, quick, and super simple to make...which makes it the perfect addition to any meal!

Pillsbury simply...rustic French bread goes so well with so many different meals.  A steaming bowl of homemade chili, a spaghetti dinner, or even use it to make a hot turkey sandwich! My mouth is watering just thinking about the possibilities! I paired my bread with potato soup, one of my favorite winter meals. The bread was very easy to make...I literally just took it out of its package, placed it on a cookie sheet, and baked it at 350 for 28 minutes.  Add some butter, dip it in the soup, and enjoy!

The simply...buttermilk biscuits can also be used in so many ways...for example we used ours at our 'breakfast dinner'.  my Husband and I both love biscuits and country gravy, and we added scrambled eggs, bacon, and sausage. it was tasty and so filling! These biscuits are also very easy to make, just place each pre-cut biscuit on the pan and bake.  can't get any easier than that!

GIVEAWAY ALERT!!!

Would you like to try the new Pillsbury simply...products?  One winner will get to try them along with this great prize pack!

Includes:

Bread Basket

Cutting Board

Jar of Honey 

Spreader

TO ENTER: Please visit Pillsbury and tell me one other product that sounds good to you!

EXTRA ENTRIES: Please leave an extra comment for every extra entry you complete

1. Tell me a recipe you'd like to try from the Pillsbury site! They all look so good!
2.  Follow my Blog
3. Subscribe to my blog by email
4. Add my blog button to your site
5. Blog about this giveaway
6. Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway. (You can use this tweet if you'd like: Enter to Win prize pack from Pillsbury simply...Add delicious bread to your meals w/bread basket, cutting board & more! http://t.co/Y8ujRhB

Giveaway is open to US Residents.  Giveaway will end on February 8th at 10pm Pacific Time. Winner will be chosen via random.org and will be emailed directly.  Winner has 72 hours to reply to email or a new winner will be chosen.  

Disclaimer: No payments were received for this post. I received two free products to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own and different people may have different opinions/experiences with products and/or company.

BabyBond Nursing Accessories - Cover Mom Not Baby!

When I nursed my first daughter, I had no idea that different options existed for helping me stay covered while nursing on the go.  I would use a blanket, and that would get bulky and hot for the baby.  This time around I have learned about all of the great companies that exist to help nursing mothers feel comfortable while nursing, and help baby be more comfortable too!

Nursing covers are great, but I will admit that it's a little awkward to have your baby so covered up.  It basically covers their entire body, just leaving room for you to see their face....but not allowing them to see out too.  That's why the BabyBond Nursing Cover is a great choice for Moms who like a new way to stay covered, but not cover their baby!

This innovative design focuses on covering MOM not the Baby.  It's worn as a sash, functioning as a nursing top.  You nurse from the top of your shirt, an simply separate the layers of fabric to get your baby latched on.  Your back and stomach stay covered by your own shirt, and your breast is covered by the BabyBond!  There's also a convenient built in burp cloth area that is in the perfect spot for burping your baby when they finish feeding.YOUR

HERE IS A HELPFUL VIDEO ON USING BABYBOND!

I was able to try a BabyBond for myself, which was perfect since I am nursing again now with my newborn.  I really love that the baby is not covered up...they get to see the world around them still, instead of being covered up by a large piece of fabric.  It's comfortable to wear, easy to put on, and is stylish too!  I keep it will tucked in my diaper bag to wear while we are out and about.  It will also come in handy for when family visits....I can stay nicely covered, without having to show anyone my goods....LOL!  I know many Moms choose not to cover up at all, and I think that works great....definitely do what makes you happy! For me though, I like to stay a little covered so this is a great option for me.

The BabyBond comes in three different styles.  You can choose the Original, Flex, or the Couture.  The Couture is adjustable allowing you to create a custom fit perfect for your body.  It can be worn to function as a nursing top OR a belly band! The Couture also comes in 5 great colors!

With each BabyBond product comes a classy and convenient carrying case!  The sash will roll up to fit perfectly in it's case, allowing you to tuck it into a diaper bag, your glove compartment, or suitcase easily.

BabyBond products are available for $35 each. You can purchase them online

DEAL ALERT!

If you go online to Babies R Us and purchase a BabyBond, you can email BabyBond at missy@babybondnursing.com with your receipt to get 75% off your next BabyBond purchase! She will send you the code to use after you send her the email.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

One Month Old!

Today my sweet baby is one month old!  I got the best smiles this morning, the first real smiles I have seen.  She gave me 2 in a row, big wide happy smiles!  It made me so happy!

Then about 10 seconds later....she barfed on me! LOL!

The joys of motherhood!!

She is growing great, and nursing like a champ.  She is awake a lot more now, happy and looking at her environment, wide eyed and calm.  That is, as long as you are holding her :) If you put her down though...she will cry. And scream.  She likes to feel warm and safe in my arms. I love the snuggles, so it works :)

Get Heartburn Relief with Prilosec OTC & $100 American Express Gift Card!! (Giveaway!)

So many people suffer from heartburn everyday, not able to enjoy their favorite foods because of the pain they know they will feel afterwards.  Having just been pregnant last month, I understand how painful heartburn can be.  I suffered everyday those last couple of more months, unable to enjoy my favorite foods for fear it would make the pain worse.

Luckily, there is hope for relief! And in my house, Prilosec OTC is a name we know well and turn to. My Husband is a chronic sufferer of heartburn, and he uses Prilosec OTC for relief from the pain heartburn brings.  Taking one pill a day allows you to stop the pain before it starts, and provides you with 24 hours of relief. 


Here's a little more about how Prilosec OTC works:


When you eat, millions of tiny pumps in your stomach lining create acid to break down food. Normally your lower esophageal sphincter (LES) works as a door, opening and closing to let food pass from your esophagusHEARTBURN GLOSSARY Esophagus: Tube connecting the mouth to the stomach; a passageway for food; part of the digestive system. into your stomach.




When your LES relaxes, excess acids flow up, or reflux, into your esophagus. This creates the painful sensation of heartburn.


Prilosec OTC works by directly blocking many of the active stomach pumps that produce acid before they start. Prilosec OTC is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). The way Prilosec OTC works to fight heartburn sets it in a whole separate class from other treatments such as histamine blockers or antacidsHEARTBURN GLOSSARY Antacids: Common treatment for heartburn symptoms, neutralizing acid in the stomach for a short period of time..

SPECIAL OFFER!!!

If you'd like to see if Prilosec OTC can work for you and your heartburn, now is a great time to buy it....through February 15th when you buy a 42ct pack of Prilosec OTC you get a $25 gift card!  Go HERE for more information!

GIVEAWAY!!!

One reader will win a pack of Prilosec OTC and a $100 American Express Gift Card!

 TO ENTER:

Please leave a comment telling me your favorite guilty pleasure food! (Mine would have to be chili cheese fries..yum!)

EXTRA ENTRIES: Please leave a comment for every extra entry you complete

1. Follow my blog on google friend connect
2. Subscribe to my blog by email
3. Add my button
4. Blog about this giveaway - leave a link
5. Like Ladybug Soup on Facebook
6. Follow me on Twitter & tweet about this giveaway (you can do this once a day) - leave the link.  You can use this this tweet if you'd like: Get Heartburn Relief with Prilosec OTC & $100 american express Gift Card!! (Giveaway from @Kelliebug ) http://t.co/8S7Sa3a #POTCBOGO 

Giveaway will end January 27th at 10pm Pacific Time.  Winner will be chosen via random.org and will be emailed directly.  Winner has 48 hours  to reply or a new winner will be chosen.

Disclaimer:  No payments were made for this post.  I will be receiving a sample of the mentioned product.  All opinions given are honest and my own....different people may have a different experience with product.

I'd blog everyday....but...my hands are occupied holding my sweet baby!

At first, my baby was so sleepy....I could barely keep her awake long enough to eat!  She'd sleep through everything, any noise, no matter where she was sitting or laying.

I foolishly thought this time around I had gotten a good sleeper.  A more mellow, relaxed baby.

Pretty sure I was wrong, LOL!!

All of a sudden she hates to be set down.  She'll only sleep in my arms.  If I have to eat or go to the bathroom, I set her in her swing.

And she cries.

Poor little peanut! 

I think it may have something to do with reaching her real due date.  It's like she perked up now that she is actually old enough to be full term :)

So blogging is a little hard to do one handed, that's why it's been quiet here lately.  Pics are easier to post, so here ya go!