Lysol Healthy Touch Soap Dispenser

Recently, my family had the opportunity to check out the new Lysol Healthy Touch anti-bacterial soap dispenser.
After a few weeks of use, I can tell you that I am absolutely a fan!

We were all a bit skeptical at first. I mean, do we really need an automatic soap dispenser in our kitchen? Are we really that lazy that we can't even pump a few times. However, I never realized how handy and practical "hands-free" can be for a new mom.

The first time I realized how useful this product is was when Z was throwing a sobbing fit in my arms and I needed to get his bottle together. Although I'm not a hand washing freak, I always clean my hands before touching anything that might go in his mouth. With my arms taken up with a crying baby, the "no-touch" automatic feature of this soap dispenser made perfect sense. I was able to get soap on my hands and wash them up without having to put Z down. Let me tell you, that made a WORLD of difference.

Likes: I love the smell of the soap (delicious, cucumbery scent), the ease of use (hands free, hello!), lasting power (we're still on our first bottle after quite a few weeks and hand washes), and the anti-bacterial properties (makes it perfect for the kitchen!).

Dislikes: I had a really hard time getting into the packaging. I suggest you do it while baby is sleeping or someone else is there to look after them. Once you're in, though, it is very easy to put together and use.

Bottom Line: This is a must buy for any busy mom. Now that I'm back to work, my life is even more hectic then it was before. Yes, you don't NEED an automatic soap dispenser, but I firmly believe that anything that makes your life easier and is affordable is worth it. The Lysol Healthy Touch anti-bacterial soap dispenser gets high marks in my books!

We like to eat...

...and we're very messy when we do it.

Of course, I've contributed to the issue by introducing a dollop of ketchup. I didn't think he'd like it, but he did. Um, let me change that, he LOVED it! LOVE LOVE LOVE.

So, for dinner he was having chicken, potatoes, and steamed cauliflower. He smothered all of it in ketchup and gobbled it up. This is the result...

I give up- I'm messyWide angle shot
What?? This isn't a good look for me?
Get that camera outta my face.

Majesta Moms and Earth Day

How "Green" are you? Is buying environmentally sustainable products important to you or a passing thought as you swoop down the aisles looking for the best bargain and praying your toddler won't scream? Does a company's commitment to the Earth make a difference in your desire to support their products?

For the past few months, I have had the pleasure of being part of "Majesta Moms"- a group of mothers who are learning about Majesta, a Canadian company no less, their products, and their commitment to being Environmentally Responsible and Sustainable. I've been able to think about some interesting questions and receive educated responses in turn.

You cannot turn on the television or peruse the aisles at your local grocery store without being bombarded by "GREEN" and "ECO-FRIENDLY" products- a fact which has made me skeptical. Is it just a ploy to raise prices? What constitutes "eco-friendly" or "green"? Realistically, are these companies doing anything to really be environmentally sustainable?

Majesta has introduced us "Majesta Moms" to their products- tissues, toilet paper, and paper towel- and I can honestly say I was impressed. Although I am leery of so-called "green" products and their durability, Majesta stood up to all of Z's spills, my runny nose (perfect timing), and everyone's bathroom needs. Their products are biodegradable, making them easier on your septic tank. They make it a bit easier for me, as a busy mom, to choose products that have less impact on the world my child will live in.

In addition, and most importantly to me, Majesta has become "Treesponsible"- creating a movement to plant more trees. In fact, Majesta is planting THREE trees for every ONE used. In 2010, they hope to plant 1 Million trees.
As part of the celebration of the Treesponsible™ movement, Majesta is hosting a fantastic giveaway. This promotion gives Moms across Canada the chance to win $15,000 towards a Green Makeover for your home. The prize can go towards any ‘green’ home project, for example, landscaping, new energy efficient appliances or simply replacing those leaky faucets.

To enter, visit www.majesta.com before June 27th.

Got me thinking about what I would do if I won...bamboo floors, energy efficient stove and fridge, new washer and dryer, new landscaping...the possibilities are endless.

*This post was written in participation with the Mom Central Majesta Mom Spark Group and Blog Tour.*

Cheese Sauce, Sour Cream, Sunburns

Have you visited my blog on UrbanMoms recently? No??? Well, what are you waiting for? LINK

Today was a 100% outdoor day! LOVED IT!
It was about 20 degrees and Z and I spent most of the times between meals and naps outdoors.
This morning I laid out a blanket in our backyard and let Z practice his walking. He's fantastic indoors, but his outdoor walking needs some serious work. Shoes are heavy.

We tooted around outside for about 45 minutes, eat Goldfish crackers, drinking water out of his sippy cup, kicking his green ball and starting at the tree that is almost ready to bloom. He started to get a bit fussy so we went inside, he drank his bottle, and went down for a good nap.
This afternoon, after a good lunch of pita, avacado and chicken (and two animal crackers as "dessert"), we headed out to the park with our friends.

The sun was hot, so Z wore sunscreen and a hat, but there was a nice breeze that kept us from getting too sweaty. Z swung for a bit, then spent the rest of the time walking around. I'm still shocked at how, seemingly overnight, he has started to walk significantly more then he crawls.
This park had a nice, rubbery surface covering that really allowed him to walk with those shoes on. We were there for over an hour. He had a good, long drink of water and a "mini" fruit bar as a snack on the walk home (well, I walked and he strollered). He had really rosy cheeks when we got home, despite the hat and sunscreen I slathered on him.

I had absolutely meant to tape him walking and swinging, but I completely forgot. BOO! Next warm day, I promise!

Veggie soup- he LOVED! The chicken I made for dinner...he was ok with it. He loved the one part I thought for sure he would hate- the tomatoes. He kinda picked at the rest of it. Hated the zucchini. I ended up giving him a yogurt and he cried when it was done. Poor kid.

Tonight I'm making meatballs and roasted potatoes. I doubt he'll eat it...so I'll entice him with a small dollup of sour cream on the potatoes (and maybe the meatball too). That and cheese sauce make him eat almost anything. Sadly, I resort to that when he's not interested in his food. Lest you think I'm a bad mother, I give him the smallest drop on whatever he doesn't want to eat. I promise.

Let's Play Ball

Z is starting to go down to one longer nap- like from 10:30-12:30 (or so), and then MAYBE a cat nap later on in the afternoon.
I seriously wonder where this kid gets these ideas. "Hey, I'm 11 months old. I'm going to just have one weirdly timed nap (right during lunch for sure!) just to make my mother CRAZY!"

Last night we left Z with my mother-in-law and headed out to the homeopener of the Toronto Blue Jays (baseball). Was a fun game. They seem to tailor the musical intros to the nationality of the player (Latin music for Latinos, Hip Hop for African Americans, Nickleback for Caucasians) and it oddly bothered me. Probably because I'm Caucasian and I do not, I repeat, DO NOT listen to Nickleback. We bought Z an old school Blue Jays hat which I tried on him this morning. He spent most of the time either trying to rip it off or tilting his head wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy back trying to see the brim of the hat. Silly boy.

When I left the house to go to the game, Z had woken up from a semi-cat-nap. He was getting his diaper changed. I said "Bye", went to kiss him. Promptly got a hand in my face and a no-look wave. Like a "GET OUT OF HERE and let me have fun" wave. Sob. He's coming to an age where he is super fascinated by other people, leaving me in the dust. Now he only wants me when he's hungry or really tired. Thanks kid!

Trying veggie soup for lunch and chicken with tomatoes/carrots/zucchini for supper. Both have tomato- the one veggie he just doesn't seem to like. So, that'll be interesting:) He may be on a Goldfish cracker diet today.

An Easter Miracle...

For the first time EVER, Z didn't cry in Sunday School. In fact, I don't even think he cared that his Mommy left him- there were a few kids in the nursery (which helped) and he seemed to make fast friends with the girls in there.
Apparently, he played, walked around and hung out.
Of course, his mother kept walking in to check on him like a lunatic...and he was perfectly fine each time. Crazy mother.

An Easter miracle!

New Things to Worry About....

Z has really long naps suddenly. At least an hour each. Usually even longer.
Two long naps.

I don't know how to deal with it. I don't know if it's a good or bad thing?
I get all my cleaning done for the day, I even do extra sometimes. I shower, wear makeup, even do my hair.

He has never been a "napper". He doesn't like to sleep. Now he climbs the stairs for me if I say, "Do you want to have a bottle and a nap?". Climbs the stairs!!! As if to say- yes mommy!

So, now I'm worried. When did my NO SLEEP! become SLEEP PLEASE! ? Why do I check on him about a gazillion times during those naps because it's so weird? Why do I worry that he's not ok??

I need a life I think. As if sleep is a problem. Only in Sarah's world:)