PopSugar

Deciding on a Bottle For My Baby-to-Be: Weil Baby

LilSugar — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 09:30:10 -0700

Bottoms up! When it comes time to move baby from breast to bottle, there are a lot of options on the market. When my son was born, I swore by a barely known brand of bottles that quickly gained momentum after the Bisphenol A scare called BornFree. The non-toxic containers didn't leak and had sippy cups made in their likeness so my child was able to easily transition to a big boy cup at about 4 to 5 months old. While I'm still a fan, there's a new line on the market that I'm equally impressed by and considering for my baby-to-be - Weil Baby. Having read a few of the renowned health experts books, I was anxious to check out Dr. Andrew Weil's bottles, training cups, brushes, and silicone nipples and pacifiers. Though creating modern eye candy wasn't his intent, the line's ergonomic lines will be popular with design conscious parents as well as eco-friendly families. Made from glass and Tritan, a clear BPA free material, the bottles ($18 - $19 for a 2pk) have a built-in venting system (no tedious washing!) that helps eliminate gas bubbles and colic in kiddos. The goods are sold in recyclable packaging so you can also feel good about lessening your wee one's carbon footprint.

Minui HandySitt Is a Pretty Sweet Seat

babysugar — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 12:00:55 -0700

Detest the idea of a high chair nestled in the corner of a dining room? Or maybe a toddler has outgrown the starter seat, but still has a tough time reaching the table? The Minui Handysitt ($149) can solve both of those problems. In search of a new high chair, I was stoked when I was asked to test the swanky Danish designed invention. Aside from the attractive modern appeal, the nifty gadget is easily stored it in a flat compact space, pops on any chair with a back and quickly adjusts to suit the child's height. The flat back keeps tots bellied up to the table in perfect posture and allows them to join the conversation and look down on their food instead of grazing it from eye level. To see what I liked about the seat and to see what I would change, read more.

Perfect for my 2-year-old daughter, the seat made her feel like she was an integral part of our dinner conversation. And, due to the height boost, the dining table stayed a bit cleaner and my floor a tad less messy. In addition to the housekeeping aspect, I adore the sleek design of the mini seat. It can be stored flat, making it easy to store almost anywhere - even a suitcase! A simple push and click makes it tush ready. While the Minui HandySitt is a dream for my daughter, my son didn't fare so well in it. A feisty lil guy, he likes to throw his weight back and sideways with full force. Though the chair claims to work for 6-month-old babies to five year olds, I believe we'll have to wait a few more months for my wee man to sit in the lap of luxury. Depending on the child's development, I presume one could use it sooner than six months while others (like mine) may have to wait until their first birthday! And for restaurateurs, this may be just what the manager ordered. These novel seats can hang up on a bar or lay flat under a hostess stand making large space killing high chairs a thing of the past. Confident in their product, the company offers guaranteed satisfaction: "If you don’t love it, we’ll refund your purchase, pay for return shipping and send you $10 to put towards a different high chair. No questions asked, promise." Check out the video and tell me if you're sold.

Review: PowerBar Chocolate Gel

FitSugar — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:00:56 -0700

On long bike rides, when I pass the hour mark I need a little something to help to power up the next big hill and something I can quickly eat. There are a wide variety of sports gels out there, so I am in my experimental phase - trying them all out. Over the weekend, I placed a Chocolate PowerBar Gel in the back pocket of my biking jersey before I headed out the door. This particular flavor was labeled as having 1x caffeine and contained 25 milligrams caffeine, about one-third the amount found in a single shot of espresso. Since I was riding early in the morning, and hadn't finished my daily cup of joe, I was looking forward to putting a little more caffeine in my system. Just before the third serious climb of the day, I powered down my PowerBar gel.

To see how it tasted, and if it helped sustain my energy read more.

First off, the flavor was surprisingly palatable. It didn't taste metallic or yucky, more like brownie batter than sports gel. This might sound gross, but after 90 minutes of riding it was wonderful and really easy to eat. I think the bit of caffeine perked me up and improved my attitude so rather than being daunted by the hill ahead of me, I was ready to attack. The gel sustained me for at least an hour, and the carbs and electrolytes prevented me from bonking. Here's the nutritional information:

Serving size	41 grams (one packet)
Calories	120
Fat	1.5 g
Sodium	200 mg
Carb	28 g
Potassium	40 mg
Sugar	10 g
Chloride	70 mg
Protein	0 g

Ingredients: PowerBar C2 max carbohydrate blend (maltodextrin, fructose), filtered water, chocolate (contains milk), glycerin, PowerBar electrolyte blend (sodium chloride, sodium citrate, potassium chloride), phosphoric acid, natural flavor (contains soy lecithin), PowerBar booster blend (caffeine, ginseng, kola nut extract), sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate (to retard spoilage). contains milk and soy.

Do you have a favorite sports gel? Share your flavor and brand in the comments section below.

Tickle Me Pink! I Love the Ticklebug Baby Changing Pad

babysugar — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 05:00:39 -0700

As a lazy second time mom, I rarely pull out the changing pad when my wee ones need a quick change. Occasionally a mat is required to shield their bums and noggins from the surface of a public restroom changing table. Since most diaper bags provide mamas with a roll type pad that is rarely long enough to cushion a toddler's head, I was tickled when I had the opportunity to test out the Ticklebug Baby changing kit ($49).

Compactly packaged in bright eye-catching prints, the velcro sealed tote unfolds into a changing pad that easily fits a toddler (head to toe) while providing mommy poopy nappy artillery. On each side of the cushioned mat, there are pouches for cream, wipes, diapers, and a wallet. To keep children entertained, there is a ring where mama can securely attach any sort of toy. And if mom is a germaphobe, she'll love the fact that the item is machine washable!

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EA Sports Active 30 Day Challenge: Final Thoughts

GeekSugar — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 14:00:37 -0700

I can hardly believe that it has already been an entire month since I started the 30 Day EA Sports Active Challenge. I'm sure for those of you who participated in the challenge, you can also vouch that the 30 days goes by fairly quickly. And because the game gives you two to three rest days a week, it's easy to add the workouts into your daily routine.

In terms of my overall results, I only lost about four pounds, but where I do see the results is in my muscles, which are a bit more toned and can actually handle some weight! Although Sports Active offers a nice cross-training program, if you're really trying to shed the pounds, I suggest pairing this game with another exercise program (say regular exercise classes, or cardio at the gym).

To find out what my pros and cons are about the game, just read more.

What I loved about EA Sports Active is the fact that you can do it at home (major plus), you decide the pace, it feels interactive since your movements are showing on the screen, and it tracked my progress daily and overall. Of all the workout programs I've done at home (including Wii Fit), this one is definitely at the top of the list.

What I didn't like about it was the slow pace between workouts, how the calorie counter increased with time rather than your actual workouts, the fact that I had to go out and buy a stronger resistant band, and the Wiimote sensor inaccuracy with exercises like the bicep curls. Thankfully, Sports Active has created a forum on its website where users can ask questions, and other users can answer them.

Will I continue to use the game? Definitely. Most likely three times a week in combination with my other workouts. Because it's so convenient and actually gets me sweating - how can I say no?!

The Green Pixels group has also finished their challenge. Be sure to check out their overall thoughts on the experience!

Canon Rebel T1i First Look: Aaa-Mazing

GeekSugar — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 01:45:44 -0700

I've been anxiously waiting to get my hands on the Canon Rebel T1i since its release in May, so you can imagine how quickly I ripped open the box when it arrived! I was stoked that Canon could pack such awesome pro options in a camera tagged with a smaller, more manageable consumer price ($899).

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For me, the most exciting features coming with Canon's new 15.1 megapixel DSLR are the full HD 1080p video capabilities, a built-in dust removal system, the fun "creative auto" modes that let you experiment with different variations on the regular auto functions, and it also comes stocked with the same light sensor that you'll find on the Canon 50D - a decidedly more "prosumer" camera but that comes with a much bigger price tag.

To find out what else I like about the T1i compared to other DSLRs on the market today, just read more.

I always thought my point-and-shoot did a really good job of capturing images, which means it took me a really long time to jump into the DSLR market. But after messing around with the T1i, it pretty much puts my Sony T100 to shame, and is likely to be the best consumer DSLR for its price. One of the great things about the T1i is the weight. This camera is easily a pound lighter than its competitors, which means you're more likely to take this with you on trips, and in my case, less likely to drop it! Plus, it has a nice big LCD screen on the back so you can easily change your settings, and even use it in the "live view" mode to see your upcoming shots instead of using the viewfinder.

The T1i's controls are very intuitive (instead of mind-boggling like the ones on the Nikon D5000), has a nice grip to it, and sits really well in your hands. I can't wait to use some of the great photography tips we've accumulated and take the T1i for a more in-depth test drive. Stay tuned for a full review and a few sample photos (and video) coming up soon!

Krazy For Kokopax Carrier!

babysugar — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 08:00:00 -0700

My weekly trip to the grocery store can be harried with a two-year-old and an infant, but if I can put one of them on my back then life is easier. When Kokopax sent us a backpack to review, I jumped at the opportunity to test it out and lighten my load. A fan of the classic Baby Bjorn, I wasn't sure that Kokopax would make chores any simpler than the front baby carrier. Certainly the Bjorn and other models like it allow for closeness and warmth, but the Kokopax gives mom the freedom to hold a full load in her arms while baby sits pretty behind her.

Thank Goodness For Eco Angels

babysugar — Sat, 16 May 2009 05:00:00 -0700

Mamas only want the best for their wee cherubs and that includes providing them with safe yet entertaining toys. My latest object of affection is the Eco Angel Grip and Grasp.

The round aesthetically pleasing rattle has just enough shake to it to keep baby wanting more without driving present company crazy. The shape makes it easy for tiny fingers to grasp and provides eternal chewing spots. And since it's phthalate free, mommy won't mind the teething tot gnawing his way to tooth heaven with this sweet angel. The $18 price may be a little much, but it's worth the peace of mind knowing the rascal is playing it safe.

Allergy Relief: Afrin Pure Sea vs. NeilMed

FitSugar — Thu, 07 May 2009 10:00:00 -0700

Using a neti pot is a simple, natural way to combat allergies and nasal congestion, but sometimes you need a little extra power in your nasal irrigation. I just tried two sinus rinse products, which can easily be found in a drugstore. Afrin Pure Sea ($12) and NeilMed Sinus Rinse ($11.50).

The Afrin saline solution is made from purified sea water, from St. Malo Bay off the coast of northern France. The water is isotonically treated, making the concentration of salt similar to that of your body; it is also preservative free. The four-ounce bottle comes with a detachable applicator to be cleaned between uses. To use, press down on the applicator once the tip is positioned inside your nostril, while leaning over a sink or in the shower. I tried the medium stream, but it is available in gentle stream as well.

To learn about the NeilMed product and to see how the two compare, read more.

The NeilMed is a little more do it yourself. You mix salt packets, 50 come with the nasal irrigator, which holds eight ounces of water. The salt packets are considered isotonic and are preservative free. You fill the irrigator with warm distilled water, mix in the salt, and then squeeze the bottle placed against a nostril, over a sink, to rinse your nasal passages.

I feel both these products work, but the NeilMed worked a bit better. Since you exert pressure on the bottle, you have more control over the force. The NeilMed is also more economical, because I believe you will get more applications per package. I found the press-with-cap of the Afrin a little awkward when using my left hand for my left nostril. On the plus side for the Afrin, you don't have to heat or distill your own water, which can be a pain. I used tap water with the NeilMed - who keeps distilled water on hand? While waiting for the water to heat up, I wasted a lot of water and live in a drought zone. The Afrin would also work well if you're traveling and are unsure of the availability or water quality in your destination.

The NeilMed is ultimately more eco friendly as well. You can buy extra packets of salt without purchasing another irrigating bottle. Plus, the water comes from your home or nearby instead of being shipped from France.

Have you tried either of the products? If so, share what you thoughts in the comments section below.

Tribeca Review: Departures

PopSugar — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 15:30:03 -0700

Thanks to PopSugar, who is attending some Tribeca Film Festival screenings and writing reviews for me this week!

Departures won the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar this year, and when I caught it last Friday at the Tribeca Film Festival, I quickly saw why it deserved the honor. The Japanese film centers around a man named Daigo Kobayashi (Masahiro Motoki), a cellist who moves back to his rural hometown with his wife Mika (Ryoko Hirosue) after his orchestra in Tokyo is forced to shut down.

When he returns home, Kobayashi gives up his life of being a musician and responds to a want ad looking for someone to work "with departures." Instead of it being a travel agency like he expected, the ad turns out to be a misprint; in fact, the job is working with "the departed." Undertakers hire the company to prepare dead bodies for casketing and then cremation. Although it sounds morbid, the movie has very humorous moments as Kobayashi learns the ins and outs of the trade, but where it is funny it's also sad.

Kobayashi is ashamed of his new job and goes to great efforts to lie about what he is doing to his unsuspecting and loving wife. Kobayashi's boss, Ikuei Sasaki (Tsutomu Yamazaki), is a man of few words, but when he does speak, his meaningful moments are peppered with an unexpected dry humor. Ikuei also provides emotional, respectful, and touching moments as he performs an encoffinment with the family of the deceased looking on. For more of my thoughts on Departures, just read more.

The movie's "departures" aren't restricted to Kobayashi's career - during the film, he wonders if his current situation is punishment for not taking care of his own dying mother years earlier. His father left his family when he was 6, and as viewers, we watch him learn from his new father figure - his boss. As the ritual of encoffinment becomes more familiar, it's hard not to feel the families' stages of grief as they say goodbye to their loved ones. The acting is superb, and the musical score only enhances the many emotions one feels when watching this powerful movie. The end feels a little drawn out, but all in all, director Yojiro Takita has put together a wonderful portrayal of how the living deal with death and love.

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