Book Review The Happiest Baby Guide to Great Sleep by Harvey Karp, M.D.

Dr. Harvey Karp is tackling the #1 problem plaguing new parents, exhaustion. The Happiest Baby Guide to Great Sleep by Harvey Karp, M.D. is a great resource for parents. I know what your thinking, if exhaustion is the #1 problem plaguing new parents when are they going to have the time to read a book. Dr. Harvey Karp, M.D. makes reading up on sleeping tips a breeze. The Happiest Baby Guide to Great Sleep is a quick read and is organized so that you can read the chapters for your child's age or sleeping problem. I think that this book would make an excellent gift for expectant parents as it is well written and helps address concerns/myths etc to help put new parents at ease. I also think that this book would make and excellent resource for veteran parents. Sometimes we can get so exhausted or busy that we spin our wheels. Dr. Harvey Karp gives practical sensible advice that even the most sleep deprived parents can use to quickly get their baby's sleep on track. This book also contains sleep advice for toddlers up to age 5. Check out The Happiest Baby Guide to Great Sleep site to read more about the author and the book.

From the publisher and One2One Network, Dr. Karp's surprising insights include:

• How to train brand new babies to sleep better: Infants can be taught to sleep at least one extra hour from the first weeks of life! Dr. Karp shows how to safely boost baby sleep in just days.

• What’s the best white noise (and which ones worsen sleep): The right white noise (low pitched and rumbling) is the key to good sleep—even through teething—for all babies. Plus, it even gives parents a more restful sleep

• Why parents should always wake a sleeping baby: For good sleep, babies must learn how to self-soothe. The best way to teach babies how to fall back to sleep—when they rouse in the middle of the night—is to wake them just as they’re being put into bed.

• How to enjoy the benefits - and avoid the risks - of swaddling: Swaddling dramatically improves a new baby’s sleep. Yet, many states are shockingly banning this ancient parenting tool. Smart moms should do it and Dr. Karp will teach them how to do it properly and safely.

• The importance of powering down: Staring at bright screens at night (TVs, computers, phones) can wreak a toddler and a parent’s sleep.

• Easy "no-cry" tips that end infant and toddler bedtime struggles in just days!

Authors website : 

• http://bit.ly/YdHHXP

THE HAPPIEST BABY GUIDE TO GREAT SLEEP: Simple Solutions for Kids from Birth to 5 Years (William Morrow Paperback; On-Sale: March 19, 2013; $15.99; ISBN: 9780062113320)

Disclosure: “I am participating in a book review campaign with One2One Network. I received this book from Harper Collins for the purposes of reviewing it. I have not received compensation. My participation in the campaign enters me into a drawing for a gift card. All opinions stated are my own.”

The Abbey Road Sessions, Kylie Minogue Album Review

Just in time for the Holiday season Kylie Minogue is releasing her newest CD The Abbey Road Sessions.  Fans will want to make sure to get their copy as this CD features 16 songs from her 25 year career.   Songs include hits and previously unreleased works making it much more than a "hits" cd.  I will admit that this is the first CD that I have owned by Kylie Minogue but I am very happy to add it to my collection.  This would be a great CD to put in for "girl's night out"!

Really? It's been 25 years?  Wow, where does time go?

Track # 4 Hand On Your Heart really stood out to me.  It really captures her unique crystal clear sultry vocals.  It's a catchy tune that I can picture myself belting out around the house or listening to while relaxing.  La, la, la, la  la, la, la.... Can't Get You Outta My Head (Track 11) is one of my favorite Kylie Minogue songs and the reworked version on this CD is my favorite.  The Abbey Road Sessions beautifully pairs Kylie Minogue's vocals and orchestral arrangements.  Don't be fooled by "orchestral arrangements" this CD still delivers upbeat songs that Kylie Minogue is known for.  I've enjoyed listening to this CD several times while reading emails and catching up online.

Want to check it out for yourself?  The video below is an excellent sampler of the works on this CD.  I know it's almost 9 minutes long but go ahead give it a listen while you are getting caught up here on StuffSmart.  I'd love to know what you think.  Which song/s is your favorite?

The Abbey Road Sessions Track Listing:

1. All The Lovers

2. On A Night Like This

3. Better The Devil You Know

4. Hand On Your Heart

5. I Believe In You

6. Come Into My World

7. Finer Feelings

8. Confide In Me

9. Slow

10. The Locomotion

11. Can’t Get You Out Of My Head

12. Where The Wild Roses Grow

13. Flower

14. I Should Be So Lucky

15. Love At First Sight

16. Never Too Late

A few facts that I didn't know:

• Kylie has been celebrating K25, her 25th Anniversary in music, all throughout 2012. It has been an extraordinary career so far—60 million global album sales, multiple hit singles, global tours, and industry accolades—all of which has permanently cemented her place in music history as a bona fide superstar.
• Kylie is a breast cancer survivor and donates her time to American Cancer Society, as well as amFAR for AIDS research.
• Kylie’s latest single “Flower” is a song she wrote several years ago following her battle with breast cancer, to the child she wishes she might one day still have.

Kylie Minogue's The Abbey Road Sessions is available for purchase:

• via iTunes
• via Amazon.com Deluxe Edition (Special offer: Buy a CD, get $1 in Amazon MP3 Credit. Limit one promotional credit per customer. see details on product page)
• via Amazon.com Standard Edition (Special offer: Buy a CD, get $1 in Amazon MP3 Credit. Limit one promotional credit per customer. see details on product page)

*Disclosure:  I was provided a free copy of this CD through One2One Network for review.  By posting, I am eligible for incentives.  All opinions stated are my own.

Graco Recalls Classic Wood Highchairs Due to Fall Hazard

NEWS from CPSC and HC

See full recall information:
Graco Recalls Classic Wood Highchairs Due to Fall Hazard

Disney 2012 Resuable Halloween Mickey Mouse and Friends Tote .99 +tax (after rebate) ~Today Only ~

Today only you can pick up a 2012 Reusable Halloween Mickey Mouse and Friends Tote for just .99 + tax after rebate.  Best of all no rebate forms are required.  The rebate is for ShopAtHome.com members and applies directly to your account when you go through your ShopAtHome.com homepage.  Not a ShopAtHome.com member?  Sign up HERE for $5 sign up bonus.  ShopAtHome.com is a rewards site for online shopping.  They offer daily deals like the one listed in this post.  Best of all I like that the rewards are applied directly to my account without having to fill out any rebate forms.  Just make sure you shop through the link from your Shopathome.com account and they will do the rest.  Shipping is free with code TREAT entered at checkout.  Limit 1 rebate per ShopAtHome.com account (see site for full details).

Free ebook for Kindle: Zack & Zoey's Alien Apocalypse -or- Alien Busting Ninja Adventure by MJA Ware limited time only on Amazon.com Save $2.99 ~Children's ebook

Just in time for back to school MJ Ware is releasing a new graphic e-book for kids.  Zack & Zoey's Alien Apocalypse -or- Alien Busting Ninja Adventure is sure to get the attention of young readers.  I haven't read it yet but I've downloaded a copy and have added it to my list, if Funsmart doesn't beat me too it.  I really like that the author is dedicated to writing stories to draw in even the most reluctant of readers.  As a parent, I also appreciate that the author creates fun and appealing stories without the use of cursing or strong language.  Thank you!  Make sure to download your copy and show your support for the author.  Free Downloads are available August 15 & 16, 2012.  Regular price: $ 2.99

Check back as I'll be having a giveaway coming soon with some of this author's works.


From the Author:
When hungry aliens begin their 'rain' of terror, break out the umbrellas—the aliens can't eat you with an umbrella shoved in their huge mouths.Looking for yummy human tenders, Admiral Nact-bauk invades the local school. Zack and Zoey lead the counterattack armed with rulers, protractors, and dodge balls.They might have a chance, if Nact-bauk didn't gulp down the only teacher brave enough to stand up to him. Even worse, he forces Zoey onboard the alien vessel for dinner — along with a bucket of honey-mustard sauce.Zack will do just about anything to save her. If Principal Blathers won't help, Zack sees no choice but to 'borrow' the principal's car. Chasing the alien saucers, he meets up with a wrinkly WWII hero who thinks he knows the alien's weakness: electric toothbrushes.\Wielding only umbrellas and battery-powered dental weapons, things look grim. Even if the pair manage to rescue Zoey, there's the small matter of escaping a spacecraft flying at over two hundred miles an hour.Can you say, Jetpacks?
Zack & Zoey's Alien Apocalypse is 17,000 words (about the same length as The Wimpy Kid series). It's a kid safe book with no cursing or strong language and features over 50 full-color images.

Discovery Girls Magazine Subscription and Cover Creator App Giveaway at AnnIam.com

If you don't already follow AnnIam.com I would recommend that you do so.  She has something for everyone.

Enter to win her Discovery Girls Magazine Subscription and Cover Creator App:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Sara Chronicles by L. Hughes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Sara Chronicles is a debut book series by L. Hughes.  This is the first book in the series and introduces you to Sara and sets the scenes for future books.  Sara is a great teen with a not so great life.  Despite being mistreated at home she is able to feel deep inside that she is special.  Sara later finds out how special she is and about her gift and connection to others with similar gifts.  She learns that she and two other children are connected and hold the power to help in a battle between good and evil. The author eloquently weaves the story of good vs. evil while including very important lessons about self esteem and other issues such as family dynamics.  This is a great read for middle grade and teen readers.  I am an adult reader and really enjoyed Sara Chronicles.  This story is very well written without strong language, violence or questionable subject matter.  I look forward to following the series through.

Disclosure: As a member of Reader's Spoils, I was given a copy of The Sara Chronicles in exchange for my honest review.  The opinions expressed are my own.


View all my reviews

Goodreads Star Rating System:

  It was amazing

      Really liked it

          liked it

              it was ok

                 didn't like it

Available in paperback and e-book:

Toys R Us Recalls Imaginarium Activity Center Due to Choking Hazard

Toy Recall:  See The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) notice:
Toys R Us Recalls Imaginarium Activity Center Due to Choking Hazard

Earth Day 2012

Do you celebrate Earth Day?  Small steps made by each one of us can help make a big impact on our environment for years to come.  Do you reduce, re-use, recycle?  If not I encourage you to do so.  Most communities have a local recycling program.    Terracycle is a great way to turn unused items into usable items and earn money for your local school.  You can sign up easily online to send items to Terracycle and choose the school to have the funds sent directly to.  Terracycle accepts many items that local community recycling centers don't.  Shipping is free!  You can download a shipping label then simply drop your boxed items off to the nearest UPS and your done.  

Happy Earth Day!

Numi Organic Tea Available at Shoplet.com

I enjoy herbal teas so was thrilled when Shoplet.com approached me about doing a review for Numi Organic Tea.  I had never heard of Numi Tea before and was very pleasantly surprised by the quality of tea.

I received a Numi Organic Tea Sampler Containing 8 Flavored tea bags.  Take a look at the description on the box.  Notice that Numi uses only natural ingredients.  Numi does not use flavored oils or fillers.  Also notice the certified organic and kosher seals.

The flavors included:

• Aged Earl Grey
• Berry Black
• Breakfast Blend
• Gunpowder Green
• Jasmine Green
• White Orange Spice
• Moroccan Mint
• Chamomile Lemon

One of my favorite herbal teas is mint tea so the first flavor I tried was Numi Moroccan Mint Tea.  Moroccan Mint was refreshing and had a full mint flavor.  Numi Orange Spice Tea was a full flavored blend with the great taste of real oranges.  I have tried various Chamomile teas but have never tried Numi Chamomile Lemon Tea.  This blend has a delightful lemon taste and full flavor of Chamomile.  The Lemon Chamomile was the only tea in this assortment that is caffeine free.  The Numi Aged Earl Grey Tea had a great Earl Grey flavor although I left the tea bag in my cup while I enjoyed this blend and found it a bit bitter at the bottom.  For best flavor with any tea you should remove the bag after steeping however when I brew a cup on the run I commonly leave it in my cup and only rarely have issues with bitterness.  The next time I enjoy Numi's Aged Earl Grey I will definitely follow the rules to avoid any bitterness.

In my opinion Numi offers quality full flavored natural herbal teas.  I would recommend Numi flavored teas to anyone who loves natural full flavored teas.  As an added bonus Numi supports fair trade and environmental responsibility.   Don't forget to pick up Numi Tea while shopping for office supplies at Shoplet.

*Disclosure:  I was provided with a Sampler of Numi Organic Tea through Shoplet for review purposes.   I was then able to choose a flavor of my choice for a complimentary box.  (I chose Numi Lemon Chamomile Tea) The  opinions expressed are my own.  I received no compensation for this post.