Mar 28 2012

#review and #giveaway of exergen thermometer

About the Exergen Temporal Scanner

It is an infrared thermometer that captures temperature by scanning the heat that comes off the forehead (via the temporal artery). This scanner is extremely useful and convenient because:

*It is non-invasive, easy-to-use (only takes 2 seconds) and extremely accurate.

*It will help parents avoid the painful experience of taking their sick child’s temperature rectally and uncomfortably.

*It merely takes two seconds and a gentle swipe, so parents can even check a sleeping child’s temperature.

website

My Thoughts on the Exergen Temporal Scanner

I needed this. I always lose the little thermometers. I never do find them (or the probe covers). And, when the pediatrician asks me if the girls have a fever and what’s their temperature – I’m never able to answer. Never. Cause I don’t know.

It does take a bit to get used to, but since the directions are on the back (facing you when you’re using the thermometer on your child), you’ll be able to *remind* yourself easily. You actually put the scanner on your child’s forehead while you’re pressing the on button. You then slide the probe across their forehead and release the button. When you turn it back over, the temperature is on the display. To turn it off, just press the button again.

Now I have a good-sized thermometer in my medicine basket chest, so it should never got lost. I don’t need any probes. It’s easy to use. I won’t have a hard time getting my girls to use it, and for those of you with babies there shouldn’t be any tears. Plus, it’s accurate.

The giveaway!

The Prize: One lucky Arms of a Sister reader will receive their own Exergen Temporal Scanner – a $50 Value!

How to Enter:

1. Tell me how you currently take your children’s (or your own) temperature. I keep losing the smaller digital thermometers, so I use the back of my hand to see if the girls have a fever! 1 comment, 1 entry.

2. Like Arms of a Sister on facebook. 1 comment, 1 entry.

3. Follow Arms of a Sister on twitter. 1 comment, 1 entry.

4. Like this post on facebook (top right-hand corner of this post). 1 comment, 1 entry.

5. Tweet about this giveaway (include the tweet URL in the comment) (top right-hand corner of this post). 1 comment, 1 entry per day.

6. Share this giveaway on facebook (top right-hand corner of this post). 1 comment, 1 entry per day.

7. Give me +K on klout. 1 comment, 1 entry per day.

8. Subscribe to Arms of a Sister by Email. 1 comment, 1 entry.

The Rules:

1. The giveaway ends April 10, 2012.

2. Ages 18+.

3. US residents only.

Disclosure Policy: I received a review thermometer to facilitate this review. Giveaway sponsored by www.rosica.com.

Mar 25 2012

KRLy Kids + Double Detangler = life saver for my sanity @Ouidad

About Ouidad KRLy Kids

Say goodbye to tears and tangles with Ouidad’s exclusive line of products created to gently cleanse, condition and style children’s curly hair. The KRLY Kids line is extremely gentle, moisturizing and easy to use, making bath time fun again for kids of all ages.

My Thoughts on Ouidad

KRLy Kids + Double Detangler = life saver for my sanity

I love this thing. I have to admit – that double detangler is heavy! For real! I didn’t expect it to be, but it’s practically twice the size of a regular, thick plastic comb, so it makes sense. It’s just that my hand wasn’t prepared. It’s funny looking too. And for $24 you’re probably afraid to spend it, in the event that it doesn’t work as well as it says it works. I don’t know why or how it works so well, but I can verify that it does. And so can my 6 year old. She didn’t want to see it coming, but I’m glad it did. Coco’s hair is ridiculously curly. Seriously. About every 1 1/2 weeks I spend at least 2 hours washing, conditioning, and detangler her hair. And within days I feel as if my work was all for naught. Ugh!

First I used the No Time for Tears Shampoo, then used the

No More Knots 2-in-1 Conditioner. Although you can leave it in, I rinsed it out – but not before I used the Double Detangler with it. Once the knots were out, and before I put Coco’s hair in a ponytail, I rinsed it out.

The first time we used it, it took even longer than 2 hours. We had a few knots to remove. There was lots of hair going down the drain. Just saying. You can see the knots in the picture on the left. I feel so bad, but I literally go through this almost every week. And while I wish that I could find an all-natural product to help me detangle her hair, 6 years later, the not-so natural products are winning. And, I’m thankful for them. Look how the knots have been transformed in the 2nd and 3rd pictures (after an hour). (That’s really not a bald spot, I promise.) Then there’s the final picture! Ta da!

Disclosure Policy.

Mar 22 2012

Cuisinart Giveaway!

(view more details on this prize)

a KitchenBlossom giveaway powered by Rafflecopter

Mar 21 2012

Doctor’s 5 Tips to Avoid Getting Sick on a Family Vacation

By Dr. Yael Halaas, MD

5 Tips to Avoid Getting Sick on a Family Vacation:

1. Sanitize everything! One of the first ways to ruin a vacation together is catching a cold on the plane. Carry antibacterial wipes and wipe down every surface you may touch on the plane. Wipe the belt buckle, food tray and latch, volume control, and armrests. The airline crew cannot clean all these surfaces between flights which can harbor contagious viruses and bacteria.

2. Wash your hands – especially before touching your own or a loved one’s eyes, nose or mouth. When travelling, it is impossible to avoid contact with surfaces that many others may have touched. To avoid those bugs contaminating your family, wash your hands.

3. Be proactive – On family vacations with everyone close together, take Cold-Eeze Cold Remedy at the first sign of a cold to shorten the duration, minimizing the amount of time you are sick to better enjoy your vacation. Cold-EEZE zinc lozenges have been found to decrease the duration of colds by nearly half in studies by Dartmouth Medical Center and the Cleveland Clinic. Also, by shortening your cold, it minimizes the chances of spreading the cold onto your family members.

4. Be prepared – Carry medications with you to minimize the impact of a cold or illness so you can all still enjoy your trip. Useful medications include analgesia like Tylenol or allergy medications for adults and children. Adults may also want to have some decongestants handy just in case.

5. Be healthy – Good hydration, good nutrition and exercise go a long way to giving the body the support it needs to stay strong.

Dr. Yael Halaas, MD, is a Board Certified ENT who specializes in the common cold. She has been quoted in US Weekly, Men’s Fitness, Prevention & Fitness Magazine.
•          Medical School – Cornell University
•          Yeshiva University, Residency in Otolaryngology
•          Yeshiva University, Internship in General Surgery
Board Certifications:
•          American Board of Otolaryngology
Professional Memberships:
•          American Medical Association
•          American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery.
•          American Academy of Otolaryngology- Head & Neck Surgery

Mar 20 2012

#bookreview: The Donkey’s Easter Tale by Adele Colvin

Book: The Donkey’s Easter Tale

Author: Adele Colvin

Illustrator: Peyton Carmichael

ISBN: 978-1589805934

Pages/Price: 32/$15.95

Category: Children’s/Picture Books/Religious/Holidays/Easter and Lent

About The Donkey’s Easter Tale

On the night of the Holy Nativity, Mary gave birth to Jesus in a manger, surrounded by lowly animals and humble shepherds. One such animal, the donkey, was present at the birth and had the honor and blessing to witness the beginning of what she called the Great Miracle––the life of Jesus Christ.

Inspired by the Scriptures themselves, Colvin presents a gentle and joyful account of the early life of Jesus from the perspective of the donkey. When Colvin realized that the Bible makes mention of a donkey both at the birth of Christ and on the occasion of his ride into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, she began to think about a relationship between the animals. This delightful picture book is the result, wherein the story of Jesus’ life becomes a cherished family legacy, passed down from grandmother, who witnessed Christ’s birth, to the grandson, who carried Jesus into Jerusalem the week before his crucifixion. From Jesus’ birth to the Holy Family’s flight from King Herod and the finding of Jesus in the temple in discourse with the Jewish scholars, the life of Jesus is celebrated by the humble animals who knew the blessing of serving Christ.

Review

This is the story of Easter as told by the donkey Jesus rode on, which I find to be a cute and fascinating way to tell the story. I expected to be able to read the story to my girls, but this is a lengthy book. It’s almost like a chapter book without the chapters. In order to read this story to my girls I had to break it up into multiple days, and that lost interest in my 6 year old. My 8 year old was more interested, but both girls would have preferred a shorter story.

It really is an interesting way to tell a tale, from the perspective of a “mute” participant who hears what’s going on, but who is unable to help, or stop the betrayal of Jesus. While the donkey is unable to talk to the people involved, she does get the chance to relay the story to her grandchildren. I like the story. I plan on reading it again with my girls this year, then putting it away for next year when it will hold their attention much longer. I still give it 4 out of 5 stars.

Disclosure: My disclosure policy.

Mar 19 2012

Three Easy Steps to Great Skin

Have you been thinking about trying a new skincare routine? Perhaps microdermabrasion at home is a good option. Some people might balk at the suggestion – isn’t microdermabrasion a pricey spa treatment? However, at-home kits are now available for a fraction the price of a salon, and can be used in the convenience of your own bathroom! Using your microdermabrasion at home kit is easy as 1, 2, 3. For example, The Starmaker Hollywood Red Carpet Makeover Kit consists of 3 products that will transform your skin into a new you: Micro Pearl Three-In-One Cleanser, Micro Pearl Abrasion, and the Overnight Skin Repair. The first step is applying the Micro Pearl 3 in 1 Cleanser.

This cleanser is applied morning and night. First apply a small amount to your face and gently massage in and rinse off. The Three-In-One Cleanser is formulated with genuine pearl and silk. A plus to applying this cleanser is that it gently removes your makeup while toning your skin. The second step when using this microdermabrasion at home kit is applying the Micro Pearl Abrasion.

After you cleanse your face, dip the Pearl Sponge into the Micro Pearl Abrasion and gently apply it in a circular motion to your face and neck. You should continue this for 3-5 minutes and then rinse it off. The final step is using the Overnight Skin Repair mask.

Three nights a week before bed, apply the Overnight Skin Repair mask to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Give yourself 15 minutes before bed for the mask to absorb in your skin.

The Hollywood Red Carpet Makeover Kit will gently remove dead skin and leave you radiant. Review this and other microdermabrasion products from online retailers like ShopNBC and get glowing today.