mamaluv
Member Since: September 8, 2006Reviews
Garnier HerbaShine Hair Colour
I bought this product because I've never tried an ammonia free colour and was intrigued by the Bamboo extract ingredient. What I loved: * tons of shine * silky soft hair * a thick healthy feel to my hair which has been dyed many times and... +
I bought this product because I've never tried an ammonia free colour and was intrigued by the Bamboo extract ingredient.
What I loved:
* tons of shine
* silky soft hair
* a thick healthy feel to my hair which has been dyed many times and needed a little TLC
What I wasn't so crazy about:
* this product is designed to blend grays, not necessarily cover them. I think it did what it promised, but should have had a little better coverage. I found my grays were still a little more obvious than what I expected.
* for an ammonia free product, I was surprised at how strong the scent still was. Not a bad smell, but it was noticeable even a wash or two later
* I too needed extra conditioner and would have liked better quality gloves.
Overall, this is a very solid product that if you want to add richness, shine, and a healthy texture, you are in very good hands. I would buy it again.
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Brownline Ecologix Weekly Planner
Reviewing a weekly planner seems silly until it's nearly the end of the year and I'm desperate for a new one! I have used many planners over the years and never really lusted after one... until now. The Brownline Ecologix line of planners... +
Reviewing a weekly planner seems silly until it's nearly the end of the year and I'm desperate for a new one! I have used many planners over the years and never really lusted after one... until now.
The Brownline Ecologix line of planners is made from postconsumer recycled (=PCR) material - read here: the stuff you actually put in the receptacles, not just "factory recycled" products - as follows: paper (100% PCR), cover (50% PCR) and wire binding (90% PCR). The paper is acid-free and the inks are vegetable based. It even has helpful eco tips on every page for greener living.
In short, it's a planner you can "feel good about".
The planners are available in different sizes, colours, and layouts (weekly, daily, monthly). I have the weekly layout and just now placed my Amazon order for the 2011 version. I highly recommend it!
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Gerber Ultra-Thin Nursing Pads
I would not have survived the first few months of nursing without these Gerber pads. As in, the in-between parts when you're out in public and suddenly you realize the faucets have fired off without a baby attached. These breast pads have a... +
I would not have survived the first few months of nursing without these Gerber pads. As in, the in-between parts when you're out in public and suddenly you realize the faucets have fired off without a baby attached.
These breast pads have a moisture proof backing that will protect your bra area from getting wet in the same way a panty liner helps down below. They are disposable and extremely thin so they are completely unnoticeable and don't crinkle and rustle the way thicker ones sometimes do.
However, the moisture proof barrier means that your skin can't breathe, so if you've been sweating or have had a let-down, you really must change the pad. It also only absorbs a certain amount, so if you're experiencing a heavy let-down I suggest you cross your arms over your chest, applying pressure (that usually slowed and/or stopped mine after a few seconds).
Even if you're not planning to nurse, the first few weeks of milk coming in and then ebbing away may mean you'll leak. Nursing pads are must-have, just trust me on that ;)
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The First Years Newborn to Toddler Reclining Feeding Seat
I have an older version of this seat (see the pics with the darker blue background and blue checkered cushion. At the time I bought it, I needed something compact that was extremely portable. That meant that the conventional high chair style was a... +
I have an older version of this seat (see the pics with the darker blue background and blue checkered cushion. At the time I bought it, I needed something compact that was extremely portable. That meant that the conventional high chair style was a no-go.
Later, when we moved into a larger place and had another baby, we felt no need to upgrade. For one, because we were so pleased with the versatility (more on that in a second), and second because we liked the space saving aspect, as all you need is a regular kitchen chair to strap it in place.
This seat has 2 (or 3?) height levels and can recline 2 notches backward. The table clicks into place and is just as easy to remove (that is, for adults - it is kid safe), and the three point safety harness was more than adequate to keep my kids in their chair.
This means you can use the deepest reclining position for feeding your littlest ones, put it upright for older infants ready for table food, and adjust the height downward to accommodate a child of up to 4 or so years old when they're ready to transition to a regular chair. At that point, I didn't use the table any more and just scooted the chair right up to the table so the little folks could eat like big ones. They really loved that!
The seat can be taken apart partially and the cushion unhooks easily so you can throw it in the laundry. The seat fits in my kitchen sink so I can wash it fairly thoroughly (this is another problem with regular high chairs - good luck on that one).
Best of all, this little number is so inexpensive and compact that grandma and grandpa can keep one stashed in their storage for when you come to visit. I love this little chair!
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Pampers Baby-Dry Diapers
I agree, the Pampers Baby Dry line is definitely my favourite disposable diaper (with Costco's Kirkland Signature a close second). I have tried every single brand probably, and these are the ones I kept coming back to. Best of all, sales and... +
I agree, the Pampers Baby Dry line is definitely my favourite disposable diaper (with Costco's Kirkland Signature a close second). I have tried every single brand probably, and these are the ones I kept coming back to.
Best of all, sales and coupons are easily located, so you can still be a brand snob and pay generic prices (or even better).
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Graco TotBlock Pack 'n Play Playard
If all you need is a basic, easily transportable pack 'n play, then look no further than the simple Graco TotBlock Pack 'n Play. It collapses quickly for storage or to pop in your trunk and comes with a carrying bag. The mesh sides allow... +
If all you need is a basic, easily transportable pack 'n play, then look no further than the simple Graco TotBlock Pack 'n Play.
It collapses quickly for storage or to pop in your trunk and comes with a carrying bag. The mesh sides allow baby to see what's going on and have plenty of fresh air while minimizing the impact of a sudden burst of air (like opening your front door). It has a simple reinforced mat that is perhaps 1-1.5 inches thick, so it gives them a little cushioning but still all the support they need.
It is not good for older children who might be ready to climb out, as it can quickly tip over if big kids are straddling the top bar (learned that one the hard way), but for infants, it's the best bed-away-from-home you could wish for.
I thought about one of those playards that has the extra doodads like a removable changing table, etc, but honestly, I find things with more parts to ultimately be a hassle and likely to interfere.
I used this playard for all 3 of my kids and it's still in fantastic shape. Recommended!
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Nintendo Wii
Love playing the games, love the Netflix feature (have gotten rid of cable TV and switched to antenna for local stations only - who needs that when you can stream most of your fave shows for $8/month unlimited??). We bought this for our kids last... +
Love playing the games, love the Netflix feature (have gotten rid of cable TV and switched to antenna for local stations only - who needs that when you can stream most of your fave shows for $8/month unlimited??). We bought this for our kids last Christmas and haven't regretted it.
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Johnson's Baby Shampoo
"No More Tears" - yeah, pretty close at least! If it gets in baby's eyes, they'll still be annoyed but it definitely does not seem to sting the way other soaps and shampoos might. Such an economical product and it has the perfect baby... +
"No More Tears" - yeah, pretty close at least! If it gets in baby's eyes, they'll still be annoyed but it definitely does not seem to sting the way other soaps and shampoos might.
Such an economical product and it has the perfect baby scent - I fiddled around with other brands too but this was a mainstay in my bathroom.
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BabyBjorn Baby Carrier Original City Black
I received this as a hand-me-down with no instructions, so I was unaware until long after my kids grew out of it that it could convert into front facing (!). Oh well... The series of snaps, straps and buckles makes this difficult to just hand off... +
I received this as a hand-me-down with no instructions, so I was unaware until long after my kids grew out of it that it could convert into front facing (!). Oh well...
The series of snaps, straps and buckles makes this difficult to just hand off to grandma without training her how to use it, but once you have the technique down, it wears very comfortably and I felt my baby was always securely in place.
I had received a cheapo baby carrier for my baby shower, and having this quality version was a difference of night and day. In both cases the baby seemed well supported, but it came down to how it wears on mom/dad! I experienced back pain from an overcompensating posture with the cheap carrier but found this BabyBjorn to be extremely comfortable to wear.
This is a product where it makes sense to pay a little extra to get a good quality. Put it on your wishlist for a birthday or Christmas present, or save up yourself - just don't buy the $20 version because I promise you you'll end up buying a better one in the end either way.
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Evenflo Big Kid DLX Belt Positioning Booster Seat
I bought this transitional car seat when my kids outgrew their baby seat, around 30lbs. It features a removable back to transform into a basic booster for larger kids (up to 100 lbs) until they are legally allowed to ride in cars without boosters... +
I bought this transitional car seat when my kids outgrew their baby seat, around 30lbs. It features a removable back to transform into a basic booster for larger kids (up to 100 lbs) until they are legally allowed to ride in cars without boosters (I think it's 80 lbs and 4'9"?)
There are belt adjustments on both sides so you can freely move the seat to different locations in your vehicle. There are also popout cup holders, a 3-sided head support, and 2 teeny reading lights (I'll confess, I have never put the batteries in because I just know they'll be drained quickly - my kids will certainly forget to turn them off!).
This is a fairly basic model, and while it may seem a little flimsy, once positioned properly in your vehicle it does the job perfectly. You'll quickly learn that big kid boosters don't need to be fancy - they just need to prop your kids up a little so the crossbody seatbelt fits appropriately. The best part about the light construction is that it's convenient to switch from car to car as needed. These types of seats to not need to be anchored as you are using your car's own seatbelt, not a harness mounted to the carseat (like a baby carseat).
Bottom line: A good basic convertible car seat - thumbs up!
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