My faithful readers know I keep singing the praises of Twitter and all the wonderful, resourceful Mompreneurs and Mommy Bloggers that I’ve met through that new Social Media phenomena. I’ve also made some terrific contacts through the other social networking sites I belong to.

Dara Blaker, President of Helpful Hallie’s has contacted me to review a new product called Mighty Miracle Mist.

When my youngest daughter was a toddler, her bedroom was over the garage. We live in an old New England town, and our house has quite a bit of … character. Each night in order to get Pumpkin to get to sleep, we had to spray the half closets with “closet monster spray.” I guess we were ahead of the curve ~ even then!

Mighty Miracle Mist takes that thought one step further, and improves on it by offering a product that:

…[P]uts the principal of redirection into action. Redirection means, “to send in a new direction or course.” When working with children, instead of always saying “No” or “Don’t Do That or offering a threat of punishment, children are given an instruction in order to change their behavior pattern.

Children can be positively redirected to behave appropriately using Mighty Miracle Mist.

I received four 2-oz. Spray bottles entitled “Good Thinking & Pay Attention; Good Night; Cooperation & Sharing and; Kind Voice & Good Manners.”

Each bottle has a different color identifier, adorned with a cute Teddy Bear.

Ingredients are identified as: Purified Water, Safe and Non-Toxic Plastic Confetti. One can see the plastic confetti in the bottle which makes it look attractive.  Instructions caution to “spray the air, not the child” to reinforce the expected behavior.  However, once sprayed in the air, we weren’t able to see the confetti, but mentioned it was like “fairy dust, and magical.”

The product is recommended for children ages 3-6.

Made in the U.S.A.

The product is useful for for parents, teachers, homeschooling and caregivers ~ as a Grandmom, that means me too!

Visit http://www.mightymiraclemist.com for more information.

Moomettesgram’s Musings is hosting a Giveaway Contest!  For a chance to win Mighty Miracle Mist:

Leave a Comment on this post after visiting http://www.mightymiraclemist.com and let me know why you’d like to win Mighty Miracle Mist.

Now for extra entries (each task will get you 1 extra entry):
~Subscribe to my blog through my feedburner link (on the top of my left column)
~Add my button to your sidebar or add me to your blog roll.
~Blog about the contest on your blog, linking back to my blog and the post.
~Go favorite or fan me on Technorati, Digg, or Stumble  (the link is on my left column if you scroll down) or both.

~Tweet about this contest.

Make sure you comment separately for each task after the required entry task so you will get credit for each one ~ and leave your e-mail where you can be contacted.

This contest will run until November 26 at approximately 11:00 pm.  Winners to be chosen at random. US & Canada Residents only.

When my youngest daughter who’s now 21 was a toddler, the only way we could get her to go to sleep at night was by listening to music. Several of her favorite storybooks came with accompanying music tapes.

Back then, she had a tape player ~ you may or may not remember them ~ the kind where if the thin tape got twisted or stuck that was the end of everything? Can you imagine what it was like trying to get my toddler to sleep at that point?

We actually still have the special tape player and many of the same books, which will probably be passed down to my daughter’s children if she ever has any.

I’m delighted to have the opportunity to review some absolutely stunning illustrated storybooks from the publishing group, The Secret Mountain.

I received three different storybooks from The Secret Mountain collection:

Dream Songs Night Songs: From Belgium to Brazil
A Duck in New York City
Down at the Sea Hotel

Each storybook came with an accompanying CD filled with music that compliments the story and is attached to a pocket on the back cover.

My granddaughter, ‘Lil Moomette just recently turned two. Our favorite out of the collection is the Down at the Sea Hotel. The CD includes 14 performances and additional printable files, along with lyrics and illustrations.

I recognized several of the songs immediately ~ “Goodnight, My Angel” , written by songwriter Billy Joel; as well as other songwriters including Neil Young.

These would make perfect Holiday, Birthday or anytime gifts for your child, grandchild, niece, nephew, family friend or home schooled children.

Much like her auntie’s favorite books and tapes, these delightful story time books and CDs from
The Secret Mountain are destined to become cherished favorites of ‘Lil Moomette.

Please share with me your child’s favorite bedtime ritual ~ I’d love to know if any other children listened to music like my youngest daughter did!

Visit http://www.thesecretmountain.com for more information.

For the last two Tuesday nights at 9:00 pm. Eastern Time, I’ve been participating in Girl’s Night Out on Twitter over at Mommy Gossip.  You can do a Twitter Search using #GNO to see all the posts.

It’s so much fun and I’ve met some terrific new Twitter friends and connected with current friends.

The topic this past Tuesday night was Holiday Dishes and Drinks.  There’s some wonderful new recipes posted that I’m going to be trying.  I had several requests for my Bacon Cheese Roll Up Appetizer and Chocolate Mini Marshmallow Velvet Fudge recipe (my Mom’s, and my favorite when I was a kid) that Mommy Gossip was kind enough to feature this week after the event.

GNO is also sponsoring a Virtual Food Drive ~ GNO Gives Back.

Please join me in supporting this worthwhile cause so all American families in need can indeed, have a Happy Thanksgiving.

Visit Mommy Gossip~Cares at http://mommygossip-cares.blogspot.com/ for more information.

Follow me on Twitter on Tuesday November 18 for discussions on Charities we love and how we We Can give back.

Need To Create A Fulltime Income From Your Online Business But Can’t Seem To Figure It Out?
Work At Home Mom Blueprint Has The Answers You’re Looking For.

When my girls were toddlers and beyond the sippy cup stage (we called them tippy cups,) my husband and I tried to get them to drink from a cup with a straw. If you’re a mom or grandmom of a toddler ~ you might be thinking that’s easier said than done.

Inevitably, my daughters would end up taking the straw out and playing games with it or dropping it all over the table or on the floor.

At some point we found a cup that had a built-in straw in it and that was the answer to our dreams!

My oldest daughter is now 25 and a mom herself. ‘Lil Moomette, my granddaughter who just turned 2 in October, is very proficient using a straw, and has been for quite some time. But alas, the games continue! Grandpa and I have been searching locally for the elusive magic cup with the straw in it, but had been unsuccessful.

To my delight, I was contacted by Jennifer Anderson, a WAHM and owner of Lil’ Chillers to review what I think is the ultimate answer to many a mom of toddlers who are learning to drink from a straw!

Lil Chillers is - The Next Step in Sippy Cup Evolution

Made of unbreakable BPA-free polycarbonate, Lil’ Chillers™ have a non-skid bottom and easy-grip sides for little hands. Lil’ Chillers™ are tip-resistant and designed with a flared straw which prevents children from removing the straw from the cup.

Lil’ Chillers™ are for everyone—smaller children, older children and even adults. They are also great for preschools, daycare and even the elderly who may have trouble drinking from an open-mouth cup.

The website also provides an extensive list of FAQ’s providing information regarding straw drinking for a child who has special needs or receives speech or occupational therapy.

These cute cups are for toddlers 18 months up, and come in six colors.

I think they’d also be great for making smoothies as the straw is large enough for any liquid to pass through!

What I like about Lil’ Chillers cups are that they are top-rack, dishwasher safe. Additionally, the plastics used are Bisphenol A (BPA) safe for human use. What’s even better is that replacement straws are available if the need arises. The company also has a Return Policy in place.

If you’re a mom, grandmom or aunt and are looking for a terrific cup to keep at home or for gift giving, please visit http://www.lilchillers.com to learn more.

I actively participate in Twitter & Facebook and met Barbara Schantz who sent me a delightful new product to review!

Barbara is a mom of not one, but two sets of twins.  As if she’s not busy enough, Barbara is also  mompreneur owner of Baby Dipper, LLC, and the designer of The Baby Dipper Bowl.

This bowl allows parents to feed a baby using only one hand and helps toddlers learn to feed themselves.

My daughter, mom to ‘Lil Moomette who just turned two, also has her hands full as she has a new son, Slugger, who was born in August, 2008. When they’re over, it takes both of us to try to feed the kiddos, so I can’t even imagine having two sets of twins!

My Charming Son-In-Law is a twin and has a sister who’s 14 months younger than him, so his mom and I always have conversations about what it was like when he and his siblings were younger!

Sales of The Baby Dipper Bowl launched in July 2008. What makes this versitile bowl so unique is that it’s triangular shaped, measures 4 inches long, 3 inches wide; 1 3/4 inches deep (10 cm x 7.5 cm x 4.5 cm) and holds 4 fluid ounces.

The Baby Dipper Bowl has a non-slip base gripper bottom, so it stays in place on a smooth surface, and won’t slide around. It has contoured interior guides enabling easy transfer of food to spoon. Additionally, it’s transparent, and allows easy viewing of how much food is left in the bowl.  The Baby Dipper Bowl comes with it’s own spoon featuring a nicely curved handle, for ease of use.

Microwave safe ~ exercise caution with hot foods
Hand Washing Recommended

Grandmoms ~ Aunts~Sisters & Friends! This nifty bowl will make an excellent Baby Shower, Newborn or Holiday gift this season!

Barbara would like to offer my readers a coupon code to use for purchasing The Baby Dipper Bowl.  Use CODE MOOM1108 to receive 10% off between now through November 30, 2008.

Visit http://www.babydipper.com for more information.

Long before I started both of my blogs,  opened my eBay Store and established my Virtual Assistant business,  my sister-in-law was a work-at-home mom.  Always marching to the tune of a different drummer, SIL completed her undergraduate degree in her 30s; then her Master’s, and became a self-employed Graphic Designer.

My sister-in-law’s graphic design business became very successful, and she worked virtually 24-hours a day, and well into the wee hours of the morning.  It was very common for family members and friends to feel it was OK to call her at any time, as she was “usually home.”  It wasn’t until I started working at home that I realized how important it was to convey the message to family and friends that “working at home” is actually just that…Work.  The setting may not be a traditional office setting, but nonetheless, one is still working.  Therefore, it’s important to keep in mind several factors to keep yourself focused rather than distracted.

No matter what type of online business you are in, or how you communicate, you will find there are a number of reasons that you will need to use a telephone. You may need to soothe clients who need to hear a real human voice or you might need to find a way to communicate with your colleagues that is more immediate than that of a simple e-mail or chat session. The problem is, however, that phone use, whether it is through a landline or through a cell phone, can cause you plenty of problems, especially if you let it get out of control.

For many of us, nothing is more simple or instinctive than calling someone up to chat. While we may want to keep it professional, there is a good chance that we will spend a lot longer on the phone than we thought we would, and before we know it, the day has sped by and our efficiency is shot. The work we intended (our intentions are always good in the beginning aren’t they?) to get done is being put off until later. Have you ever experienced this? This may be a sign that you need to think about your phone use and how it is affecting the bottom line in your business.

There are many tell tale signs that your phone calls are distracting you from your real work. One way to determine just how much affect phone usage has on the productivity of your business is to time your phone calls. How long are you spending on the phone? Keep in mind that when you get on the phone, you are breaking up your work. Once you finish the call and head back to the task at hand, time is also spent refocusing on what you were doing prior to the phone call. Put together all the time that is devoted to your phone calls during the course of the day, from getting the number, to talking on the phone, to getting back to work. The time that you spend “on the phone” just might surprise you.

Next, think about how often you actually take calls. Do you feel as though the number of calls that you are taking detracts from your ability to work, or do you feel as though it contributes? You may find that other phones ringing is enough to distract you, or that if the phone stays silent for too long that you get nervous or antsy. Any of these symptoms might be a sign that you need to form a plan to get out of this productivity killing dilemma.

All hope is not lost however, even if you live with your phone what seems like attached at your ear. In order to combat the time wasting telephone and start making your phone calls and in turn your other tasks productive for your business, try putting this practice into place.

Begin by setting up a rough call time limit based on your average call time. You will need to find out just how much time you spend on the phone using the steps mentioned above beforehand.
Next, make sure that you know what topics need to be discussed before you call anyone. This is an important way to make sure that your call is not out of control and lasting longer than it should. This step alone will make planning your time better and get more done during your work time.

Although it’s not always easy to determine when someone else will call, you can implement these same strategies for calls you receive. Screening calls will also help reduce or even diminish wasted talk time. Remember that your time is valuable and your business is important, so don’t let the telephone distract you anymore than you have to.

It’s hard to believe, but even though I have one daughter who’s 21, I still get slipped little notes to “Santa” about what’s on her Christmas List. When she was little, I always used to save her lists and put them in her baby book. Its fun to drag out the baby books and reminisce every now and then.

If you haven’t started your holiday shopping yet and are looking for some neat stocking stuffers, Bella Sara is a trading card game that’s complimented by the magical online land of North of North ~ home to the beautiful horses pictured on Bella Sara trading cards. Bell Sara has captured the hearts of young girls across the country, offering positive, inspirational messages.

The Bella Sara family of horses is expanding as they welcome Baby Bella foals, complete with new trading cards featuring gall of the brand-new babies. On November 6th, the website is kicking off a 10-day celebration where kids can qualify for daily prizes, print of babies’ birth certificates, read stories, and get access to special codes and more.

Each card is approximately the size of a playing card, and features an inspiration quote and comes with a checklist.

Whether you’re looking for something unique for your own daughters, nieces or granddaughters, these cute cards are worth checking out!

Baby Bella Card Packs will retail for $2.99 each, and are available at major retail outlets, booksellers and toy, hobby and equestrian shops in North America.

For more information, visit http://www.bellasara.com

Now that we’re officially enjoying a gorgeous fall in Connecticut, one must keep in mind that we’re coming into the cold and flu season.

The crisp New England mornings, frost-on-the-pumpkin and sounds of the heating furnace reminds us that the windows are officially shuttered for the season. One of the things I like best about fall is that first smell of wood-burning stoves waifing through the air.

One of our family members is a fat, lazy, spoiled 11-year old house cat. Occasionally he tries to escape (why, I don’t know ~ he has it so good here.) He became a member of the household when my daughter, now 25, got straight-A’s in 8th grade. We previously had a purebred Black Lab that lived to be 12, and then we were fur-free for awhile. It soon became evident that darling daughter….might be allergic to cats.

I’m pleased to have the opportunity to review Clorox® Anywhere® Anti-Allergen Fabric Spray.

Clorox® Anywhere® Anti-Allergen Fabric Spray helps to reduce common indoor allergens such as cat dander, dog dander and dust mite matter up to 90 percent. This is important to our family since I now have two grandchildren whom I’m fortunate to see almost on a daily basis! Lil Moomette just turned 2, and Slugger, my new grandson, is 2 months old.

When darling daughter was younger she was the typical teenager ~ and we all know how most teenagers are always on the go, and we constantly have to remind them to pick up their rooms. My, how times change. After living away at college, she actually became a changed person! Not to mention that my Charming Son-In-Law has some wonderful qualities in the housekeeping department!

If the pacifer gets dropped on the carpet ~ it’s immediately boiled for 5 minutes!

Now I can use Clorox® Anywhere® Anti-Allergen Fabric Spray for any soft fabric surfaces around the home where indoor allergens can thrive: cushions; upholstered fabrics; curtains; carpets; bedding; stuffed animals and pet bedding. When used as directed, it’s safe to use on virtually all fabric surfaces, and gentle enough to use around the kids and pets ~ it’s dye and fragrance free. When sprayed there were no harsh fumes.

Clorox® Anywhere® Anti-Allergen Fabric Spray has a fine mist trigger that won’t leave behind any harmful residue on fabrics, which is great since ‘Lil Moomette climbs all over, and the kitty likes to get comfy in the winter.

Clorox® Anywhere® Anti-Allergen Fabric Spray retails for approximately $2.99 and is available in home care iaisles of major retailers, or online at www.clorox.com. For further information, you can also call 1-800-277-1860.

I’m fortunate that I get to see my grandchildren almost every day. ‘Lil Moomette is at such a terrific age ~ her little mind soaks up everything like a sponge. What’s fun now is that she’s learning to express her creativity with crayons, coloring books and paper.

Fortunately, I have the opportunity to review the Aquadoodle Draw N’ Doodle Mat from Spin Master.

Aquadoodle Draw N’ Doodle Mat is no mess magic ~ the pictures children draw on the mat magically disappear without any mess to clean up (which usually, is left to Grandma.) With the Aquadoodle Draw N’ Doodle Mat, you just add water to the Aqua Pen and voila ~ watch as the kids have fun drawing pictures that magically appear on the doodle mat!

This unique toy inspires their young imaginations and artistic talents whether they kiddos are playing on their own, or with their friends.

The Draw ‘N Doodle is a large, soft, fabric mat that is great for either individual or group play. Additionally, it’s durable and re-usable ~ the fabric mat can be used over and over again for hours of no-mess magical fun ~ which is great for Grandma too!

What I particularly like about it is that it’s non-toxic, rolls up and is easy to store!

The Aquadoodle Draw N’ Doodle Mat is the perfect creative playtime activity to keep on hand for when the grandchildren come to visit, home schooling, travel, or as a gift for the upcoming holidays!

Age Range 2+ years.
Suggested Price: $24.99
Available at all leading toy retailers.

Anyone with a 3-year old knows how much they luv to take a “tubby” bath. I remember those days well. Either they fight you to no end, or they enjoy it so much that they don’t want to get out!

As a grandmom, I babysit quite often for the little darlings, and get to relive the experience all over again with ‘Lil Moomette!

I’m delighted to have the opportunity to review Bath Blizzard, by Spin Master.

The Bath Blizzard, a bubble machine,

…creates fun by releasing a waterfall of bubbly foam fun for the tub that your children can actually clean with.

Bath Blizzard can be securely hung on the faucet using the adjustable strap for a clutter-free bath.

This fun, compact bath bubble-maker hangs securely onthe side of the tub via suction cups, with just the turn of a knob, a waterfal of soapy bubles goes spilling into the tub. It’s sure to make bath time a blast for evn the most water-averse little tyke! 

Now where with this ingenious idea when my children were little?

The Bath Blizzard consists of a tears-free formula that is

• HypoAllergenic

• Pediatrician and Opthalmologist Approved

• Hypo-Allergenic for Sensitive Skin

• Wheat-Free

• Fragrance-Free

• Paraben-Free

Additionally, Bath Blizzard comes complete with a Battery-operated Foaming Machine; with strap for stability on the side of tub, 2.54 fl.Oz. Bubble Bath Concentrate (which is enough for 10 baths) and is Refillable.

Ages 3+

Available at Target,Toys R Us and Walmart.

If you’re looking for a unique Birthday Gift or present for Holiday gift-giving this season and for more information,  visit Kid Kleen at http://www.kidkleen.com/