Just One Look Inside Duane Reade’s Happy and Healthy Magazine: All My Shopping Wants and Needs Were Met #DRHappyandHealthy

This week was so busy for me. While I was preparing for a very special visit to Orlando, Florida to cover the New Fantasyland at Walt Disney World, I still had to get things in order at home for my family. As I was about to wash a load of laundry, I realized that I had already used up my last cup of laundry detergent! Since I still had a few items to get for my trip, I knew that I could find them all at Duane Reade. I was recently introduced to the Happy and Healthy Magazine and I was instantly attracted to it. The Happy and Healthy Magazine is easy to navigate, ways to win $100 gift cards, save money with Balance Rewards, and tips on how to stay healthy when at home and on the road.

Since I was on the hunt for laundry detergent that was free of harmful chemicals, I found just what I needed in the introduction of Ology in the most recent issue of Happy and Healthy Magazine. I really liked how this quote from Dr. Phillip Landrigan, renowned pediatrician and director of Mount Sinai’s Children’s Environmental Health Center in New York, was featured. Dr. Landrigan said, “Today, we have sophisticated scientific research tools that show us that childhood exposures to chemicals found in everyday, common household products can be permanently affecting a child’s health and brain development.”

 

In addition to Ology Laundry Detergent, Ology Bath Tissue, Ology Facial Tissue, and Ology Paper Towels were also introduced. The bath tissues are 100% Tree Free! The Ology Bath Tissues are made with sugarcane husks and quick-growing bamboo, which regenerates in as little as 6 months.

These products are already at an affordable price, but I was able to save with my Balance Rewards card! If you don’t have this card, you will want to get one for sure. You can earn 10 points per $1 you spend on select over-the-counter products. The points add up so quickly. Why not cash in on your savings and treat yourself to something…sweet!!

I really love shopping at Duane Reade, and you can too! Before you go, see what products are on sale as well as helpful hints and tips to live your healthiest life possible! The Happy and Healthy Magazine is available online, check it out here. You can also check out more items from Duane Reade online at duanereade.com.

See how I navigated my way around Duane Reade and what other great items I found here in my google + album.

Engage in conversations with Duane Reade, tweet to them on Twitter and “Like” them on Facebook. When you are shopping, check-in on Foursquare and watch them on YouTube.

 

Disclosure: I am a member of the Collective Bias™ Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias™. All opinions expressed here are, as always, entirely my own. #CBias #SocialFabric #DRHappyandHealthy

How Does Your Garden Grow?

While I was sitting here fighting off a writers block my husband watered our plants. In fact, he is the only member of our family that does this. He is the main manager of all of the plants and flowers in and around our home. I am proud to say that he is very, very excited about 2012 International Flower Show next week. Is this odd?

When we first got married, he always brought me a beautiful bouquet home on Friday. In order to cut back on some of our expenses, he decided to plant our own flowers. Not only did that help save us money, it also brought beautiful arrangements that are with us at all times. It is no wonder he can’t wait for the The International Flower Show has something for the entire family.

International Philadelphia Flower Show Ticket Giveaway

If you are looking for a family outing for the first week in March, consider The International Philadelphia Flower Show. This is a show for the entire family and you could win 4 tickets to attend right here. I am giving away 4 tickets! Just so you know, the tickets are for general admission and can be used by adults or children. It is so easy to enter! This contest is now closed! Congrats to our winner Emily!

Leave a comment below and let me know how long it has been since you had a chance to see a flower show.

For extra entries:

1. Follow @primetimeparent and @philaflowershow on twitter

2. Send out this tweet:
I just might win 4 tickets to the @philaflowershow from @primetimeparent
#giveaway http://www.primetimeparenting.com

More details about the Philadelphia Flower Show:
When: March 4-11, 2012
Where: The Philadelphia Convention Center
12th & Arch Streets
Philadelphia, PA 19107

Times: Sunday, March 4; 8:00 am – 9:30 pm
Monday – Friday, March 5-9: 10:00 am – 9:30 pm
Saturday, March 10; 8:00 am – 9:30 pm
Sunday, March 11; 8:00 am – 6:00 pm

Cost: $27 per adult; $15 per child (ages 2-16) Purchase tickets here.

-Save money and buy a Family Fun Pack for $70 ($75 at box-office), which will get you entrance for 2 adults and 2 kids (ages 2-16), as well as a free one-year Family Associate PHS Membership, which gets you exclusive discounts and special deals.

-Service fees may apply when purchasing tickets.

-Revenues from the Flower Show benefit the year-round work of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and this year will support City Harvest as well.

For more information visit the website: www.theflowershow.com
Should you decide to spend the night in Philly, there are special hotel deals you can find here: http://www.theflowershow.com/ShowInfo/accommodations.html

This post is brought to you with support of the Philadelphia International Flower show http://www.theflowershow.com/home/index.html]. Find them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.

Clorox’s Green Works New Product Giveaway and $150 Gift Card for Ice Cream

Every since the weather warmed-up, the ice cream truck can be seen and heard by young children everywhere. I must admit, I love treating the kids to ice cream more than I should. However, the thrills and chills of the ice cream have me screaming when it is time to do the laundry.

Sometimes I wonder how much ice cream actually made it into my 3-year old son’s mouth. The amount of chocolate that landed on his (my) favorite polo is…a lot. Now the chills and spills of summer can be washed away and Clorox Green Works would like to give you the opportunity to test out these new products. They are even giving away $150 worth of ice cream for you to test it out at home!

Clorox’s Green Works brand cleaners is introducing two new naturally derived products that will make it easier to eliminate those tough spills and stains.

Sounds like a dream come true for me, but it can be for you too! I am giving away (1) Green Works summer stain-fighting pack that includes Green Works new chlorine-free bleach,
new Oxi stain remover and laundry detergent as well as a $150 gift card for ice cream to put the product to the test.

This is a contest you could win. All you have to do is leave a comment below and let me know what Clorox Green Works product you would like to try.

For additional chances to win:

1. Like primetimeradiance and Green Works on facebook
2. Share this contest on facebook
3. Follow @primetimeparent and @greenworks on twitter
4. Post about this giveaway on your personal blog
5. Twitter users can tweet this:

“The Chills & Spills of summer @Greenworks stain-fighting prize pak & $150 gift card 4 ice cream #giveaway http://bit.ly/4wxe8y”

Comments will close on August 10, 2011 at 11:59 PM PST. This contest is open to US Residents only. This contest is now closed. Congrats to http://www.frugalcalimom.com who won!!

Disclosure. I received product samples from Green Works and the $150 gift card for ice cream in order to review the product. The opinions in this post are my own.

Great Green Gift Giving This Chanukah And Beyond

(contirbuted by Audrey Matalon)
My husband always says business is A-moral. This depresses me. But more depressing is witnessing the greed that drives corporate America. We’re witnessing the moral bottom line hitting new lows; think Enron, Madoff, the housing market collapse. WHO says it’s ok to take advantage of people, countries, the earth??? WHO says it’s NOT ok?

Dapple. The Eco Store. HappyBaby. Nature Babycare. Healthy Child Healthy World …and Duane Reade

Duane Reade is seemingly not doing (corporate-American) business as usual. November 10th Duane Reade (57th St & 3rd) housed Healthy Child Healthy World event, hosted by NYC’s Big City Moms, showcasing thoughtful, natural products from the companies taking a stand for quality and integrity.

Does this mean Duane Reade is pro-consumer, conscious and eco-friendly? Is Duane Reade really “forward thinking” or finding new niche for old bottom line?
Which begs the question. While business is about a beautiful bottom-line, do we have to be asses to get it?
What’s the relationship between high profits and doing the right thing?

I just learned about Eco Store (“No Nasty Chemicals”) for the creamiest hand cream. Well really it’s moisturizer for BABY’s sensitive, yummy skin, but I need it more than him!http://www.ecostoreusa.com/babymoisturizer.aspx Great price point.
HappyBaby food is organic and affordable. My baby’s not eating food yet so I’ll have to get back to you in 3+ months. But it looks good; DHA, pre & probiotics, supergrains Salba and Quinoa! http://happybabyfood.com/about-us/our-promise

Nature Babycare is my new favorite diaper. I was feeling very guilty about not using cloth diapers. Now I’m a 1 week convert to Nature Babycare’s awesome biodegradable diapers. So far no leaks, no rashes, no clogging up landfills. I’m satisfied.

I have to mention Healthy Child Healthy World www.healthychild.org, an organization that’s taking the mask off bad business practices by getting information out. Their entire commitment is to educating the public about our environment, chemicals and how it effects nature, especially the children. In talking to them they pointed out a couple of great facts. One is that children can tolerate allot less of certain chemicals than adults can due to their size. Another, our environment is more polluted than ever.
Visiting their site is an education and quite frieghtening.
I hope it’s true…Knowledge is Power.
Such a worthwhile event. Thanks to Duane Reade.

 At Duane Reade/Big City Mom’s “Healthy Child Healthy World” event a beautiful bottom line = businesses making it their business to do the right thing.
Nowadays doing the right thing means going Green. And there are brands that are not compromising. What’s so awesome is their confidence that doing the right thing and profiting can join hands.
Dapple has been my favorite dish soap since before my baby was born. Co-owners, Tamar & Dana, showed up to get the word out about their green policy. Read about their commitment to healthy environments for children and the world on www.dapplebaby.com. I know if Dapple puts a product on the market (dish soap, dishwasher detergent, toy cleaner, toy wipes) I don’t need to read the ingredients. Completely trustworthy.

Tommee Tippee Spill Proof? I’ve Got It.

Since I’ve been raising children, I have introduced to various sippy cups from the time they could sit up by themselves. We have tried Nuby, Munchkin , and Playtex, but I have never been %100 satisfied and my kids uninterested.

Since I am constantly out to remove germs from various objects in my house, sippy cups have made that task even more challenging. Sippy cups with straws have been disassembled and the parts never found again. Silicone nipples have been chewed through and leaks have covered the bottoms of purses, diaper bags, and minivan floors more times than I can remember. Stoppers, the part that controls the speed and amount of liquid while the sippy cup is in use, have been removed for cleaning and never found again. I was constantly on the hunt for a reputable, leak-free, and BPA free sippy cup. I was introduced to the sippy cup of my dreams when I was approached by a public relations rep. for Tommee Tippee, Great Britain’s #1 Infant and Toddler Feeding Brand. Tommee Tippee was coming to the U.S, but like most Americans, I had never heard of this brand. As a mom on a mission to hydrate my toddlers in some way shape and form, I was eager to try out the sippy cup presented to me. It was love at first site. My four and five year old girls were even more excited and had already picked out their preferred colors before I had removed them from the packaging. Could something that looked so good be functional?

Yes and yes. The Tommee Tippee Explora line includes BPA-free toddler drinking and feeding products to help children and their parents through the weaning process – from first sips and nibbles to toddler independence and self-feeding – by easing transitions along the way and helping to reduce stress and mess at mealtime.  

Explora products feature advance-flo™ valves, designed by a physicist to require almost no force to drink from, thereby easing the transition to a cup while still remaining truly spill-proof and leak-proof. Each Explora cup is progressively staged with a specific spout and grip to meet the needs of every age while supporting natural oral development. Bright colors, appealing designs and coordinating mealtime products reflect the individual styles of moms and their children, while making drinking and eating fun. 

Closer to Nature bottles feature an ultra-sensitive anti-colic valve that lets babies feed at their own pace with less air, vacuum build-up and nipple collapse. The simply intuitive bottle shape provides a more comfortable hold and breastfeeding-like closeness. All Closer to Nature bottles are Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalate free. 

So, now that I’ve found these “succsipful” cups, where could I get more of them? Through an exclusive distribution agreement with Babies“R”Us and Toys“R”Us, Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature and Explora infant and toddler feeding products are available in the United States exclusively at babiesrus.com and in Babies“R”Us stores nationwide since January. The Tommee Tippee line will then be introduced in Toys“R”Us stores nationwide in March. Customers eager to purchase these products will have the opportunity to place pre-purchase orders online at babiesrus.com/tommeetippee.

 I am also giving away one Tommee Tippee 2-Pack Explora Truly Spill Proof Drinking Cup 9oz – 24m+ – Pink/Purple and One Closer to Nature bottle, all you have to do is:

1. Visit  http://www.tommeetippeeus.com and come back to my blog and leave a comment about what Tommee Tippee product you would like to try and why.

Additional entries:
2. Join my fan page on facebook here http://tinyurl.com/yfgnc8h

3. Tweet @primetimeparent is giving away Tommee Tippee 2-Pack Explora Truly Spill Proof Drinking Cup 9oz – 24m+ – Pink/Purple

This contest will end at 11:59pm, February 14, 2010..

For more information on Tommee Tippee and its products, please visit www.tommeetippee.comus, or find them on Facebook and Twitter @Tommee Tippee US

Tom’s of Maine Natural Toothpaste For Kids Saves The Delay

The other night my daughter had her very first sleep over ever-she’ll be five in February-and she made it-almost. The phone rang at about 4:30 am with a very tired mother and very upset daughter on the other end of the line. In his mensch like manner, my husband talked our crying daughter into a giggle.

I am excited that she is willing to go on such an outing, and she even remembered to pack her toothbrush and toothpaste. Somewhere between there and her, her toothbrush and toothpaste got lost. She wasn’t so upset about the toothpaste; she really disliked the taste and made faces every time she brushed her teeth-sorry honey. I guess that was meant to happen because that very same day I received a call from our downstairs neighbor. While we were away, he had received and accidentally opened a Fed Ex package that was for me. I was so happy to find a sample of Tom’s of Maine Children’s Natural Toothpaste Anticavity with Fluoride so I could review it and post on my blogs. With a flavor with a name like Silly Strawberry, how could my daughter not like it?

 Like it, she loved it! She even commented that it tasted like marshmallows-a world of improvement from her previous tube of toothpaste. Not only does it taste great-I tried it also, yum-but it is the only natural option to carry the ADA Seal of Acceptance! Tom’s toothpaste features naturally sourced sodium monofluorophosphate as its active ingredient to provide cavity protection and calcium to clean. Real strawberry flavor oils—not artificial sweeteners, dyes, or sparkles—are the basis for their kid-friendly appeal. And, it is Kosher and Halal…and that is a huge thumbs up for this kosher foodie mom. Vegetarians can also benefit from it being both Kosher and Halal. Why?

This was something I was not aware of until I participated  in the OU Advanced Kashrut Seminar for Women this past summer. Oh, Glycerin, how you can be both a blessing and a curse. As an emollient, an ingredient that helps to balance or maintain moisture levels, Glycerin is commonly derived from oils or created as a by-product of soap. These oils can be vegetable, animal, or petroleum in origin. The glycerin used in Tom’s toothpaste is domestically sourced and derived from soybean oil, canola oil, coconut, palm kernel oil, and palm oils. It is not derived from corn, does not contain diethylene glycol, and is not genetically modified. Thank you!!!

How would you like to have your kids reminding you that it is time to brush your teeth? You could win a sample of this total success story-I am giving away five tubes of Tom’s of Maine  Children’s Natural Toothpaste in Silly Strawberry- all you have to do is:

1. Visit http://bit.ly/4oHKMf and come back and tell me what product you would like to try and why.

Additional entries:
2. Join my fan page on facebook here http://tinyurl.com/yfgnc8h

3. Tweet @primetimeparent is giving away five tubes of Tom’s of Maine Children’s Natural Toothpaste Anticavity w/ Fluoride http://bit.ly/4Z0S6Z 

This contest will end at 11:59pm, January 30, 2010..

I did not receive payment for this post. I received samples of the toothpaste and had my daughter give it a whirl-I tasted it as well- in order to write a review of the product. The opinions and comments are my own.

Primetime Parenting And Ford Are Taking A Drive

  

It is already past 1:00 am and I am still twittering, copying, pasting, while reviewing my relationship with my mini-van. This is all for the good, as I get to test drive  the 2010 Ford Fusion, America’s most fuel-efficient midsize sedan and learn Eco-driving techniques. It’s also taking me down a road well traveled as I remember the variety of automobiles I have driven.  I’ve concluded that what I want now in a car is drastically different from what I wanted pre-mommy. After I became a mom for the first time at 37 years young (I am a 20 year old trapped in a 41 year old body), it wasn’t just about me and my husband anymore. In fact, my husband is a serious Volvo fan and won’t ever sell his car. It is 15 years old now and he still loves it as much as the first time he drove it off the lot. I asked why he loved this car so much and he replied promptly and proudly, “miles per gallon, seat warmers, trunk size, stereo sound, and acceleration”. That is great, but when we had a second, and than a third baby, the Volvo had to take a back seat to our main mode of transportation. Enter, Honda Odyssey. When I was single, a safe and affordable car was the solution to traveling back and forth from Columbia, Missouri to Chicago, Illinois. Once I graduated and I was employed, the priorities hadn’t changed except for my personal need for a convertible. That relationship ended shortly, as I traded it in for a year of traveling and working in Israel.

Life experience and three kids later, I am the proud parent of a Honda Odyssey and I love it! My DH and I joke about how we love our mini-van and still jam out to tunes (most of them are kid songs, but they sound great). My DH still drives the Volvo, but I take our precious cargo (our 3 kids) on many excursions. In order to be in Chicago in time for BlogHer, we drove 14 hour straight, from Queens, NY, to Chicago, IL. I felt less stressed because we didn’t have to rush and catch a flight. This journey was an excellent experience and I drove more than my husband for the first time. He was basically along for the ride and had to be on a plane back to NY just hours after we arrived in Chicago. He wasn’t complaining at all, in fact, he kept commenting on how comfortable he was in the back seat (in between catching some much needed sleep). He actually drove the most difficult leg of the trip, the 1:00 am-6:00 am shift. I am not such a fan of night driving, especially on a long stretch of highway. Thankfully, there was no traffic and he made really good time. I also learned the value of cruise control on long trips. I never knew that beside convenience, it also reduces the amount of gas used (I really never knew that). Our road trip experience was a very positive experience for me and my family. This road trip definitely has me prepped for a very exciting FordBlogHer event that I will be a part of this coming Thursday, July 23. I know you’ve already heard of Ford, but if you haven’t heard about BlogHer, you should check out blogher.com. What is it? My personal description of BlogHer is that it is an opportunity for women bloggers and the brands that want to reach them and everything else in between (parties, SWAG, technology, primping). It is no secret why a major corporation like Ford would be hosting a FordBlogHer event. According to “Marketing to Women” author Marti Barletta, women seek more advice from an auto authority (57 percent) before buying a new car; they spend more time in the purchasing process than men (17 weeks versus 15) and women shop at an average of three dealerships for best price and treatment. Thanks to Ford, I will be sharing “what women want” in an automobile with the people that can make it happen! Whether you drive a Ford or a Honda, there are certain things that you just don’t skimp on when it comes to the family cruising vessel. I’d like to include some of mine in this post, but I would also love to hear from you as a fellow mini-van maven. 

What is important to me in a car?

Gas mileage – With three kids and tuition fees, we need to save money on everything.

Comfortable seats – Our passengers range from kids to grandparents, everybody deserves a comfortable ride.

Cleans easy – Don’t even look and the damage from our road trip, I need something that cleans easy and easy to get in the nooks and crannies full of crumbs and juice box remains

Cup holders – Mommy needs her coffee just as bad as the kiddies need there sippy cups

Built in Car Seats – Is this possible? While were on the topic, how about self-buckling so I don’t have to get back there and do it.

Safety – Overall plus reliable windshield washers (I hate when the window gets schmutzy and I have to spray the cleaner constantly to see the road ahead).

Seamless pick-up – A smooth accelerator is critical when changing lanes, especially in Manhattan.

Entertainment – Built in cell phone holders, DVD in the back for the kids, and a CD player that can hold up to 20 (I should probably just upload everything to the IPOD already).

SYNC Technology – I don’t want to be bothered with headsets, dangling ear pieces, and sliding cell phones. Also, I want a built in GPS that will take directions from my mouth rather than pushing buttons.

So, what do you want? I am very interested in promoting child safety and will be joining a Ford safety expert and certified child passenger safety (CPS) technician who will demonstrate proper child seat installation and point out common errors that lead to an alarming 70 percent of seats not being installed correctly. 70 percent, that’s so not safe! I’m also very interested in learning about SYNC, Ford’s fully integrated in-car communications and entertainment system that allows customers to operate mobile phones music players by voice commands. Keep up with the conversation and link to Ford all over the web. If you are on Twitter, I will be tweeting, as will @ScottMonty and @Ford. You can also follow the conversation by using #FordBlogHer and by keeping up with @primetimeparent or @sheitelstroll.

I’ve Been Polished-Pledge NYC Mommy Blogger Event

I had never considered the idea of schlepping my laptop along with me to a nail salon until Katja Presnal invited me to a Pledge NYC Blogger Event.  I am very accident prone when it comes to electronics, so I kept my laptop at home.  However, I did indulge in a back massage and then I realized that I was wearing double spanx (people still ask me if I’m pregnant, my tummy is still, a tummy). I loved the manicure, but I had to pass on the pedicure because I had tried to soak my feet before the actual manicure to remove some dry skin. You know how you clean for the cleaning lady? I also scrub for the manicure lady.  My feet had been seriously neglected. In the process of shaving off dead skin from my heal (I know, too much information) I cut my heal.  Ouch! That hurt, but the show must go on.  I went out to the event with a big bandage on my left foot. In fact, the pedicure lady took one look at the bandage on my foot and said, “no pedicure for you”.

I learned how Pledge Multi Surface Cleaner can turn dirty surfaces into sparkling surfaces. This Multi Surface Cleaner is perfect for surfaces that have both wood and glass as well as electronics. However, when it comes to cleaning high chairs and baby toys,  Mom In The City and other fellow mommy bloggers agreed upon when we would/would not use the product. Mom In The City added, “When it comes to places where food is on/that we and our families might eat off of, we’d use more natural cleaners (i.e., method, Seventh Generation, etc.). However, no one is eating off our computers, televisions, etc., so those are the type of things that we would use Pledge Multi Surface Cleaner product on.” I wanted to add an additional cleaning product to that list, dapple baby toy wipes. Check out some of their green friendly and award winning products at dapplebaby.com.

You can try Pledge Multi Surface Cleaner and can get a $1 off coupon at How I Clean Now.  This is a really fun site and Katja is one of five bloggers that receive help with their cleaning challenges. As an extra bonus, Trish Suhr of Clean House  shares advice on cleaning effectively and efficiently (this is way too ambitious for me these days plus I am addicted to cleaning help). However, I did have to get down and dirty with my house cleaning without help a couple of weeks ago. The woman that usually comes was not available for 2 weeks. At the end of the second week, I had to roll up my sleeves and scrub, mop, and straighten on my own. I had to bribe my 3 children not to walk on the freshly mopped floor and vacuumed carpet. As a result, I had to listen to Dora the Explorer count in Spanish for a good four hours. I had no choice in the matter, 2 of my friends were sleeping over that night and a few more friends were coming over for lunch the following afternoon. This clean-a-thon really kicked my tush and I was in bed by 8:00 pm the entire next week.

Go Green and Save Some Green!FREE Mr. Softee soft serve Ice Cream in NYC!

 

 

 

Happy Earth Day! FREE Soft Serve Ice Cream in NYC and Sylvania Light Savings and More

 

 

 

 

 

 In honor of Earth Day and the iconic shape of a compact fluorescent light bulb, Sylvania will be driving a branded Mister Softee truck around Manhattan and giving out FREE soft serve ice cream and distributing product coupons for Sylvania CFLs. Switching to a CFL is still one of the easiest ways to both go green and save some green!

In particular, Sylvania is using Earth Day to tout its Living Spaces CFL collection which features an industry-exclusive, enhanced phosphor blend that delivers a warm, cozy light for the home. In the past, consumers have cited the harsh glare of older CFL models and put them in attics, closets or the basement. Living Spaces CFLs, however, are designed for the rooms we actually live in!

Not only do they last 13 years and save up to $56 over the life of the bulb. That means if you switch just one incandescent bulb you’ll save $56, switch five and that’s almost $300 in savings!