Mommies United Has Moved

Please check http://www.ordinarymother.com/ for all new content.

We were so happy with our home here, but wanted to move forward. We thank you all for your support and hope you continue to join us at our new home. We will be continueing Mega Reviews so please keep pitching us your ideas!

If you have any questions or concerns please email delandkristin@hotmail.com

Changes Are Coming

We just really want to say thanks to the loyal readers who keep Mommies United going. We have so much planned for 2009 and we are excited for changes!

If you don’t remember Katja joined the team recently and we are so excited to have her on board for the new year.

If you are new to Mommies United check out Amanda, Christine, and Kristin. Christine has so much going on for 2009 including a big wedding anniversary. Amanda is excited about planning her daughters Fancy Nancy birthday party. And well Kristin is pregnant, and still going to school. Katja just got a doggie and we are so excited to see what the new year brings her.

Stay tuned for 2009 Mommies edition. 2008 we offered some of the best giveaways, and mega reviews. This year it’s all about YOU!

Stay with us, add us to your blogroll so you can keep updated.

Beethoven's Big Break DVD & Giveaway

Do you remember the classic movie Beethoven? He is every one's favorite dog! Well he is back with an all new movie! Beethoven's Big Break.

Although animal handler Eddie (Silverman) works with lots of creatures, he has a strict NO PETS ALLOWED policy and won’t let his son Billy keep adorable stray dog Beethoven and his family of puppies. But when dog-nappers steal the canine star of the movie Eddie’s working on, the studio big shots must quickly find a replacement and unexpectedly cast the lumbering canine as their next big star. Through his rambunctious antics and larger-than-life personality, Beethoven not only crashes into Hollywood but into Eddie’s heart as well.

Bring together one mega-popular pooch, an all-star cast, some of today’s hottest music and a barrel of bouncing baby St. Bernards, and it all adds up to Beethoven’s Big Break! The all-new adventure comes exclusively to DVD on December 26, 2008 from Universal Studios Home Entertainment. This full-length comedy stars Moises Arias (Rico on “Hannah Montana”), Jonathan Silverman (“The Single Guy”), Daytime Emmy ® winner Jennifer Finnigan (“The Bold and the Beautiful”), Rhea Perlman (“Cheers”), Joey Fatone (“Dancing with the Stars,” ‘N Sync), Stephen Tobolowsky (“Heroes”), Oscar Nunez (“The Office”), Eddie Griffin (Undercover Brother) and Cesar Millan (“The Dog Whisperer”) in his feature film debut—and introduces Pete The Lizard! A fresh and funny re-imagination of the hugely popular franchise, Beethoven’s Big Break is jam-packed with more action and laughs than ever before.



BARKIN’ HOT BONUS FEATURES:
The Beethoven’s Big Break DVD contains a kennel full of exciting, exclusive bonus features, including:

· DELETED SCENES
· GAG REEL: Over 10 minutes of fun moments from the set.
· MOISES STEALS THE SHOW: Filled with direct-to-camera hijinks, this piece features Moises Arias acting, joking, and playing.
· HOW DID THEY DO THAT?!: Animal trainers Mark Eschevarria and Dave Sousa tell us how they trained three dogs for the role of Beethoven while Dog Whisperer Cesar Millan explains the keys to working with animals.
· FEATURE COMMENTARY WITH DIRECTOR MIKE ELLIOTT AND STARS JONATHAN SILVERMAN AND MOISES ARIAS!



Read Our Mommies Thoughts:
Katja's family loved this DVD.

WIN:
We have FIVE (5) Copies to giveaway!

ENTER:
To enter, leave us a comment and tell us one of your favorite scenes from any of the Beethoven movies!

THIS GIVEAWAY WILL END ON JAN. 10th

It's The Sick Season.. Be Prepared with Vicks!

It's the flu season and were sure that sometime during the winter at least one person in your household will find themselves sick. It could be you, mom! So why not get prepared now with some great products from Vicks.


New* Vicks Germ Free Humidifier - kills 99.999% of bacteria

The new Vicks Germ Free Warm Mist Humidifier features a patented UV light chamber that kills up to 99.999% of bacteria, mold and spores in the water vapor that enters the air, offering more protection for families. Pediatricians recommend running a humidifier to help soothe cough symptoms and clear stuffed up noses, especially important for children whose smaller nostrils get stuffed up more easily.


Easier-to-Read Thermometers

Temperature taking can often be a daunting task for new parents who don’t have experience interpreting the meaning of their child’s temperature. Vicks digital Fever InSight Thermometers feature a large color-changing display to help parents know when fevers are getting better or worse at a glance. Taking accurate readings in as little as 8 seconds, the Vicks SpeedRead InSight Thermometer and Vicks ComfortFlex InSight Thermometer even feature a memory recall to help parents track the progression of their child’s fever.


Now Moms Can Trust Their Ear Thermometer

The Braun ThermoScan ExacTemp Ear Thermometer is the fastest and most accurate way to take an ear temperature measurement – even in the middle of the night with a sick, fidgety child. This advanced thermometer features patented ExacTemp technology, a heated tip and positioning guidance system used by pediatricians and hospitals worldwide. Proven more accurate than rectal and temple measurements, the Braun ThermoScan ExacTemp Ear Thermometer is the ideal choice for first-time parents.

Here are some safe, natural remedies for children of all ages if you're in search of alternative treatments given the FDA's advisory against use of cold and cough medicine in kids:

1. Capsules, Powders, & Potions Beware: Keep in mind that herbal
supplements should not be given to children. Vitamins should only be
given under the direction of the pediatrician. The FDA doesn't regulate
OTC supplements. Because young bodies process drugs differently, kids
may be especially vulnerable to side effects.

2. No Honey for Infants: Honey should not be given to children
under the age of one as it may contain bacterial spores that can cause
infant botulism, a rare and serious form of food poisoning. Infant
botulism affects a baby's nervous system and can result in death.

3. H2O & You, not Babies: Drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water
each day as it flushes out toxins and serves to rehydrate the body.
Keeping the body hydrated through water consumption is important so that
mucus membranes are also, in turn, hydrated and thus able to effectively
expelling virus particles. Babies under the age of one should not drink
water unless advised by a pediatrician.

4. Warm vs. Cool Mist Humidifiers: Humidifiers are a solution to
coughs and stuffed up noses as they hydrate mucus membranes, helping the
body expel germs more effectively. Look for bacteria-eliminating
features like in the Vicks GermFree Humidifier, which features a
patented UV light chamber that kills up to 99.999% of bacteria, mold and
spores in the water vapor that enters the air. For maximum safety in
the nursery, use a Vicks Cool Mist Humidifier.

5. Saline Drops vs. Spray: For nasal congestion in babies,
consider using nasal saline drops, which are gentler, and a bulb syringe
to help loosen and clear mucus. For older children, you can use a nasal
saline spray.


Read Our Mommies Thoughts:

Christine shared her thoughts on what it's like to be sick as a large family, and how Vicks can help!

Amanda & Kristin's thoughts will be up in January during their Baby Month feature!
Katja's thoughts are coming soon!

Président Brie Log For the Holidays

Were sure that most of you are probably planning some great Holiday Parties to go to and also to host. Are you thinking about what foods to serve? Or hors d'oeuvres?

President Cheese Brie Log offers a tasty and easy Holiday snack. President has so many wonderful cheeses to choose from as well. If you visit the website you can learn about what cheeses taste good together and also which cheeses taste good with what wine.

Here is some great recipes you can use for your Holiday Entertaining!

As easy as 1, 2, and 3:


Brie, Chutney and Red Currant
· Place President® Brie slice on a cracker
· Top with ½ teaspoon of chutney
· Add 2-3 red currants


Brie, Cherry Tomatoes, Pepper and chives
· Place President® Brie slice on a cracker
· Place ½ cherry tomato on cheese
· Top with a thin slice of yellow pepper and chopped chives


Brie, Raspberry Preserve and Kumquats
· Place President® Brie slice on a cracker
· Top it with ½ teaspoon of raspberry preserves
· Add a small wedge of kumquat

Brie, Kiwi and Red Currants
· Place President® Brie slice on a cracker
· Place one thin slide of peeled kiwi
· Add a few red currants

Brie, Apple, Walnuts, Cinnamon and Honey
· Place President® Brie slice and a thin wedge of apple on cracker
· Top with walnut half
· Sprinkle with cinnamon & drizzle with honey


Brie, Fig and Orange Marmalade
· Place President® Brie slice on a cracker
· Top with a small wedge of fresh fig
· Add a dash of orange marmalade

You can read our Mommies thoughts:

Amanda will definately be having a Brie log at her Holiday Party!

Katja, Christine & Kristin's thoughts are coming soon!

Sweet N Simple Designs

We are sure over the past few months you all must have noticed our Blog Makeover right? We all just love the colors and how it looks, all thanks to Shera at Sweet 'n Simple Design.

Yes, we all had a say in what we liked, and trust us it wasn't easy putting four ideas together into one design, but Shera did such a wonderful job. We had a few re-dos and changes and tons of different little banners to re-do as well.

Shera offers many wonderful blog designs, she does design for blogger, wordpress and typepad. You can see her portfolio HERE.

Shera also offers other products, like business cards, mommy cards, even Etsy designs.

Shera also has her wonderful SNS Blog Design Blog. She offers many pre-made and beautiful blog designs. We love all of her designs!

SNS Blog Design believes that every blog's design should be as unique as
the blogger behind it. We specialize in affordable premade blog designs for
MOMS!

Read Our Mommie's Thoughts:
Amanda, Kristin, Christine, & Shanda's thoughts are coming soon!

Elfing Around Winner

The winner of the Elfing Around Dolls Giveaway is:

ellen cunningham said...

My sister has an elf for her daughters. They look for him every morning. I think it's cute how intrigued they are with him. I would love to try one with my son. I would like to win the bot set. Thanks for the chance.\

Congratulations! Please send us your address ASAP!!

Kiss My Style!

Part of her latest collection Megan Hughes' new purses are 100% unique and 1 of a kind. There are only 1 of each available!

These were made from hand spun & hand dyed wools & acrylics & cottons. So fun and full of like they will add a little spice to your fall wardrobe!These purses can be purchase at Kiss My Style.

We know it's cold out and were all about bundling up and being warm. Megan offers some beautiful scarves. She also offers scarf sets for babies as well.

And how neat are her hair bobby pins? Materials Used: Cashmere, Bobby Pin. She also offers custom orders on many of her items! So please go check her out!

The Popcorn Factory Winners

Congratulations to the following three people who each will receive an item of their choice up to 30.00 dollars.

NateAndJakesMom said...
I worked for them when I was in high school (they are no longer in CA & have long lamented this). So, I have had all of their flavors & I would love to get the 3 1/2 gallon 4 way tin. Flavors? Gosh, I guess, Jalapeno, Double Cheese, Cheese and Caramel. Gosh, my mouth is watering!

Sharon Harmon said...
The Gold Stars & Swirls Snack would be a perfect New Year's gift for my mom-in-law! My dad-in-law passed away 6 weeks ago and she's been dealing with a lot, so I think this great snack combo would be something she could enjoy as she cuddled up to a good movie and pampered herself. Thank you for the contest!

nickyle said...
I would get the Happy Birthday to You Fun Pail and the Jelly Belly® Machine for my sons upcoming January birthday. This would be a hit at his birthday party!! (He will be 10...yikes! Where did the time go?). Thank you for the chance to win. Happy Holidays to you and yours.

We have emailed each of you so please check your spam folder if you don't see an email from Amanda. We would like to have your prizes out ASAP!

Hassle Free Holiday Travel

If your traveling this Holiday season, be sure to stop off at Walmart, Target or Toys R Us to pick up some essential travel items from Munchkin.

Each of us Mommies received a few of these awesome travel items and we all agree, we wont go anywhere with out them!

A few items we highly recommend are the Snack Catcher and the 10oz Straw Cup.


The Snack Catcher - No more spilled snacks on the floor or car seat. Our clever Snack Catcher cup keeps bite-sized snacks inside the container until little fingers pull them out. Even if it tips over! The soft flaps make it easy to access and the little finger cleaning bumps are a special plus for keeping nearby surfaces cleaner. This is one snack holder that will catch your attention...and keeps messes to a minimum!

Domed container holds 9 oz. of dry snacks

Protective bottom keeps tabletops scratch-free

A place to write child's name on the bottom

Pack of 1 or 2 Snack Catchers

The Mighty Grip™ 10 oz. Straw Cup is a must have for families on the go. Just think, a toddler cup that won’t spill when it falls…not even the slightest leak out of the straw. Thanks to our brilliantly designed straw valve and uniquely contoured shape, this cup and its contents will stay put in little hands. The straw is made of soft silicone for comfortable drinking. Cheers to care-free sipping!

• Holds 10 oz. of liquid
• Top rack dishwasher safe
• For kids 2+ years

Munchkin offers many wonderful products, from feeding, to bath, sleeping, on the go, potty. If you need a baby item chances are they have it. What is great about Munchkin is that you can purchase these items just about any place that sells baby products. Walmart, target, Toys R Us, even your local grocery store!

Read Our Mommies Thoughts:
Katja agrees, the Snack Catcher is a must have!
Amanda loves the Snack Catcher,
Kristin's thoughts are coming soon!
Christine's thoughts are coming soon!

The Popcorn Factory Giveaway

Looking for a fun gift but just don't know what to buy this year? Why not a fun Holiday Popcorn tin from The Popcorn Factory? Yes, our kids love popcorn, as most do and they all enjoyed the yummy 3 way Popcorn Tins we each received!

A perfect gift for any family is the Big Snow Celebration Baskets . Your gift recipients will be ready to celebrate once they have this thoughtful gift in hand. A re-usable, Big Snow design container comes in 2 sizes, both filled with Cinnamon, Ranch and Chocolate Drizzled Caramel corn, 4 nutty-caramel Pixies®, chocolate chip cookies, honey roast peanuts and candy cane nuggets. Add 5 more Pixies®, foil-wrapped chocolate snowflakes and a tin of Pixie® corn and it's a Deluxe Basket. Now, that's a celebration!

The Popcorn Factory has items for everyone, from kids to even corporate gifts. If your going to a Holiday party this Christmas season why not take one of the fun tins with you as a hostess gift?

You can send other types of popcorn tins too, they have them for every holiday and every season! To see everything they have to offer just visit http://www.thepopcornfactory.com/

Our Mommies Thoughts:
Katja and her family loved the popcorn.
Amanda and her fmaily enjoyed the 3-way popcorn tin.

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED!

Family Dinner Box of Questions

The Box Girls offering games to create great conversations!

The Box Girls is a lifestyle brand that designs, markets and distributes fun, whimsical, and meaningful gift products with exceptional packaging. We make games to create great conversations for any and every occasion!

Our Box of Questions is an original series of games that ignites dialogue. Over 250,000 boxes in this successful series have been enjoyed by families and friends across the globe. These clever, age-appropriate, party and holiday
themed question-games instantly unite any group while re-establishing the art of
storytelling.

Yes, us Mommies have truly enjoyed the Family Dinner Box of Questions. The Family Dinner game is guaranteed to inspire fun and meaningful conversations at your family dinner.
Family conversation starters to break the ice and spark discussion beyond the mundane question “how was your day?”

Questions like:
Where is the coziest spot in your home?
What is your favorite time of the day?
Do you have a family rule that is unfair?

A unique family game to help foster better family dinner conversations.

These fun box of questions make a wonderful gift this Holiday season, or a perfect hostess gift. Going to a Holiday party? Bring along one of the Christmas Box of Questions.

Read Our Mommies Thoughts:

Kristin featured them in her Holiday Gift Guide
Christine featured them in her Entertaining and Hostess Gifts article.
Amanda would love to play the Christmas Box of Questions this year with her family.

Mommy Cards

Have you ever been at the park or a play date and one of your mommy friends says "lets get together" and you then have to look around to find a piece of paper AND a pen so you can jot down your million phone numbers? Yes, we have been there too. Thankfully Mommy Cards is there to help!

Mommy Cards are a stylish, easy way to make play dates and create new friendships for you and your little ones.

Similar to business cards, Mommy Cards present your contact information to make introductions turn into actual play dates. Mommy Cards are printed with a glossy finish on the front and a matte finish on the back. The glossy front provides a sophisticated look while the matte back makes it easy to write notes about your availability for play dates! These cards are the standard business card size and weight.



Read Our Mommies Thoughts:

Amanda loves the fun and bright colors used.
Kristin featured them in her Holiday Gift Guide
Christine's thoughts are coming soon!

nomie baby car seat cover

The nomie baby car seat cover is an easily removable, waterproof, washable cover for your infant or toddler/convertible car seat. It has elastic edges allowing it to fit most standard car seats, such as the Britax Roundabout and the Graco brands. No need to cry over spilled milk, or worse!

When the nomie baby car seat cover gets dirty, and it will, simply take it off your car seat leaving the existing one in place, throw it in the washing machine then dryer, and slip it back on your seat.

Each of us Mommies love using our nomie Car Seat Cover. It has been very helpful for those times when our kiddos have spilt juice, or dropped a french fry full of ketchup on in.

Read Our Mommies Thoughts:

Kristin featured them in her Holiday Gift Guide
Shanda uses her Nomie Cover on Korbyn's carseat!
Amanda featured them in her Amazing Baby Products post.
Christine's psot will be up shortly!