Kerri Walsh w/ her 2yr old daughter Sundance at "Pampers Spirit of Play Date".

If you love Pampers and you love Kerri Walsh, you’ll want to click on the video below.  She answers all my questions about motherhood and the Olympics (fyi: not my voice on the video, just my questions).

I love that she says that we can have it all (balancing career and family).  She is truly an inspiration and I wish her the best of luck in London.

My eyes see Gold for Team USA!!!

I had the opportunity to evaluate the Recaro ProRIDE Convertible Car Seat and Recaro ProSPORT Combination Harness Booster Seat. Prior to the evaluation, I was not very familiar with the Recaro brand because I’ve never owned one nor did any of my friends mention this brand when I was looking for a car seat.

While the Recaro company has been around since 1906, they introduced their first lightweight car seat into the market in 1998. With the company being around so long, I was actually surprised that I did not know much about the brand (Especially, since I feel like baby products are my expertise).

What’s interesting is that I’ve tried or owned almost every brand out their on the market, so when I was evaluating these car seats, I had a good sense of how they compared to other products.

Let me begin with the Recaro ProRIDE Convertible Car Seat.  This convertible can be used rear facing from 5-35lbs and forward facing from 20-70lbs and height under 50 inches (less than 22.5 inches for rear facing).  So for the average child, you will be able to use this car seat for a very long time.   In California, a child must be 8 yrs of age or at least 4 ft 9 inches tall (57 inches) to sit without a car seat.  If the child is over 8 yrs of age and not tall enough for the seat belt to fit properly, they must ride in a booster or car seat.

The seat itself is really built to last. I call it the “tank.” It looks indestructible and even when my 115 lb frame sat on it, the seat did not budge. I wouldn’t be surprised if it were bullet proof because it just looks that strong and sturdy. The car seat is 20.5lbs, so a little heavier than the Britax Marathon 70 which is 18lbs. However, when you do a side by side comparison, while very close, the ProRIDE offers a bit more.  Price: $299.

Features Included (directly from Recaro’s website):

• Side Impact Protection – RECARO’s Side Impact Protection is designed to distinctly protect 5 vulnerable areas of a child in a side impact collision – their head, neck, face, torso and pelvis.
• EasyAdjust Head Restraint – The turn of a knob positions the head restraint to properly fit the child, which ensures optimum safety and comfort.
• SoftTouch Head Restraint – Head restraint is padded with real automotive “PUR” foam for added comfort and safety.
• EasyAdjust 5-Point Harness – Harness and head restraint are adjusted together so no re-threading is necessary to properly position the harness shoulder straps to the child
• QuickPull Front Adjust Harness – Convenient frontally located harness adjuster allows for no-hassle harness adjustment
• TrueLock Belt Lock-Off – Lock-off mechanism locks the vehicle seat belt in the belt path for optimum safety in the forward-facing position.
• CoolMesh Air Ventilation – The mesh insert combines with RECARO’s unique air circulation system to promote airflow through the ProRIDE, keeping your child cool and comfortable.
• EPS Foam – Expanded Polystyrene “EPS” foam absorbs crash force energy through the ProRIDE  for added protection.
• ErgoShell Structure – The ProRIDE’s ergonomic shell is designed to offer child occupants the comfort qualities RECARO seats are known throughout the world for.

• Premium push button LATCH system
• Built-in LATCH storage system
• Convenient harness storage pockets
• Soft Harness Pads
• Premium rear-facing recline lever
• Universal Top Tether system

Compared to my Marathon, I actually preferred this car seat because it offered more features.  However, I could not see myself traveling with this car seat because the weight is at 20.5lbs and I can hardly maneuver my way through an airport with my Britax.  For the family car, this car seat is perfect.

Now to the Recaro ProSPORT Combination Harness Booster Seat.  This combination car seat falls in between the convertible car seat and the booster.  At first, I didn’t understand why there would be a need for an “in-between” seat since you could technically move from the convertible to a booster.  But after thinking, it really made sense.

If you are a parent who started their baby off from an infant car seat which are the ones you can carry by hand or attach to a stroller, you can graduate to this combination harness booster seat and skip the convertible all together.  The minimum weight for this combination seat is 20lbs and 27inches in height, so by the time the baby is ready to get out of their infant car seat this would be the next step up.  What’s great about it is that once your child moves into the combination car seat, they could use it until they can sit in an adult seat on their own because it accommodates up to 120 lbs and up to 59 inches (you can save money in the long run).  Price : $299.

Features Included (directly from Recaro’s website):

• Side Impact Protection – RECARO’s Side Impact Protection is designed to distinctly protect 5 vulnerable areas of a child in a side impact collision – their head, neck, face, torso and pelvis.
• EasyGuide Belt Guides – Whether in Harness or Booster mode each belt guide is color coded so you can easily identify the proper belt path and positioning of either the LATCH strap or vehicle seat belt.
• EasyAdjust 5-point Harness – The harness adjusts with the head restraint. No re-threading is necessary to properly position the harness shoulder straps to your child.
• ErgoShell Structure – The ProSPORT’s ergonomic shell is designed to offer child occupants the comfort qualities RECARO seats are known throughout the world for.
• SoftTouch Seat Cushion – Ample soft cushioning in the seat of the ProSPORT ensures a comfortable ride.
• EPS Foam – Expanded Polystyrene “EPS” foam absorbs crash force energy through the ProSPORT for added protection.
• QuickLift Head Restraint- Convenient lift lever allows easy positioning of the head restraint to properly fit your child.
• Multi-Purpose Storage Pockets – Convenient built in storage for snacks, juice boxes, small hand held electronic devices and other storage needs.
• QuickFlip Recline System – Recline mechanism offers quick and easy adjustment to properly fit the ProSPORT to your vehicle.

• Premium push button LATCH system
• Built-in LATCH storage system
• Universal Top Tether system
• Soft Harness Pads

Both seats are the sturdiest seats on the market.  Although, they are a tad bit heavier, in the end I feel that the additional weight is due to all the safety features the seats offer.  The convertible offers the highest weight limit in today’s market (utilizing a 5-Point Harness in a Convertible Car Seat).  The combination seat has the highest harness capacity (using a 5-Point Harness System) and weight limit available (when used as a Belt Positioning Booster Seat), as well.

These car seats are definite winners!!

Let me start off by saying, I’m allergic to dairy, I have digestive issues when I eat wheat and my 5 year old is a vegetarian (I am very close to a vegan diet, just having a hard time eating my rare-occasional seafood).  So when we do order pizza, it’s usually a pie without the cheese and topped with every veggie the store has to offer.  My daughter and I both combined, have lots of restrictions (my youngest and hubby eat everything and anything), but we still ask for quality in what we eat.

If you or your child is a Celiac, has wheat sensitivities, allergic to dairy or a vegan, Extreme Pizza is a match made for you.  They offer a gluten-free crust (comes only in the 12 inch, which serves 2) and vegan cheese (soy based, so make sure you don’t have soy sensitivities).

We ordered a gluten-free pizza with soy cheese, olives, mushroom, basil and garlic.  The cost of the pizza is higher because of the products being used, but it came in at $20.96 before tax/delivery/tip (the total including everything was $30).  The size was decent for my girls and I (we actually had 2 slices left over) and the “cheese” was melted to perfection.  The gluten-free crust had a slight crunch which I am a fan of and not too thin as well.

Paying $30 for a pizza does sound a little “extreme”, but when you have all sorts of restrictions, intolerances, allergies and what not, you know that things are going to cost more.  Plus, when you do have that craving or a birthday party with a child that has allergies, you know that there is a chain out there that caters to everybody and that’s important to know.

If you just want a good ole pizza, they have that too.  Plus, they offer salads, calzones and many other items on their menu.   This is definitely a chain that created their menu to welcome the ENTIRE family!

Kids will be kids and they have every right to be a child, we can’t force them to abide by adult standards (it’s just not fair).  They may be fussy because they want to be nursed or they simply want their bottle.  It may be too dark or too loud for a young child and startle them, causing them to express their discomfort in other ways.

Well, I have great news for you!  TheBump.com and AMC Theater have launched Bring Your Baby Matinee program.  The first Tuesday of every month at participating AMC theaters, parents can now enjoy a movie in a baby friendly environment.  You can bring your strollers, you can breastfeed and watch movies with other families.  And for your babies, brighter lights and lower volumes.  If you’re like me, this is one program that will help keep my sanity.

The program kicks off today with the movie The Vow. Here are the 68 participating locations:

·  Arizona (3) Phoenix and Mesa

·  California (12) Covina, Anaheim, Manteca, San Diego, Norwalk, Ontario, National City, Woodland hills, Rowland Heights, Tustin, Riverside

·  Colorado (2) Broomfield, Highlands Ranch

·  Connecticut (1) Danbury

·  District of Columbia (1)

·  Florida (2) Aventura, South Miami

·  Georgia (3) Lawrenceville, Atlanta, Morrow

·  Illinois (4) South Barrington, Chicago, Skokie, Lombard

·  Indiana (1) Indianapolis

·  Kansas (1) Leawood

·  Maryland (1) Gaithersburg

·  Massachusetts (3) Boston, Framingham, Methuen

·  Michigan (3) Sterling Heights, Auburn Hills, Livonia

·  Missouri (2) Creve Coeur, Independence

·  New Jersey (9) Cherry Hill, Clifton, Freehold Township, Paramus, Hamilton, Elizabeth, Eatontown, New Brunswick, Rockaway,

·  New York (5) Manhattan (Kips Bay and Lincoln Square), West Nyack, Westbury, Stony Brook

·  North Carolina (1) Concord

·  Pennsylvania (3) Philadelphia, Bensalem, Allentown

·  Texas (7) Humble, Sugar Land, Grapevine, Houston, Mesquite, Arlington, Frisco

·  Virginia (3) Alexandria, Woodbridge, McLean

·  Washington (2) Kent, Woodinville

See you at the movies!

Do you love or hate fish?  Growing up,  you couldn’t force me to eat fish because I just couldn’t take the smell of it.  However, if there is one fish you must try, it’s the sea bass.  The fish when cooked perfectly has a buttery quality and just melts in your mouth.  The above dish includes herb crusted sea bass, winter vegetable pilaf, grilled asparagus, forest mushroom and bell pepper coulis.  It’s an amazing dish that’s fit for your fussiest eater!

Did you miss my recent posts on Savings.com and PTPA Media?  Here is a list of some that you may have missed:

• “CoreBody Reformer: A Real Workout or Just Another As Seen On TV Product?”  Read my review on this awesome fitness product that made by muscles burn.
• “Product Review: Nail Buddy – All-In-One Nail Kit for Girls“. Looking for a great little gift for a little girl?  This kit is not only affordable, it’s easy to use.
• “Mommy Must-Haves: 4 Alternatives to Your Morning Routine“.  If you’re like me, always juggling a million things at once, then you need to read this.
• “Name Your Baby with Six Free Sites“. How did you name your baby?  If you need resources or ideas, this post has some great suggestions.
• “Countdown to New Years 2012 – The Mommy Diet“. Do you want to take out the “work” in working out?  Read this.
• “PTPA Winner: Learn to Read – A Fun Reading Supplemental“.  If you’re child is learning how to read, this is a great learning tool that’s actually fun for them.
• “Mommy Moment: When Your Child Takes Care Of You“. Do you have those moments when you gush at your child because of something they said or did?  I share my own little experience.

Do you want to try a refreshing appetizer?  You don’t have to vegan to indulge in this beautiful starter.    Ingredients include red beet carpaccio, butternut squash hummus and mango jicama relish.  My 5 year old daughter is a vegetarian, so this is the perfect dish for her.  Made with local ingredients, it’s as fresh as you can get it and it looks beautiful too.

For today, GO GIANTS!!!!  Always been a fan of the underdog.

With the Superbowl in full throttle today, it’s the competition of the pizzerias, the car makers, the breweries and anyone who can make the best eye-catching commercial worthy of a CLIO award.

For me, today is a day that I get to dip some tortilla chips into a delicious bowl of spicy chili.  Of course, that’s one of the many things that will be on the menu.

With Superbowl parties planned all across the country and the accumulated trash it will bring in a matter of hours, the celebration of America’s favorite pastime is nothing close to being green.

So how can we gather our efforts to making it a greener Superbowl?  Recently, I was sent a Superbowl package from Glad and it was all about being green and clean!

From top right to left: Compostable Bags, Tall Kitchen Bags, Recycled Tall Kitchen Bags & Compostable Entertaining Kit for 8 (Plates, Bowls and Tumblers by WASARA, utensils made from organically-grown bamboo, & recycled-paper napkins).

Glad has a line of products that makes being green a lot easier.  And I know, when things are easier, I actually do them.  The green line of products let’s us recycle, compost or even reuse some of our waste products.

Compostable Bags: certified compostable, less mess and neutralizes odors.

Banana and mandarin orange peels in the compostable bag.

Tall Kitchen Drawstring Bags: 3-ply strength stronger bag, less plastic and easy close.

Costco tall kitchen bag w/hole.

Glad Tall Kitchen Bags without any holes

……………..

Recycled Plastic Bags: Made from 65% recycled plastic, strong & durable and comes in twist & tie closure (my pic is not wanting to post for some reason, so click on the product name to see picture).

So let’s all try to be a little greener today with either composting, recycling or reducing waste by other eco-friendly methods.  I’m actually very pleased with the Glad products sent to me and having different options always makes being green that much easier.

For your chance at winning the Superbowl Prize Pack (pictured above), please tell me how you plan to be green this year.  Please comment below.

For additional entries (each entry must be a separate comment):

• Follow me on Twitter
• Tweet about the Giveaway
• Subscribe to Mommas in The House

Giveaway ends February 10, 2012 at 11:59pm PST. Please make sure you leave a valid email address so that we can notify the winner. We will notify the winner, and the winner has 48 hours to respond. If the winner fails to respond within that time period, we will choose a new winner.

(Disclosure: The products were provided free of charge for review purposes and does not affect my views or feedback of the product.  This review is based solely on my personal opinion and experience and results may vary person to person.)

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