Christi: LaDonna, have you used your Fuji EnviroMAX batteries?
LaDonna: Yep, in lots of things like flashlights, remotes, and W's camera.
Christi: Well I forgot to charge my batteries before we left for Tuscaloosa, and forgot the charger. So I took some of Scott’s batteries and put them in my camera. They lasted for 2 pictures before dying! I was upset! I thought it was my camera. So I dug out the EnviroMAX AA's for electronics. I was really impressed. They lasted for about 200 pictures. My reusable batteries that cost a TON last about 300 pictures.
LaDonna: WOW! That's great!
Christi: I know, right!
LaDonna: That's similar to what Tammy said.
Christi: Now Scott's batteries were not Duracell or Energizer, but they were working in everything else. Most of the time I opt for the regular Duracell or Energizer and they last for 150 pictures or something; I normally don't get the ones for electronics.    I haven't priced these batteries, but for my camera, I'd buy them even if they were a little more, especially because they are environmentally friendly.
LaDonna: See I have only bought rechargeable Duracell for my camera.
Christi: I bought Fuji rechargeables that week too, and like them. I wonder if they will do the rechargeable ones in the environmentally friendly ones?  We should check online for that and for a price.

Christi: So what was your experience with them?
LaDonna: We put them in J's Mag-light (it takes C's). It was shining brighter than the store brand batteries.
Christi: Oh I bet with him being a fire fighter, that could be a great advantage!
LaDonna: except he never uses that flash light while fire fighting.
Christi: oh ok
Christi: He may want to now, if it’s that much brighter.
LaDonna: Yeah
Christi: Men sometimes treat their flashlights like their dogs (man's best friend). But I never have one when I need it, or the batteries are dead.
LaDonna: Yeah.

LaDonna: I put them in the remotes and I haven't noticed a difference but it takes a long time for store brand to run out of power in remotes. W has an old 35mm camera that we've put them in. They work great in there.

Christi: With these batteries, I'm not as worried about them being left in flashlights and things long term. cause if they leak, I don't think there's anything in there that will be harmful.
LaDonna: To me, batteries are batteries. I never worried before. But I do like that they are safer. And that they last longer than store brand. http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=fuji+enviromax+batteries The prices are comparable to regular batteries. that's important too.
Christi: Yep, 'cause even though I love the environment and all, I live on a very tight budget.
LaDonna: Yeah, we are living on one income too with 5 kids. I may just change brands of batteries whether I go environmental or not. To me, they are making an effort in that direction.

LaDonna: I can't actually buy them here in Canada. But I can order them online.
Christi: Oh, well that sux. If you do bulk, it should be less expensive too.

Kim: I thought the batteries were pretty good. I don't think anything I've used them in has ran out of juice. I'm sure a lot of people would think they would run out quick due to the fact they are environmentally friendly, but they seem to hold a good charge.

Steph: Nothing I used them in has run out and DH has used them in his xbox and he normally goes thru batteries left n right. I also used them in the flashlight.

Don't forget to enter our giveaway too.

The Colors Are Bright AND FUN!!!

Don't forget to enter our giveaway.

LaDonna: I have used my Mabel’s Labels on dishes, clothes and other things.  I have one picture of W holding a bowl with a label on it.
Christi: cool, send it to me!
LaDonna: Ok.
Christi: Which color combo did you get?
LaDonna: Hmm, purple, pink and blue I think.
Christi: I think what we got was the Princess colors; nope, it’s the Cotton Candy.
LaDonna: It's the Back to School Package that we received.
Christi: I put Kayla's first and last name on them and she picked a kitty for the icon.
LaDonna: Here’s the package we received for review - $39.00 for a pack of 50 Tag-Mates, 40 Skinny-Minis, 16 Shoe Labels, 2 NEW Teeny Tags.  Dishwasher/microwave-safe and UV resistant. Clothing labels are laundry safe.

There Are Lots Of Logos, Too. Great Personalization Options!

LaDonna: I had no icon and put H***** Family on it.
Christi: That's a great idea. We have a mixed family, so I just chose one kid.
LaDonna: I love these labels!  I have put them on toys, which W promptly removed.  I have put them on K's purse.  I put the metal tags on my 2 diaper bags.  I love them.
Christi: I was kind of disappointed by getting the Tag-Mates, because none of my kids’ uniform shirts have labels, but the pants do, and they've worked great for that.
LaDonna: Oh, I didn't put them on the tags, but then I haven't put them on an article of clothing specifically, just K’s purse.  I haven't used the shoe ones either.
Christi: I would have chosen the iron-in ones.  The shoe ones are wonderful. They are staying in much better than I thought.
LaDonna: That's good.
Christi: I liked the skinny minis too. They've stayed on thru dishwashing, and look like I just put them on.
LaDonna: Yeah, that's what I was going to say, Christi.  I expected fading and peeling.  Oh, I put one on my glass 9 by 13 baking pan. Nothing.  Looks brand new.
Steph: I just went thru the school clothes and am putting some on there.
Christi: They are stretchy kinda like, so they don't stay straight when you put them on.
Steph: I’m waiting to use mine on dishes until I get my Tupperware I ordered for the girls’ and DH’s lunches.
LaDonna: These labels look great too.  Not tacky.  Now when I take my dish to church, I know it will come back.
Christi: One actually got stuck to itself on the corner, I used it anyways, and washed it, and it still looks like it’s gonna stay on there.
LaDonna: Sweet.

Very, Very Versatile

LaDonna: I need to put some on my crock pot and its base.
Christi: That's a great idea; I wish they were oven proof.
LaDonna: Going to do that now and take a picture.  They aren't?  Because I baked mine and baked it good.
Christi: lol.  Then maybe it is!
Steph: Ok will put mine on stuff too and take a picture. Be right back.
Christi: Send me the pictures please so I can compile them.

Christi: I used those on glass and plastic, and both stayed wonderfully. I'm quite impressed.
LaDonna: Same here.
Christi: Most of them are smaller than I expected, but I actually enjoyed them.  If they were larger, it would be too much.  And I put the metal tags on her school stuff - one on her backpack one on her pencil pouch.
LaDonna: And you are right about them not being too big; I worried about them being too small too.  But they are perfect.

Just the RIGHT Size!!!

Christi: Did you see that they do household labels too?  I'm thinking of ordering some of those.  I would love to find some glass spice jars to use. I don't care for the plastic ones; they absorb the oils too easily.
LaDonna: Yes.  I am going to get some labels for the girls’ birthdays.  At least that's the plan.  Stuff with their names specifically on them.
Christi: Great idea.

A Wonderful Product for Moms!

LaDonna: Definitely made by moms, at the very least by keeping moms in mind.
Christi: I would order all of these and multiples of some that I've seen on the website and they aren't too expensive.  I do wish that some of them were offered in different colors.  I have a label maker, and these are so much better and cheaper than making my own.
LaDonna: Yes.

Cheaper Than Making Your Own

Steph: Ok I love the Mabel’s Labels; they are so cute.  I kinda wish I hadn’t picked pink as the color since I put N***** Family.
Christi: But you can use them for everyone but your husband's things.
Steph: lol I put them on his big and small food thingies that hold hot stuff; I just put them on the bottom.
Christi: That works. Steph, did you choose an icon?
Steph: A flag.

Christi: Kim, what do you think about the Mabel's Labels?
Kim: LOVED them.  They came just in time for our camping trip and dd6 was with other people.
Christi: Right.  What did you put on them?
Kim: I put them in dd6's jacket, as well in some clothing items.

LaDonna: The other thing I was thinking about the labels is that they are great for each kid.  I'd like to have laundry baskets for each one, things that get mixed up easy.
Christi: I can think of a ton of things to use them on.  If you had a pack for kid, and color coded, it would be so much easier!
LaDonna: Yep.

LaDonna: Shoes are tough for me because they are growing so fast and K and CJ share so much.  Gonna try out the ones for shoes in my shoes right now though.  They are so easy to apply!
Christi: Yeah I agree there, I wonder how hand me downs will be? Can they be removed from clothing and shoes?
Steph: I put it into the girls’ school shoes that have to stay at school; that way they don’t get lost.
Christi: They have to stay at school? Wow!
Kim: A friend of mine has kids who have to keep extra stuff at school.
LaDonna: We always had to have a pair at shoes that never left the school.
Christi: I know Payton came home with one of his shoes once, and one from the same style, color and size, but much older pair.
Steph: I went thru 3 brand new sweaters for S. last year so I also put them on the sweaters and sweatshirts.

Cute Labels for Shoes!

Christi: http://www.mabel.ca/mabel.php?n=bin%20labels%20custom Those would be great for bins and baskets; you can customize them for each person in the house. Or Christmas decorations or whatever.
LaDonna: I love the bin labels too!  I need those for the too small - too big clothes!
Steph: I want the neat freak combo.

Christi: I want it ALL!
Steph: lol me too!!

Christi: I'm thinking I could put one on Scott too, maybe everyone will know he's mine then! ROFL!
LaDonna: lol
Steph: lol

Christi: Kim, how have they held up for you? Washing and stuff?
Kim: It held up great to washing.  Even though we won't be doing public school this year, we do have a couple of activities planned with other people.  I probably will attach labels to snack containers as well as sippy cups.  I also need to put one in my diaper bag.
LaDonna: Cool.
Christi: If you do swimming for the girls, most towels have tags; you could use one on them. I hate to buy a nice towel and then some other kid grabs it.
Steph: That’s a good idea!

So Far, They Don't Come Off!

Christi: Did anyone browse the Kid Safety Products at Mabel’s Labels?
LaDonna: No, I don't think I did.
Christi: They do 2 products.
Steph: Yeah, the wristbands, right?
Christi: My 411 Wristbands and Allergy Alerts. Great ideas! I know this is a Mom company!  If I had a kid with food allergies that would be a must for me.
LaDonna: Yep.
Christi: Ha! They give 10% to Autism Speaks for those! I really like that! I have a few friends with kids that are ADHD and some on the Autism Spectrum. They could really use these with the kids that wander.  Those bands are cute, looks like cute bracelets.

Mabel's Labels Donates to Autism Speaks!!!

Kim: That back to school pack had a ton of labels on it; definitely a good value!
LaDonna: I will be using them for a while to get them all used up.
Christi: Yeah same here; should last more than one school year too.

A Great Value for Your Dollars!!

I walked into the room to find my Husband of nine year's reading a book the only other time I can remember him reading something was the car manual to our car. But Shane was reading If Mama Don't Laugh,It Ain't Funny and laughing hysterically. He was reading I smell trouble. He made me stop what I was doing and read it . I have started reading my favorite part's to him when he goes out side to smoke. The kids come up to us and ask what's so funny.  My favorite  was Dr.Seuss Duets, we laughed and laughed. It reminded us so much of two of our girls.

  If you are stressed about the kid's not doing what you ask or the stunt they pulled that day or you just need a laugh and a reminder to see the laughter in all situations, I suggest you take a minute and read one Of Lucy Adam's little stories. It will brighten your day. It sure did mine.  

To find out more about this book or to read Lucy's blog click here

*This book was given by the author for me to review

In our house I will have to admit that I was one of those people that didn't think twice about all the grocery store plastic bag's filling up our landfill's. Then the Ecobag company sent me a bag to review. I started using this bag for everything. It has gotten used atleast once or twice a week. I have used it for numerouse different things from going to the grocery store, walmart and using it as my diaper bag/slash kids bag. I also used it when going swimming it held the girls swim suits and towels perfectly plus still had room for me to throw in some snack's. Not long after I recieved this bag, hubby went to a conferece where they were giving some reusable bag's out. I had about 8 other bag's. I used them a couple of times and the thread would would come lose and I think I have had to throw half of them away. The other half I put up and only use when the kids are running some where and they need to take a lunch or something. The ecobag is made from recycled cotton canvas. It is a durable material. My bag has been washed multiple time. It has been dragged thru dirt, a container of a&d exploded (or kids decided to help it explode) inside the bag.It still look's brand new. I also love that this tote is not just a plain bag, I have people telling me all the time your bag is cute. If you would like to see for yourself this bag is for sale for 14.99 at http://www.ecobags.com Here are some other thing's I used the bag for just to show you how much you can fit in this one bag.

The Music Box cd was a hit in The Nelson household. From my 2.5 year old up to my almost 8 year old they loved this cd. My oldest liked it so much that she wanted it put on her mp3 player, so she could listen to it anytime she wanted. Her favorite song's is the Red Carndinal and the Hot Chocolate fairy. Warning kid's will be requesting Hot Chocolate after this song. My 6 year old is my biggest helper and request this cd every time we clean.She dances to it as she wipe's down things. My favorite song is Family The first time I heard it I was like ok this is a little weird but the more I listened the more I caught my self singing it. 

    Mary Kaye is a wonderful musician that gets your children imagination going. It will have your child up dancing and singing along from the very first song Under the Moon to the last one Sleepy Land. 

       Music box cd is available for 15 dollars on July 2nd at www.Marykayemusic.com She also has three other cd's available. Spin your Web, Mouse Jamboree and I Sang it Just for You. Check them out while you are at her site. 

 

This Cd was given by the artist for review

I recieved two toy wranglers so i gave one to my sister in law and kept one for my two year old who is constantly throwing her sippy cup when we go on our walk's. I have put water bottle's also. My nephew loves that his toys hang from his carseat and it always gigglying and happy. Whats cool about the toy wrangler is that you can use both sides depending on what object you are trying to attach. If it a bigger sippy cup just use the velcro side to hold the cup. Love this product and recommend it to all parents, grandparents or care giver's it is a total back saver.     The Mini Toy Wrangler was provided by LuvLoo

I have been using the baby dipper for awhile now and have found no complaints. My two year old loves it she is able to be a big girl and have milk in her ceral with out tipping the bowl over. In our house it get's used for whatever she eat's. I do wish that they would make a bigger dipper bowl for my older daughter maybe then there would not be as much mess. :) Baby dipper is not recommend for the dishwasher but I have to say that my mil put it in and nothing happened. I would recommend this to all parents of babies. I wish I found out about this product before my 3rd baby.  The Spoon fits in lower corner of bowl  it has a non-slip base to help prevent sliding                                                                                                       Note: This was given to me to review

Don't you hate all those little saftly oulet protecters that even a 2 year old figures out how to get them out. Well now there is a solution, The cover plug. It makes an extra outlet look like there isn't one there. the best part is that it is a paintable surface. So if you want it to match that red wall in the kitchen or that pink wall in the girls room it can. We have a white wall where we are using the cover plug and honestly I had forgot it was there you don't even notice it. Tthe cover plug was fairly easy to put in and just as easy to take back out. To order go to www.coverplug.com  once there click on the little link that says order now and it will take you to a page that has all the places you can order. Note: The Cover Plug was given to me.

Peek a boob strips are a God send. I love this product. I have a problem with almost all my shirts, When I bend over to help one of my three girls I always end up flashing someone. With the strips you just place a strip on your chest and the next time you bend over the shirt stays in place. I also used this product to keep a shirt from having a gap in between the buttons. This product is a must for every women. It comes in a cute little hot pink metal container. Perfect to put in your purse. The cost is 8.99 for 30 strips very worth the money. You can order here http://www.peekaboobstrips.com/order.html Note: Beek-A-Boob Strips was given to me to review

Dove Clinical protection deordorant is the best deordorant that I have ever tried. I am already a dove fan and will only buy Dove deordorant. The clinical is prescription strength with maximun wetness protection. For best results they suggest you apply in the evening before bed. I did do it that way sometimes and loved waking up and going about my day smelling fresh. But I didn"t always remeber to apply that way so some morings I would apply it and I didn"t really notice that much of a difference in when I applied it. I accidently left mine at my mom's over Christmas and for a couple days I had to use my old dove deordorant. I really noticed a differeance then. I can say that I found a new product and will not be going back to the old Deordorant again. Dove Clinical Protection is a very successful  at fulfilling it's job as promised.     Note: Dove Clinical Protection was given to me by Dove