We'd like to THANK YOU in advance, with a Boba Carrier Giveaway! CLOSED

Here at Luvaboos we love our customers and we want it to show!  We need your help spreading the good word about Luvaboos and your experience with us.

We'd like you to leave your honest review of Luvaboos in a variety of places, which will help new prospective customers know what they can expect when they shop with us!

We've got a variety of easy ways to enter and on December 31, 2011 the giveaway will end and we'll choose a random winner!

What's the prize?
A Charcoal 2G Boba Carrier! 

Where to leave your honest reviews:

• Click here to leave a review on Yelp!
• Click here to leave a review/rating on Google Places! 
• Click here to leave a review on Merchant Circle! 
• Click here to leave a Recommendation on Facebook!  (visit our page and look for the place to leave your recommendation on the right column.) 

 Additional entry methods and details can be found on the Rafflecopter form below.
 

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The J&J Formaldehyde Issue, One mama shares her thoughts.

Maybe you’re like me and you trust brand name products, especially when they’ve been around forever. I chose to use Johnson & Johnson’s baby wash/shampoo because I trusted them. Their time tested product and the trust that they’ve gained from thousands of parents around the world was good enough for me. I was wrong.

The beginning of this month a few articles and news reports started circulating around the media regarding the use dioxane and a substance called quaternium-15 that releases formaldehyde in Johnson’s Baby Shampoo. The study was completed by The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and they are urging consumers to boycott the brand. The details of the issue is that Johnson & Johnson is currently make formaldehyde-free products in other countries EXCLUDING the US, Canada and China. In response to the report J&J released a statement saying that they intend on phasing out all formaldehyde-releasing products worldwide.

Why is formaldehyde dangerous? By now should all be thinking back to eighth grade biology lab and dissecting frogs – yeah the preserving chemical for dead things (okay preservation in general) is the one and only formaldehyde! Quaternium-15 is a problem for your child (as well as you) for a few reasons:

• The release of formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen and was declared such this past June by the US National Toxicology Program.
• Studies conducted by reputable groups have shows that there is a link between exposure to formaldehyde and leukemia.
• It also is a potent allergen that can cause skin rashes and irritation.

J&J did release a statement on November 1^st, after The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics issued their report, stating that they are taking measures to remove all formaldehyde containing chemicals from their products. The study that was conducted by The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics was done from July 2011 to October 2011. They purchased J&J baby shampoo from 13 different countries including the US and Canada to see if any contained the chemicals discussed above. Sadly, Johnson’s Baby Shampoo in the US, Canada, Australia, China and Indonesia all contained both chemicals; while Japan, Finland, Denmark, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, South Africa and the UK did not contain either chemical.

I don’t know about you but I feel a little perturbed that J&J would knowingly continue to put a dangerous chemical into my baby’s shampoo because they could simply get away with it here in the US. I’m assuming this was a cost cutting decision and unfortunately we don’t have the same kind of standards in the US regarding the chemicals that we daily place on our skin and our children’s. It’s one thing to know that you probably will get cancer from something or somewhere during your lifetime but it’s completely different to knowingly use a product daily on your child’s skin that has links to leukemia. I’ve heard the argument, “Well, we can get cancer from anything,” many times and sadly I have used it too. Little changes do make a big difference though. I’m sickened with J&J. I’ll no longer be spending my money on their product or any knock off.

Elizabeth (aka Bert) Anderson married her college sweetheart in 2005, and started her journey into motherhood in 2008 with the birth of her son.  She started blogging in 2009 as a way to keep track of her thoughts on being a first time mom, especially her struggle with postpartum depression, and as a way of reaching out to other moms who are struggling with the same things.  This June, Bert had another first in her motherhood travels - a little girl!  Even though she's newly a mother of two, Bert maintains that no matter how many children you have you will always be a "first time mom" because there's a first time for everything!  Visit her blog, at FTM. Bert is a contributor for She Thinks Media.

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Super Easy Strawberry Smoothie Recipe!

In our house smoothies are a staple.  Breakfast, lunch, snack, desert...the kids want them all the time.

Our smoothies are more like slushies so we call them smooshies.  If they're not "slushy" enough then the kids don't care for them as much.

Our recipe is super easy!  I'll share with you the simple steps below.

Here are the ingredients:

• Ice Cubes
• Frozen Mixed Fruit (Ours is a combination of strawberry, pineapple, mango and peaches.)
• Frozen Bananas
• Apple Juice

The steps are easy!  Add your ice cubes, fill about 3/4 of the way with frozen fruit.  Then add 1.5 to 2 whole frozen bananas.  Fill the rest with apple juice, to about an inch or two from the top.

Hit blend and voila!  Strawberry Fruit Smooshie!




You can also add yogurt, use a different juice and add berries.  We skip the berries because when the raspberry seeds are in the smoothie the kids get all weirded out.  When needed I have also put powdered or liquid acidophilus in the smoothie as well.

*Fresh Fruit works well too of course but if your fruit or bananas aren't frozen then your smoothie won't become a smooshie!

So what do you think?  Are you a smoothie fan?

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Clogged Nipple Pore? It could happen to you too.

Guest Post by Bert

I noticed it a few days ago; that persistent burning feeling whenever I wasn’t breastfeeding my daughter. It wasn’t the twinge that I usually feel in my nipples when my milk lets down, it was different. It was painful and felt like I was just beginning to breastfeed again. As soon as my daughter would latch on and start eating the pain would reside. I knew what this was; after all it had happened almost three years ago with my oldest son.

If you haven’t experienced a clogged nipple pore you should be very thankful. If you have then you know what I’m talking about. And if you’re reading this and wondering if that pain you’re experiencing is a clogged nipple pore then read on, Mama! A clogged nipple pore looks like a white pimple on your nipple. It’s not to be confused with a blood blister that is usually caused by friction from poor latching or positioning. It’s also not thrush, although it does resemble it. Thrush will not feel better after your baby has eaten. It’ll burn. A clogged nipple pore will feel much better after nursing your baby or pumping.

Clogged nipple pores (aka milk blisters or blebs) are usually caused by oversupply, pressure on your breast from a tight bra, changes in feeding schedules (baby skips feedings) or stress. If left unattended the bleb could lead to mastitis so it’s really imperative that you take action to relieve the pressure. It can also reduce your milk supply in the affected breast. I noticed a reduction earlier this week when I was pumping. I thought it was odd. Actually I thought that it might be the pump for some reason. Then the pain came and I instantly knew what was happening with my milk supply – there was a plug somewhere inside.

So what can you do to fix a bleb? It’s really rather simple. Apply a hot (be careful, you don’t want to burn yourself!) damp compress to the breast to loosen things up. You can also use a cotton ball that’s been soaked with olive oil to help loosen the skin. Next you’ll want to apply a hot compress to your nipple before your baby nurses. After a few minutes, take the compress off and allow your baby to nurse. Be sure to nurse frequently as this will unclog the pore and relieve the pressure. My lactation consultant also told me that if I could see the white part’s head I could sterilize a needle by lighting a match and holding the tip of the needle into the flame for a while until I knew it was hot. Then place the needle in rubbing alcohol and soak for ten to 15 minutes. Then lift the skin of the bleb with the sterilized needle. Do not pierce, lift. This should relieve some pressure immediately and then your baby can get working on helping you out!

I think it’s just amazing how the “cure” for this is your baby’s sucking. Our bodies are made wonderfully, don’t you think? Another way of treating a bleb is to do the following: Fill a spray bottle with five drops of grapefruit seed extract, ¼ cup of white vinegar and two cups of water. Apply the solution to your breasts one a day. For more information I highly suggest checking out KellyMom. It’s a great resource for all things breastfeeding! Now I’m off to go and work on getting this bleb to go away…

Elizabeth (aka Bert) Anderson married her college sweetheart in 2005, and started her journey into motherhood in 2008 with the birth of her son.  She started blogging in 2009 as a way to keep track of her thoughts on being a first time mom, especially her struggle with postpartum depression, and as a way of reaching out to other moms who are struggling with the same things.  This June, Bert had another first in her motherhood travels - a little girl!  Even though she's newly a mother of two, Bert maintains that no matter how many children you have you will always be a "first time mom" because there's a first time for everything!  Visit her blog, at FTM. Bert is a contributor for She Thinks Media.

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New Holiday Hours at Luvaboos, Plus we're Hiring!

The holiday season is fast approaching!  We've extended our hours to make it easier on you to shop!

Now Open:

Tuesday 11am-8pm 

Wed-Fri 11-6pm

Saturday 11-5pm

Sun & Monday Closed

We will also be closed December 24th for Christmas Eve this year!  

We have been filling the store with new toys and gear for Christmas and after many requests will also have Class Gift Cards Available!  So make your wish lists now at Luvaboos!

Our

New Class Schedule

Has been filling up all week.  If you want to join the fun Register online today, after this week you can call the store to register and class tuition will be prorated for the duration of the session. 

We're hiring, keep the applications coming!  

Send us an email with Luvaboos Application in the subject and we'll get you an application.  Even if it's not the right time or fit for you now we'll keep you on file for the future.  We love getting to know our families in this way so don't be shy :)

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Boo-nana Ghost Pops! A healthy Halloween treat!

I’m always on the hunt for healthy snacks for my kids. That doesn’t mean that they have to have tasteless food! I LOVE reading the blog Skinny Taste for ideas on slimmed down flavorful food. I happened upon these cute little guys! Happy Halloween!

Ingredients:

Bananas

1 Cup of White Chocolate Chips

Mini Chocolate Chips

Popsicle Sticks (wooden or reusable)

First you’ll cut your bananas in half and then take those halves and cut them in half again lengthwise. From there you’ll place them on a cookie sheet lined with wax paper and put the sheet in the freezer. Keep them in the freezer for a little while.

While you’re waiting for the bananas to freeze you can get started on melting your white chocolate. You’ll want to do this in the microwave, setting the microwave for thirty seconds on high power, stirring the chocolate at the end of thirty seconds until the chocolate is melted.

If you try to hurry the process like I did you’ll get burned white chocolate and yes, it does turn brown!

After the chocolate’s melted take the bananas out of the freezer and dip them into the melted chocolate. Then scrape the excess white chocolate off the back of the banana and place them onto the cookie sheet. Quickly place two mini chocolate chips on the top of the banana so that they look like little ghost eyes. Put your finished pops back into the freezer and let them freeze.

Once they’re finished give these yummy snacks to your kids! Happy Halloween friendly ghosts!

You can check out the original recipe from Skinny Taste here! 

Elizabeth (aka Bert) Anderson married her college sweetheart in 2005, and started her journey into motherhood in 2008 with the birth of her son.  She started blogging in 2009 as a way to keep track of her thoughts on being a first time mom, especially her struggle with postpartum depression, and as a way of reaching out to other moms who are struggling with the same things.  This June, Bert had another first in her motherhood travels - a little girl!  Even though she's newly a mother of two, Bert maintains that no matter how many children you have you will always be a "first time mom" because there's a first time for everything!  Visit her blog, at FTM. Bert is a contributor for She Thinks Media.

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Breastfeeding Twins, A mother's journey.

Guest Post by Amanda

At just 10 weeks pregnant, I found out I was expecting twins. The hubby and I were shocked but super excited to be blessed with two. My pregnancy, although uncomfortable, went by without a hitch. I was always in perfect health at every doctor’s appointment and the twins were growing perfectly. True to my public health background I had no doubt that I would breastfeed my twins. I read everything I could get my hands on about breastfeeding twins. I bought the My Brest Friend nursing pillow for twins and registered for a double electric breast pump. I was as ready as I was ever going to be.

The twins were delivered via c-section at 36 weeks gestation because they were both in the breech position. I gave birth to identical twin boys who we named Noah and Eli. The excitement of the twins’ arrival was quickly replaced with fear when we found out that Eli was born with a tracheosophageal fistula and esophageal atresia. Basically, his esophagus and trachea formed incorrectly. His esophagus didn’t connect to his stomach and there was a connection between his esophagus and trachea. He underwent surgery to repair his esophagus and trachea when he was just one day old.

After surgery Eli remained in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) for 6 weeks. He had some serious complications following his surgery. He spent 3 long weeks on the ventilator. After coming off the vent I was finally able to hold him for the first time. He also began eating 5 milliliters of breastmilk every 3 hours. I spent a lot of my time pumping so Eli could get as much breastmilk as possible. After being on a ventilator for 3 weeks Eli had a serious oral aversion and hated anything being put in his mouth. It was painstakingly hard to get him to suck and drink even 5mLs of breastmilk. At this point in time, attempting to breastfeed him wasn’t even an option.

 

Noah came home from the hospital after 2 weeks in the NICU. With no serious health complications I was able to begin breastfeeding him while he was in the NICU. However, because he was born early, he wasn’t quite strong enough to latch on and suck well. With all that was going on with Eli, I breastfed Noah when I could, but we ended up having to supplement his diet with formula.

Whenever things seemed to be getting better with Eli, a new problem would emerge. Due to the complications he had following surgery, Eli developed kidney damage. Now it was even more important that he get as much breastmilk as possible. He still refused to latch so I continued to pump and bring bottles to the NICU. It was difficult for me because I wasn’t able to pump enough milk to feed 2 babies. I struggled with depriving Noah of the precious breastmilk in order to give Eli as much as I possibly could.

Eli came home from the hospital when he was 6 weeks old. I tried over and over to get him to latch on and breastfeed, but he would arch his back and scream bloody murder. It was so upsetting to me that he wouldn’t breastfeed. I breastfed Noah during the night and continued to pump every few hours so I could have bottles for Eli. For 6 months I pumped and supplemented the twins’ diet with formula. This was such a trying time in my life, but I did the best I could to get at least some breastmilk into my babies. At 6 months, my mom lost her battle with cancer and pumping became too much for me to handle.

I still wish I was able to breastfeed the twins exclusively.  I  did the best that I could with my circumstances. I am happy that I didn’t give up sooner and that they at least received some breastmilk for the first 6 months of their lives. I know that some breastmilk is better than no breastmilk. They are now thriving 3 year olds, and looking at Eli, you wouldn’t even know he had such a tough beginning. I am also now successfully breastfeeding my 8 month old daughter and loving every minute of it.

Amanda is a stay-at-home mom of 3 year old, identical, twin boys and a beautiful, 8 month old, baby girl. She is a new found cloth diaper addict who also enjoys sewing and crocheting when the kids aren't climbing all over her. She married an amazing man and enjoys living two houses away from her in-laws. Amanda has a degree in Public Health Education from Brigham Young University. She started blogging to keep her family updated on the crazy and cute things her kids are up to.  You find her at The Duke Family blog.

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