“The whole tooth about babies’ mouths”

Pediatric Oral Care – Guest Post, Dr. Beverly A. Largent, Member and Spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry

As a parent, there is an endless number of decisions to make and things to remember within your infant’s first year of life. From diapers to baby food, pediatricians to daycare, it can be tough to determine your priorities among all the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

One thing many parents don’t realize is just how important their babies’ tiny teeth are for overall health and development. For most children, the first baby tooth makes its debut between six months and one year of age. While baby teeth may seem insignificant, especially knowing that they will eventually fall out, this couldn’t be further from the case.

These important teeth have a number of essential functions. They foster good nutrition by allowing proper chewing, help in speech development, as well as save a special place for new permanent teeth to come in. Baby teeth are vulnerable to decay from the get-go, and for Guessing all the Way readers who have endured a tooth ache, you certainly don’t want your tiny tot to go through the same painful experience. Tooth decay in baby teeth can prevent babies from eating properly and possibly even lead to infection; therefore, early loss of these important teeth may require costly emergency care.

The good news? By taking simple steps for preventative care, you can enjoy an endless supply of beautiful giggles and smiles! The most important thing a parent can do for their children’s oral health is to follow the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry’s advice to “Get it Done in Year One.” In other words, ensure that your infant sees a pediatric dentist before his or her first birthday. This all-important visit allows the dentist to detect early tooth decay, provide parents with information on proper oral and facial development, determine fluoride needs and most importantly, establish a foundation for a lifetime of oral health.

In fact, the year one dental visit can actually save money. A recent study found that children who have their first dental visit before the age of one have 40 percent lower dental costs in their first five years that those who do not.
It’s important to note that proper oral health care takes place in – and out – of the pediatric dentist’s chair. Parents can help developing teeth grow strong by using the following at-home care guidelines:

* Parents should clean infant mouths and gums daily with a soft infant toothbrush or cloth and water.

* Children older than six months need fluoride supplements if their drinking water does not contain enough fluoride. Fluoride supplementation in infants has been shown to reduce tooth decay by as much as 50 percent!

* Parents should avoid at-will breast feeding after the first tooth appears and solid foods are introduced.

* Parents should encourage infants to drink from a cup as they approach their first birthday, and should wean them from the bottle by 12-14 months of age.

* To keep tiny teeth healthy, parents must also practice good oral health; parents can spread decay-causing bacteria to their child by kissing them on the lips, cleaning a pacifier with their saliva or pre-tasting babies’ food.

* Baby teeth should be brushed at least twice a day with an aged-appropriate sized toothbrush using a “smear” of fluoridated toothpaste.

For more information on caring for baby teeth or finding a local pediatric dentist, please visit www.aapd.org.


*The pictures on this post were found on Google Images. If they are copyrighted, please let me know.

Smooth & Dreamy....

Smooth & Dreamy....Fat Free, 1/2 Fat, No-Sugar Added, Bars & Sandwiches.

Who else could be responsible for making something this yummy other than Breyers? I had the opportunity to try the Smooth & Dreamy Bars in the flavor Vanilla Caramel Chip.


The Vanilla Caramel Chip Bars are the perfect size for when you are craving just the right amount of sweetness. Each bar contains only 6 grams of fat and 130 calories with no artificial flavors or colors. Want to know more about these bars?

Vanilla light ice cream with a luscious caramel swirl, caramel flavored chips and milk chocolatey coating… How does that sound? If caramel is not your thing, they also have:

* Triple Chocolate Chip Bars
* Chocolate Covered Strawberry
* Vanilla Fudge Brownie Sandwiches
* Chocolate Caramel Brownie Sandwiches
* Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Sandwiches

If you can't find one of the above you would like to try, you have a stronger will than I do. If you haven't tried the Breyers' Smooth & Dreamy collection yet, what the heck are you waiting for??

Visit the Smooth & Dreamy website to enter several sweepstakes currently running.

* Wheel of Delights can be played daily for a chance at instant wins and the grand prize of $10,000.

* The 2010 Sundae Scoop-Off gives you the opportunity to win a trip to Chicago and a private lesson with Gale Gand.

Head on over today for your chance at winning these AWESOME prizes.


*I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Breyers and received products necessary to facilitate my review. In addition, I received a gift certificate to thank me for taking the time to participate.

One Month to Go...

Believing in yourself is such a huge part of everything you do in life.

I have been training for the upcoming Susan G. Komen 3-Day walk for the past 5 weeks. Although, I am not sure I would really call it training because of my surgery setback. I am just short of a month before I will be taking my journey of 20 miles a day for 3 days. I will admit things have not gone quite as I had planned.

When I originally thought about doing the Walk for a Cure, I never actually thought about the endurance it takes to walk 20 miles. I was so sure it would be a piece of cake. Boy was I WRONG! Even with a good big toe, 20 miles is a long way in a day. It takes dedication and work to achieve goals, so that is what I am trying to remember.

With each step I take towards reaching my desired goal, I try to remind myself of a few things.

1. I can do anything I set my mind to. It may just take some time.

2. Hard work can bring you and others great rewards.

3. Nothing in this world is impossible no matter how hard it may seem at the time. So keep trying.

4. However hard something is you may be facing, you could be facing worse. (Sometimes that is a tough one for me)

5. Accomplishment feels good!

In the previous paragraph, I mentioned the words endurance, dedication, and work. These are words I use to describe how I feel as I train for the Walk for the Cure. These words are even more descriptive of the women I will be walking with and for.
Women with breast cancer have to have dedication and endurance when it comes to treatment. They work long and hard to stay positive as they take care of their children and families. Life doesn't stop because they are diagnosed with breast cancer. For some I have even heard that is when their life began. Those women have the most inspirational stories to share.

For the strength the women and men diagnosed with breast cancer show, I have no words. I will continue to train for the next four weeks and I WILL walk 20 miles each day of the Walk for a Cure. I believe in myself and I believe in this cause!

Thanks to all the amazing people that inspire me daily!

I have been given three shirts to wear during the Susan G. Komen 3-Day walk. I would love to walk in honor of anyone you know who is fighting with breast cancer, survived breast cancer or been lost to breast cancer. Please leave your loved ones name in the comment section of this post. I will be adding these names onto each shirt I wear so I can be reminded of the amazing love you each have for these people.


* I was chosen as a Keep Going Blogger for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day Walk. I am being sponsored by Energizer.

Taking a Break from Groundhog's Day!

My sister and I tease each other all the time that it feels like Groundhog's Day around our homes. The kids wake up every morning with the same requests, fights with siblings and of course their favorite saying, "I'm hungry."

Most mornings it feels like I struggle to find things that my children will eat. It is always the same stuff every day. Wouldn't it be nice to have something to switch up the boring morning routine with once in a while? Well congratulations ladies, I have a new product from Kellogg's to share with you guys that will change things up a bit.
Kellogg's™ Eggo™ Real Fruit Pizza Strawberry Granola and Kellogg's™ Eggo™ Real Fruit Pizza Mixed Berry Granola

Without me even having to say much more, you are probably ready to try them, right! I didn't even tell you the best part. They are ready to eat in only one minute after removing from the freezer. You heard right! You just remove from the package, microwave for one minute and voila!! The kids have a new and fun breakfast entree. What kid would turn down pizza for breakfast?
If you are like me and prefer the crispier crust, you can cook them in the oven. It still only takes anywhere from 5-7 minutes depending on your oven. I am a strawberry gal, so it was definitely my favorite of the two. I will say though, they were both pretty yummy. What can I say?? I guess mom's can't turn down pizza for breakfast either.

While I don't intend on feeding these to my kiddos every morning, it is a nice break from the norm. If you need a change up from Groundhog's Day, you may want to try them out too!

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Eggo Real Fruit Pizza and received a sample of the product and a $20 Amazon gift certificate to facilitate my review.

Back to School with Carolina Pad Giveaway

Back to School! This phrase can be pretty intimidating and yet exciting to children at the same time. Back to school means making new friends and reuniting with old ones, meeting new teachers and of course new school supplies.

New school supplies is definitely one of the perks about "Back to School". If Carolina Pad is on your school shopping list, that's even better.

Carolina Pad is the leader in stylish school and office supplies. They continue to create the looks that we are drawn to. One of the newest collections is Studio C by Carolina Pad now available at select Bed Bath & Beyond stores nationwide! This collection includes Carnaby Street, Peace, True Love and Kaleidoscope. They were all created especially for Bed Bath & Beyond.

As always, they have added fashion flair to school supplies. You and your children will be excited about carrying these products back to school or to the office. I received some awesome samples for my review. They included:

* 1-subject notebook
* Ideal book (3-subject professional notebook)
* Elastic strap journal
* 18-month spiral bound planner
* Package of 3 matchbook style mini-notebooks

There is not one of the above products that will disappoint. I have never experienced anything but complete happiness with any Carolina products I have purchased. These are the type of products you would have found in my backpack if they would have been available when I was in school. As for now, they look great in my purse:) Be sure to check out the new Carolina Pad Studio C Collection in Bed Bath & Beyond stores now.


Giveaway: One of my amazing readers will win a prize pack similar to the one I received for review. So enter to win these great products now!
**If you have won a Carolina Pad giveaway in the last 90 days, you are not eligible to win.

1. Tell me your favorite pattern from the new 2010 Studio C collection. (1 entry)

2. When do you start to shop for back to school? (1 Entry)

3. Follow my blog on Facebook, Twitter and/or Google Friend Connect. (1 Entry for each)

4. Subscribe to GUESSING ALL THE WAY.......Tales of a Clueless Mom by Email (2 Entries)

5. Grab my button for your site. Please leave a link where it can be found. (1 Entry)

6. Post about this giveaway and leave the link where I can find the post. Can be facebook, blog, linky, etc... (2 Entries for each)

7. Tweet this giveaway. (Can be done daily for one entry each)

Win a Carolina Pad Prize Pack from @clueless_mama, exclusive collection at Bed Bath & Beyond. Just in time for BTS. http://bit.ly/cwccv2

This giveaway will end on August 10th at midnight. The winner will be notified by email and announced on this post. The giveaway is open to US and Canada Only.

* I received product to facilitate my review. I received no other form of compensation. The opinions in this review are from my experience with Carolina Pad.

Time to Cool Off! Popsicle Giveaway 10 Winners

Things are really starting to heat up this summer, so what better way to cool things down than with a Popsicle giveaway?

Popsicle has always been a favorite treat of mine and now it is a favorite of my kids as well. What could be more fun than eating these yummy colorful treats?


How about if these fun, colorful treats came in your favorite Jolly Rancher flavors? Well, now they do. The newest Popsicles to hit the market come in flavors Cherry, Blue Raspberry, Green Apple and Grape. Jolly Rancher Popsicles can be found in your local supermarkets, so pick up a box today.

Now for some even more exciting news from Popsicle. How would your children like the opportunity to win one of three great prizes including family trips to dig for dinosaurs, swim with dolphins and Space Camp! In the Anything's Possible with Popsicle sweepstakes, that is exactly what they will have the chance to win.

Family's can enter daily for one of the three grand prize trips and the daily prize of a National Geographic Kids™ “Big Book of Fun”. Entering is easy, you just answer the riddle that is found on your Popsicle stick. For more information on the Anything's Possible with Popsicle Sweepstakes, visit http://bit.ly/aprules.
Help show your children that anything is possible by entering today.

Just when I thought Popsicle couldn't offer more, they went and proved me wrong. They are also working with National Geographic on a great cause to "Help Slow the Melt." Of course the melt I am talking about is the Polar Ice Cap melt and global warming. Together, we can all help to raise money by tweeting using the hashtag #SlowTheMelt.

From July 12, 2010 through August 15, 2010, every Tweet containing the hashtag #SlowTheMelt, Popsicle will donate $1 up to $25,000, to the National Geographic Polar Fund. This fund will support research and exploration efforts of the polar ice caps and global warming issues.
For more information on the National Geographic ™ Polar Fund, visit http://bit.ly/polarfund

Way to go Popsicle and National Geographic!

GIVEAWAY: 10 Winner will win 2 Coupons each for Popsicle products. Good Luck!

1. Tell me your favorite Popsicle Product. (1 Entry)

2. Enter the Anything's Possible with Popsicle Sweepstakes and let me know you did. No purchase is required to enter. (1 Entry)

3. Follow my blog on facebook, twitter or Google Friend Connect. (1 Entry for each)

4. Subscribe to GUESSING ALL THE WAY.......Tales of a Clueless Mom by Email (2 Entries)

5. Tweet this giveaway (Can be done as often as you like using the below.) 1 Entry each.

Win Popsicle Products from @clueless_mama and @Popsicle. 10 will win 2 Free Coupons each. #SlowTheMelt http://bit.ly/diJ1xy

This giveaway will end on August 8 at midnight. The winners will be notified by email and and announced on this post. The giveaway is open to US Only.


* I received one box of the new Jolly Rancher Popsicles to facilitate my review. I received no other form of compensation. The opinions expressed are from my experience with the product I received.

Strapless, Backless, Low-Cut? Why Not! Giveaway

Low-Cut, backless, strapless....These words describe every article of clothing I used to shy away from. Why? Because finding the proper undergarment was always too much of a chore. I had the fear of straps showing, bulging, pulling, well you get the picture.

Braza, a company that has been around for 27 years, has created a unique line of products geared towards correcting all the above problems.

I was sent three different products by Braza for my review. The products could not have come at a better time either. They were one of the first things I packed as I headed for my Cabo trip.

* Braza Bra- Support without the conventional bra.
* Flash Tape- The wonder tape for women.
* Upsie Daisies- Prevents the need to tug.

I was able to try out all of the products mentioned above while on vacation. The product I used the most was definitely the Flash Tape. It truly was some great stuff.

The Flash Tape worked perfectly for holding up my strapless top. It was also great for closing the gaps in my lower cut tops. I loved not having to worry about if I was revealing too much or not.

The Braza Bra is a very exciting idea, but it will take practice to apply properly at least it did for me. I would also think it would work best on smaller breasted women who did not need strong support. I definitely still moved while wearing the Braza Bra. You could say that I had a slight "bounce" in my step and I am roughly a B to C cup.


They carry several other products that I did not sample. Here are a few of them:

* Bra Back Extenders
* Clothing Shields
* Cush-Eez
* Strap Keepers
* Contour Petals
* Happy Straps
* Magic Cup

If you would like more information on these products, you can visit www.brazabra.com.

I personally feel that the Braza line of products is priced right and worth trying. While not all the products may work for you, you will no doubt find a couple that offer what you are looking for.

Which Braza products do you think you would like to try?

Giveaway: One winner will receive the same 3 products I was sent for review. Good Luck!

1. Visit Brazabra.com and tell me which product you would love to try. (1 Entry)

2. What is your biggest fashion problem that Braza could help with? (1 Entry)

3. Follow my blog on facebook, twitter or Google Friend Connect. (1 Entry for each)

4. Subscribe to GUESSING ALL THE WAY.......Tales of a Clueless Mom by Email (2 Entries)

5. Tweet this giveaway: Can be done once daily.

Backless, Strapless, Low-Cut? Why not? Win a set of three Braza Products from @clueless_mama. http://bit.ly/czvJn2

This giveaway will end on August 5th at midnight. The winner will be notified by email and announced on this post. It is open to US Only.


* I received the three products mentioned in this post for my review. The opinions expressed are from my use with the products. I received no other form of compensation.