Product Reviews

Week 3: The Florida Citrus Feel Better Challenge! Last Week to Vote to Win!

2012-02-07T09:52:15Z

Welcome to the final week of the Florida Citrus Feel Better Challenge! At the end of this week we will crown the Top Citrus Chef. Will it be Cayla, or Carol? Read both Cayla and Carol's recipe reviews, compare the pictures, and then let us know whose dish looked best!  

During cold and flu season, eating right is essential! Florida Citrus is an easy and delicious way to help you get your 7-10 servings of fruit and vegetables per day. Comment below and share how you pamper yourself to help feel better when you're under the weather for your first second chance to win a $250 WaySpa gift certificate and products from The Body Shop courtesy of the Florida Department of Citrus.To enter your third ballot in the contest share how you pamper yourself to help feel better . For another ballot, upload your own citrus-infused recipe the Florida Citrus Feel Better Recipe Swap.

Visit the Florida: Feel Better facebook page for more tips, recipes & daily smiles from the growers of Florida Citrus.

This week's recipe is: Raspberry Citrus Bars

This bright refreshing dessert can be served casually as a bar or dressed up with a dollop of whipped cream and mint for any special guests.

Makes 24 bars

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups (375 mL) all purpose flour
1/4 cup (50 mL) granulated sugar
2 tbsp (25 mL) cornstarch
3/4 cup (175 mL) butter, softened
2 cups (500 mL) fresh raspberries

Citrus Filling:
5 egg yolks
3/4 cup (175 mL) granulated sugar
1/4 cup (50 mL) all purpose flour
1 1/3 cups (325 mL) 35% whipping cream
3/4 cup (175 mL) Florida orange juice
3/4 cup (175 mL) Florida grapefruit juice
1 tbsp grated grapefruit rind
Whipped cream for garnish
Grated Florida grapefruit rind and fresh mint leaves for garnish

Directions:
1. In large bowl, combine flour, sugar and cornstarch.
2. With fingers work in butter until mixture clumps together.
3. With floured hands, press dough evenly into parchment paper lined 13 x 9 inch (3 L) baking pan.
4. Bake in 350 F oven for about 25 minutes or until firm to the touch and edges are light golden.
5. Let cool slightly and sprinkle with raspberries.

Citrus Filling:
1. In bowl, whisk together egg yolks, sugar and flour until smooth; set aside.
2. In saucepan, heat cream, orange and grapefruit juices and grapefruit rind over medium heat until bubbles start forming around edge.
3. Gently pour some of the cream mixture into egg yolk mixture and whisk to smoothen and combine.
4. Pour in remaining cream mixture and whisk until well combined.
5. Pour back into saucepan and return to medium heat.
6. Cook, whisking gently for about 5 minutes or until thickened.
7. Pour over raspberries and gently shake pan to even out and remove air bubbles.
8. Cover surface directly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 2 hours or until firm and set.
9.Cut into bars to serve.

Tip: Whip cream and dollop onto bar and garnish with grapefruit rind and fresh mint for an extra special treat.

Recipe provided courtesy of the Florida Department of Citrus.

See what our Chef #1, Cayla of The UrbanMoms Kitchen, had to say:

On the night I had planned on making the Citrus Squares, there was nothing I felt like doing less than baking. It had been the kind of day when you leave before the sun comes up and don't come home until after dark. The kind of day where you go to work, drive the kids everywhere, and then go to work some more. The kind of day that had not one second of "me" time.

When work was finally done, I felt like doing nothing more than crawling into bed. But then I heard a little voice, "Mommy, when are we making the squares?"

"Now." I sighed as I started to assemble the ingredients. I don't know if it was the smell of the grapefruit zest or the fun we had squishing butter between our fingers, but within minutes, the smile had returned to my face.

Between the buttery crust and the rich filling, these bars are decadent! But after a week of hard work, a few great workouts and lots of healthy eating, I felt I deserved a treat. Not only that, I didn't have to work for it. I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to prepare. So fast and easy, in fact, that I almost didn't have enough time for the crust to cool before topping it with the filling before it set.

Overall, Maya and I had a great time making this dessert...even if it was a bit of a comedy of errors. We forgot to put the parchment down under the crust, we spilled grapefruit juice all over the kitchen, and when it came time to serve, almost dropped the entire thing on the floor. But, really, who cares? Especially when being imperfect is so much fun!

After (im)patiently waiting for the squares to cool, here's what the crew had to say about them:

Maya: So yummy! I love the raspberries!

Billy: Can I have more? I like that there's fruit, which is healthy, but it doesn't taste healthy.

Husband: Wow! They're sweet, but not too sweet. Sometimes this kind of thing is too sweet.

Best friend (and master baker): It tastes really good. Like a lemon square except the citrus taste is more complex. The filling is really rich, almost like custard. These would be really good baked as a tart.

These bars were a little ray of sunshine on a dreary day. They were a great reminder that sometimes it's ok to spill grapefruit juice on the floor, get flour on your nose and not worry when your dessert doesn't look as pretty as it was supposed to. Because, man, does it taste good!

See what our Chef #2, Carol, UrbanMoms staffer, had to say:
Are you a dessert fan? Some, like my husband, are chips and nut lovers. Others prefer cheese and crackers. I must admit that there is nothing I love more than a delicious dessert. While I do my best to prepare well-balanced, healthy meals I still enjoy including the occasional treat. Small indulgences are important to our overall health.

My weeks can get hectic, running the kids around to their sport practices, extra curricular activities, and my own appointments. Every week I try to find ways to regroup and recharge. Date night with my husband is one of my favourite ways to recharge. When I have even less time I enjoy taking a bath, or reading a great book. I also love to bake and find it to be a great stress reliever. Finding new and exciting recipes to prepare is so much fun. You should see the stack of recipe books I have in my kitchen.

I was thrilled when the Florida Department of Citrus asked me to try out their Raspberry Citrus Bars recipe. I found myself with another intriguing recipe that combined the unique flavours of grapefruit and fresh raspberries.

Well let me tell you that these bars are now one of my new favourites! What makes this recipe so interesting is the addition of grapefruit. I love serving my guests desserts that stand out and are a departure from the expected. This recipe will definitely create a long-lasting impression with your friends and family. No need to be intimidated by this recipe as it has simple and easy to follow steps. The grapefruit flavour nicely offsets the sweetness of the filling. The shortbread base was absolutely divine. My husband and daughter absolutely loved this dessert. They both really enjoyed the creamy rich filling and loved the addition of the fresh raspberries.

Here is what they said:

Husband: Yum! Love the creamy centre and crunchy base. The squares have a really great taste, not too sweet and I especially love the fresh raspberries.

Carol: The recipe makes a large batch of squares, the perfect amount for a party. It's a great dessert to bring to a friend's house. They transport well and stay fresh and delicious in the fridge. My family thought they tasted just as great on day 1 as day 3.

Nicky: The squares are really gooey and yummy.

Rachel: I love the crust! They taste a lot like lemon squares, only better.

So don't forget to take time out to pamper yourself and include small indulgences weekly in your life.

NOW IT'S YOUR TURN! VOTE AND COMMENT BELOW.

TO ENTER THE CONTEST share how you pamper yourself to help feel better when you're under the weather. For an additional ballot add your favourite citrus recipes to the Florida Citrus Feel Better Recipe Swap application. The new "easy-upload" feature allows you to share your recipe with ease.

(The content on this post is sponsored by Florida Department of Citrus. Click here for more information)

Click here for contest Rules and Regulations.

Week 2: The Florida Citrus Feel Better Challenge! Vote Again To Win!

2012-01-31T09:44:58Z

Welcome to week two of the Florida Citrus Feel Better Challenge! Cayla and Carol continue their quest for the title of Top Citrus Chef.

Citrus is good for the body, the soul and the taste buds. Vote and comment below for your second chance to WIN a $250 WaySpa gift certificate and some invigorating Body Shop products to help you feel better each day. Simply share your favourite ways to add citrus to your diet. For an additional ballot, share your own citrus recipe on the Florida Citrus Feel Better Recipe Swap. Don't forget to read both Cayla and Carol's recipe reviews, compare the pictures and then let us know whose dish looked best!

Visit the Florida: Feel Better Facebook page for more tips, recipes and daily smiles from the growers of Florida Citrus.

This week's recipe is: Florida Grapefruit Fish Tacos with Grapefruit Avocado Drizzle

Tangy fresh flavours of Florida grapefruit juice make this taco memorable with each bite. Baked until golden for an added crunch and topped off with fresh lettuce and juicy tomatoes makes this recipe a family favourite.

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients:
1 green onion, minced
1 large clove garlic, minced
2 tsp (10 mL) dried thyme leaves
2 tsp (10 mL) chili powder
1/4 cup (50 mL) Florida grapefruit juice
1 tsp (5 mL) liquid honey
4 small tilapia or catfish fillets, about 1 lb/450 g, cut into thick strips
Pinch each salt and pepper
3/4 cup (175 mL) dry seasoned breadcrumbs
4 small flour tortillas
1/2 cup (125 mL) shredded lettuce
1/3 cup (75 mL) diced tomato
2 tbsp (25 mL) chopped red onion

Grapefruit Avocado Drizzle:
Half avocado, chopped
One Florida grapefruit, segmented and diced
3 tbsp (45 mL) Florida grapefruit juice
1/2 tsp (2 mL) granulated sugar
Pinch salt

Directions:
1. In shallow dish, combine onions, garlic, thyme and chili powder; stir in Florida grapefruit juice and honey.
2. Add fish strips and turn to coat.
3. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and roll in breadcrumbs.
4. Place on parchment paper lined baking sheet and roast in 425 F (220 C) oven for about 15 minutes, turning once until golden brown and fish flakes when tested.

Grapefruit Avocado Drizzle:
1. In bowl, mash together avocado until smooth.
2. Stir in Florida grapefruit juice, half of the diced Florida grapefruit, sugar and salt until combined. Set aside.
3. Divide fish strips on one half of each of the tortillas.
4. Sprinkle with lettuce, tomato, onion and remaining diced Florida grapefruit.
5. Spoon Grapefruit Avocado Drizzle over top and fold over to serve.
6. Garnish with Florida grapefruit.

Recipe provided courtesy of the Florida Department of Citrus.

See what our Chef #1, Cayla of The UrbanMoms Kitchen, had to say:

I was really excited to try this recipe, not only because it was fish tacos (a dish I had been trying to master since tasting some amazing fish tacos last summer), but because the "fish" was tilapia. As a former picky-eater, eating fish is a relatively new thing for me...and something I am still (somewhat) intimidated to cook with.

When I first looked at the ingredients, I wasn't sure how my kids would react. As stated above, I don't make fish that often at home and since they view grapefruit as a "grown-up" fruit, it's not a taste they are familiar with. One thing I do know though is that they love taking an active role in helping to prepare dinner. This meal fits the bill: they were able to be involved in all aspects of this meal, from breading the fish to assembling the tacos.

Eating a well-balanced family meal every night is something that is very important to me and my family. When they were babies, I read a study that showed a strong link between eating dinner together and the overall health and well-being of children. As my kids get older (and our nights get busier) we do find it harder and harder to find the time to sit down together. Luckily, we are all committed to making it work. Dinners like these fish tacos are great because not only are they healthy, they are also fun.

Preparing the fish was really easy! I really liked the honey because it balanced the heat of the jalapeno and it also created the perfect consistency for the marinade to stick to the fish. Instead of parchment paper, I used a silicon mat, a common substitution. It worked out great. The fish didn't stick and it was crunchy on the outside and moist on the inside. One thing I did have to be aware of was the cooking time of the tilapia. Some pieces were thicker than others and thus, some pieces were done before others. I just removed them from the oven and kept them warm under foil.

I prepared the rest of the ingredients while the fish was baking, making this a true 30 minute meal. I did find it a bit hard to smush the avocado, but that was my fault; it wasn't ripe enough! Next time I will ask the grocer to help me find a good one. Other than that, the rest of the ingredients are pretty much chop and go.

When it came time to eat, my children helped me set up the ingredients on our lazy Susan. They had a lot of fun putting together their tacos and really liked that this meal let them choose how much of each ingredient they wanted. Here is what they thought:

Billy: I like the fish best; it's crunchy.

Maya: I didn't think I liked grapefruit but I do. Can I drink some grapefruit juice now?

Husband: It's good. And filling. Also, I like the fruit part; it makes it refreshing.

Overall, this meal was easy, fun and a lot less scary to prepare than I thought. I like that my kids have been introduced to eating grapefruit for more than breakfast and look forward to having it again.

See what our Chef #2, Carol, UrbanMoms staffer, had to say:
Do you make New Year resolutions? After years of making promises to myself that I clearly couldn't keep I decided to end this futile ritual. I certainly don't miss feeling guilty and disappointed after falling short year after year. I finally decided that it was time to make a lifestyle change rather than looking for a quick fix. Working out has become part of my daily routine as natural to me as waking up and showering. As I get older I am grateful to be fit and active. I feel better emotionally and physically and can keep up with the stresses of everyday life.

Being active and making healthy food choices go hand in hand. I try to incorporate as much fish, nuts, fruits and vegetables in my family's diet as possible. Adding citrus to a recipe is a simple way to boost the nutrition in any meal. One serving of Florida grapefruit (one whole grapefruit) or one 250 mL glass of 100% orange juice or grapefruit juice contains more than a full day's supply of vitamin C. Vitamin C is one of the most powerful antioxidants and neutralizes free radicals to help fight cell and tissue damage that could lead to diseases including cancer and heart disease and helps the body fight infection.

I also make it a priority to serve my family fish. It is a good source of protein, low in saturated fat and filled with omega-3 fatty acids which are good for the heart and brain. While my husband and I love fish, finding recipes that my kids enjoy is more of a challenge. I was really excited when The Florida Department of Citrus asked me to test a fish taco recipe. The Florida Grapefruit Fish Tacos with Grapefruit Avocado Drizzle has healthy ingredients that I want my kids to eat daily. My kids absolutely love tacos so this recipe was very promising. The simple step-by-step instructions also made this easy to prepare.

The fish required a simple grapefruit spice marinade and then a quick roll in breadcrumbs before being cooked in the oven. The avocado grapefruit drizzle also came together rather quickly. The grapefruit added a nice zip to the drizzle and tasted great. After shredding the lettuce, dicing the tomatoes and red onion, the tacos were ready to assemble. Eating is always so much more fun when the whole family is involved in the preparation. My girls love eating tacos because they enjoy putting them together.

So, how did it taste? Here is my family's feedback:

Husband: Great flavour, really enjoy the avocado drizzle and crunch from the lettuce.

Carol: These fish tacos are great. I don't miss the sour cream and cheese that normally accompany our tacos. The avocado adds a real richness to the tacos that was so delicious.

Nicky: Is there really fish in this taco? It tastes really good.

Rachel: I had lots of fun helping my mom prepare this meal. I love to cook and this recipe was really easy. The tacos taste good, to tell you the truth the fish tastes like chicken.

Overall, we enjoyed the tacos. It is great to find an alternative to the deep fried fish sticks that my kids enjoy. The fish and grapefruit added a nice zip to our regular taco meal. Being creative and finding new ways to incorporate foods that taste good and are good for you makes me feel great.

NOW IT'S YOUR TURN! VOTE AND COMMENT BELOW.

TO ENTER THE CONTEST share your favourite ways to add citrus to your diet. This week it's even easier to earn an additional ballot. Simply add your favourite citrus recipes to the Florida Citrus Feel Better Recipe Swap application. The new "easy-upload" feature allows you to share your recipe with ease.

(The content on this post is sponsored by Florida Department of Citrus. Click here for more information)

Click here for contest Rules and Regulations.

Week 1: The Florida Citrus Feel Better Challenge! Vote & Win!

2012-01-23T03:29:40Z

The Florida Citrus Feel Better Challenge is now underway! Join us as two UrbanMoms writers battle for the title of Top Citrus Chef. Starting with an appetizer, then a main and ending with a dessert, our chefs will showcase three fabulous recipes featuring Florida Citrus products.

Your job is simple: check in each week and read both Cayla and Carol's recipe reviews, compare the pictures and then let us know whose dish looked best by voting each week for three weeks! We will be giving away one prize pack including a $250 WaySpa gift certificate and some invigorating Body Shop products to help you feel better. To enter the contest you must comment below and share the things that you do to Feel Better. Each week you'll also have a chance to earn additional ballots by adding your own favourite citrus recipes to the Florida Citrus Feel Better Recipe Swap application.  

Visit the Florida: Feel Better facebook page for more tips, recipes & daily smiles from the growers of Florida Citrus.

This week's recipe is: Hearty Lentil Orange Soup

Makes 6 to 8 servings

Ingredients:
10 mL (2 tsp) canola oil
1 onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
10 mL (2 tsp) chili powder
5 mL (1 tsp) ground cumin
500 mL (2 cups) red lentils
750 mL (3 cups) 100% pure Florida orange juice
875 mL (3 1/2 cups) sodium-reduced vegetable stock
75 mL (1/3 cup) low-fat plain yogurt

Directions

In a soup pot, heat oil over medium heat and cook onion, garlic, jalapeno, chili powder and cumin for 5 minutes or until softened. Add lentils and stir to coat well for 1 minute.
Add orange juice and 500 mL (2 cups) of the vegetable stock and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes or until lentils are tender. Stir in remaining stock and heat through.
Serve in shallow soup bowls with a dollop of yogurt.

Tip: For a smooth soup, puree the soup in batches in a blender and heat through.

Recipe provided courtesy of the Florida Department of Citrus.

See what our Chef #1, Cayla of The UrbanMoms Kitchen, had to say:

When I told my family I was trying a new soup recipe, it didn't phase them since I am forever experimenting with new soup recipes. My kids and husband tend to be meat-and-potato lovers so I often use the appetizer course to squeeze in the fruits and veggies; we have soup, salad, or veggies and dip every night. As the weather becomes cooler, we find ourselves eating soup more often than not.

Making this soup was super-easy and super-fast; I can honestly say that I got the whole thing prepared in the 15 minutes I was home between picking my son up from school and dropping my daughter off at trampoline. By the time I got home 30 minutes later, it was simmered to doneness (and made the house smell amazing in the process). While the lentils mostly melted away, I chose to blend it so it was completely smooth, one of the tips from Florida Citrus.

I served the soup along with homemade cheese pizza; together the two made up a balanced meal for our Meatless Monday dinner. As part of an effort to become healthier and environmentally aware, we are choosing to eat more fruits and veggies and less meat. I have to say, though, there was more leftover pizza than I anticipated, not only because the soup was so good, but also because it was so hearty and filling.

When I was serving the soup, my daughter was a little wary of the dollop of yogurt so I left it off hers. I have to say though, that was the part of the soup I personally liked best: the cool creaminess of the yogurt balanced out the rich flavours of the lentils and cumin in the soup.

I wasn't the only one who liked the soup; everyone in my family enjoyed it and had this to say:

Maya: It tastes like oranges and I like oranges. Also, it's not chunky so that's good.

Billy: I'm not sure what it tastes like or why I like it but my mouth just wants to eat more.

Husband: Its good. And hearty. (he's a man of few words)

Overall, the soup was a success. It was fast, easy, healthy, and yummy. And while not all ingredients are local, I know that Florida Orange juice is always in season and always amazing so I feel good about cooking with it any time of the year.

See what our Chef #2, Carol, an UrbanMoms staffer, had to say:

As the cold days of winter settle upon us there is nothing more delicious than a warm cup of soup. For lunch or dinner, soup makes a fantastic addition to any meal. Not only is it comforting, it is also healthy for you too. At this time of year, especially after the holidays, I try to incorporate as many fruits and vegetables into my family's diet as possible. This can be challenging as winter does limit the amount of fresh produce available so I'm always excited to find a recipe that is packed full of easy to find ingredients that are both healthy and delicious. The Hearty Lentil Orange Soup recipe sent to us from the Florida Department of Citrus is a great combination of both these elements.

The Hearty Lentil Orange Soup was such an easy and simple recipe to prepare. I was quite intrigued by this recipe as I've made quite a few split pea soups in my days but have never tried red lentils. The other surprising element in this soup was the addition of orange juice. I couldn't wait to see how these flavours came together. I am happy to report that this soup did not disappoint. The best way to describe the taste is zippy and hearty. The citrus flavour enlivens the soup and adds a burst of flavour to each bite. The verdict was unanimous - the whole family felt the same way about the soup; they found the pureed texture very appealing and enjoyed the interesting combination of spices and orange juice.

Husband: Love the taste of delicious spice combination and dollop of yogurt.

Rachel: I love soup and this one is so yummy.

Nicky: My favourite part is dipping the cracker in the soup. Orange and crackers taste so good together!

I make it a priority to serve my family foods that are both great tasting and good for us. The daily choices that I make as a mom do impact the health and wellness of my family. These small choices really add up. During the winter months it's so easy to hide away inside our warm and cozy homes. So why not get outside and make a snowman with your kids, or go tobogganing, both activities are so much fun. Also try new recipes that combine interesting flavours and pack a great healthy punch.

NOW IT'S YOUR TURN! VOTE AND COMMENT BELOW.

TO ENTER THE CONTEST share the things that you do to Feel Better. Each week you'll also have a chance to earn additional ballots by adding your own favourite citrus recipes to the Florida Citrus Feel Better Recipe Swap application.  

(The content on this post is sponsored by Florida Department of Citrus. Click here for more information)

Click here for contest Rules and Regulations.

Baboo by Natrel

2012-01-10T10:54:27Z

"It's just a stage."

How many times do new parents hear that phrase during their children's early years? But it's true: especially during their first two years, children go through a remarkable range of stages and transitions. One of the most important transitions children make is the one from breast milk or formula to regular milk.

Up until now, there was no way for parents to help ease their children's transition over to regular milk, and many children and families struggled to make the switch. Thankfully, this important change can now be handled with ease.

Introducing Baboo, a new category of dairy product in Canada. Baboo is the first Canadian dairy product specially designed by the Natrel dairy experts for toddlers aged 12 to 24 months. It's the right dairy product to ensure a smooth transition from breast milk or infant formula to regular milk. Baboo is rich in nutrients, contains fresh milk and as a complement to a balanced diet, it contributes to the development of toddlers 12-24 months.

Thirty members of our Go2Girlz product testing panel recently had the opportunity to test Baboo with their own toddlers. Eager to see if this innovative new product would live up to its claims, they offered it to their little ones making the transition from formula or breast milk. Overall, nearly all the children liked Baboo, and most seemed to love it - gulping it down quickly and asking for more. The moms were happy with this new dairy product as well, particularly the fact that it is freshly packaged in shelf-safe Tetra Pak cartons that protect nutrients without preservatives and don't require refrigeration before opening.

After sampling Natrel Baboo with their toddlers, we asked our Go2Girlz testers if they would recommend the product to another mom, and if they would buy it again themselves. The overwhelming majority said they would. But why not hear what they had to say about Baboo in their own words?

Love it! She drank it faster than her usual sippy cup of milk! - Marnie, mom of 1

He seemed to enjoy it very much. Didn't upset his stomach and he didn't object to drinking it, which he sometimes did with cow's milk. - Yuen, mom of 2

My little girl (1) loved it. She didn't even let on that she noticed it wasn't breastmillk or formula - Katie, mom of 2

My daughter gulped it down. Any chance this will be sold by the barrel? ;) - Rachelle, mom of 1

My 17 month old said 'Mo? Mo?' (translation: More) - Heather, mom of 2

I love that it's shelf-stable, and doesn't require refrigeration until it's been opened. Very convenient for long trips away from home. - Andrea, mom of 1

I love how the product is enriched with Omega-DHA! - Melissa, mom of 2

My 15 month old hadn't tried much cow's milk, but had no problem drinking a glass of this milk at a time. - Jessica, mom of 2

My youngest loves it! Thought it was 'mmmmm' - Tasha, mom of 2

Kids care first and foremost about taste, and this was a hit with their picky palates. They thought it was a special treat not a nutritional supplement - Shannon, mom of 4

I liked the size of this product where I can bring it to my in-laws and not have to bring back a big jug of milk. - Jeannie, mom of 2

I think that it's great that it's formulated to be gentler on the digestive system of toddlers as they transition to regular milk. I love that it's in a Tetra Pak carton, so that when you travel, and have any concerns about the milk, this can be brought with you. - Sally, mom of 3

Oral-B Triumph with SmartGuide™

2011-12-05T08:28:20Z

"Look Ma, no cavities!" Most of us probably remember that refrain, and certainly the cavity-free dental checkup has been the goal of all children for generations. We all know the number one way to ensure a cavity-free checkup is good oral hygiene, and first and foremost: good brushing for at least two minutes. But things have come a long way since we were kids, and the tools of the trade have improved as well. Gone are the well-worn bristles of the manual toothbrush: if you want a top-notch smile, it's time to get a power toothbrush.

But not all power brushes are created equal, and the folks at Oral-B think they've created a power toothbrush that will get your pearly whites to look pearly white again, while keeping those gums healthy and most of all, preventing cavities. Oral-B's most technologically advanced toothbrush-- the Oral-B Triumph with SmartGuide™--provides extraordinary cleaning and improves brushing habits. Its innovative wireless display provides while-you-brush feedback to promote optimal brushing habits.

Improves gum health: Helps prevent and reverse gingivitis
Provides ultimate plaque removal
Helps reduce excessive brushing force, which can lead to gum recession, by up to 88% in only 30 days†
Helps you brush for the dentist-recommended two minutes

Well, with all of these advantages, naturally our Go2Girlz product testers were eager to try out the Oral-B Triumph with SmartGuide™ to see if it lived up to its claims. 100 members of our product testing team received their own Oral-B Triumph with SmartGuide™ brushes, and set out to brush their way to better oral hygiene.

After trying the Oral-B Triumph with SmartGuide™, our product testers were asked, "Now that you've tried an Oral-B Power toothbrush - would you go back to using a manual brush?" The majority of the testers replied, no way! In fact, Angela loves her Oral-B Triumph with SmartGuide™ so much she says, "after feeling the difference that this toothbrush makes, I'm done with my manual brush!", and Mary Ann commented "I have thrown out my manual toothbrush...and I plan on replacing the rest of my families' with one of these." In addition to being won over themselves, each of our Go2Girlz members also asserted that they would definitely (in fact, some already have) recommend this product to a friend.

So...the Go2Girlz are agreed: they won't go back to using manual toothbrushes and they would recommend the Oral-B Triumph with SmartGuide™ to a friend. But what else did they have to say about this product? Here's some of their feedback, in their own words:

I actually look forward to brushing my teeth! - Michelle

I never would have purchased a power toothbrush because I thought I was doing a good job manually. Now I know the difference!! - Angela

I probably wouldn't have gone out and bought one. I would buy it now, it's a great toothbrush. - Erin

I think that this toothbrush is definetly worth the investment. Oral health is so very important and this toothbrush can help ensure that you are doing your very best to take care of yours. - Kaila

I am very pleased with it and would recommend it. It cleaned much better than a manual toothbrush and I would not want to go back to a manual toothbrush after trying this. It just cleans better and feels better after use. Thanks so much for picking me to test this product. - Julie

I actually look forward to brushing now! - Jeannine

It is such a pleasure to brush my teeth now, and the results I have had so far are amazing! I can't wait to see what my dentist has to say! Thank you Oral-B & UrbanMoms!!! - Lindsay

This experience was wonderful and our teeth have never looked cleaner or healthier. We thank you.- Teresa

We are so excited to offer one lucky member a chance to win their very own Oral-B Triumph with SmartGuide™. To enter the contest simply comment below and share why you would like to switch from using a manual toothbrush to an electric toothbrush.

Contest closes December 18, 2011.

Click here for Contest Rules and Regulations.

UrbanMoms.ca members are eligible to win so don't forget to sign-in. Not a member yet? Click here to join.

Chef Boyardee® Ravioli Florentine

2011-11-29T21:33:03Z

Let us set the scene: it's already past dinnertime, and you're just getting home. Everyone's hungry and cranky, and you need to get something on the table - FAST. Even the half-hour wait for take-out is going to be too long. So, what's a busy mom to do in these all-too-familiar circumstances? Why, make a delicious batch of Ravioli Florentine, of course!

You're skeptical, and rightly so. Unless you managed to stop at your local Italian restaurant on your way home, there's no way to pull together something as yummy and family-pleasing as Ravioli Florentine when time is of the essence. Or is there? Ten members of our Go2Girlz testing panel were recently given the challenge of trying out a five-minute Ravioli Florentine recipe. One with only three ingredients, too!

How did they manage it? Easy. The folks at Chef Boyardee treated them to two cans of their Mini Ravioli and a recipe. It's as simple as this: one can of Chef Boyardee® Mini Ravioli, spinach and parmesan cheese. Warm it all up and presto! Ravioli Florentine that the whole family loved. Be sure to check out Chantel's blog over at Eight is Enough for more great Chef Boyardee® recipes and tips, and also check out Chef Boyardee on Facebook.

Ravioli Florentine

Serves: 2
Time to Prepare: approximately 5 minutes

Ingredients:
1 can (425 g) Chef Boyardee® Mini Ravioli
1 cup (250 mL) finely chopped spinach
1/2 cup (125 mL) grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:
Mix ravioli, chopped spinach and cheese.
Heat through and serve.

Tip: For picky eaters, omit spinach and turn recipe into a Ravioli Rosé.

So: what did the Go2Girlz and their families think? Well, despite some initial wariness, all of our testers (and their families) loved the Chef Boyardee® Ravioli Florentine! They were impressed with the fresh texture of the ravioli, and really enjoyed the combination of spinach and parmesan cheese with the pasta. Each one of the testers said they will buy this product again for their families, and 9 out of 10 said they would recommend this recipe to a friend. But the best part? It was fast and easy to make, and everyone in the family ate it with gusto.

Here's more of what the Go2Girlz had to say in their own words:

A simple and easy to prepare meals that everyone enjoyed, both kids and adults. - Carol, mom of 2

I would recommend this recipe. It was surprisingly good. My husband had no idea he was eating Chef Boyardee. - Lydia, mom of 3

Quick, simple, easy to prepare! - Brenda, mom of 2

Surprisingly healthy, easy, tasty. - Jane, mom of 3

Quick, cost effective - Tina, mom of 2

Such an easy recipe to throw together after a long day of work. No complaints about what's for dinner from the kids. - Shari, mom of 3

My kids really enjoyed it. Didn't realize that my husband and I would also enjoy it too! - Dana, mom of 2

My kids thought it was really good, I even enjoyed it!! - Sally, mom of 2

Quick to make. - Lesley, mom of 2

What a family-pleasing recipe! Quick, tasty, inexpensive. And who knew Chef Boyardee ravioli has no preservatives? This one's going in the quick classics recipe book! - Katherine, mom of 2

Vim® PowerPro Naturals™

2011-11-16T20:15:33Z

Housework. It's the bane of many families' existence. Nobody likes to do it, but it has to be done nonetheless. Even if you have the most sophisticated of chore charts, using better cleaning products makes tough jobs a little easier to get done. And when those products are natural-based, it helps us moms rest a little easier, too.

Enter new Vim® PowerPro Naturals™, highly effective cleaners that combine the tough cleaning power of Vim® with naturally derived ingredients. Vim® PowerPro Naturals™ Bathroom is made with 98% naturally derived ingredients including fermented citric acid.
This cleaner is 2x tougher on soap scum versus the next-leading bathroom cleaner, and 100 of our Urban Moms Go2Girlz set about testing that claim!

After receiving a free sample of the product and having a chance to try Vim® PowerPro Naturals™ out in their homes, members of our Go2Girlz product testing panel gave us their feedback on how well it worked, and were asked whether they would recommend it to a friend and buy it again themselves. While a few of our testers felt the scent of the product was too strong, it was still a unanimous decision: every one of our Go2Girlz would (or already has) recommended Vim® PowerPro Naturals™ to a friend, and would also likely buy it for their own use again as well.

But what else did they have to say about Vim® PowerPro Naturals™? Here are some of their comments:

Worked better than other natural based cleaners I have tried. - Shannon, mom of 3

I haven't used Vim in many years, my mother used to use it all of the time. I like the way it cleans and smells, will be buying more in the future! - Laura, mom of 2

I enjoyed cleaning with this product as it was quick, easy and smelled great. - Debbie, mom of 1

It's absolutely a great product. I didn't need to do any scrubbing: a few sprays, wipe away and that's all. Thank you! - Svitlana, mom of 2

It worked really well on soap scum which I didn't expect from a natural product. - Daria, mom of 2

I was pleasantly surprised at how well this worked. It exceeded my expectations and I love the smell. - Tannis, mom of 2

I really enjoyed testing Vim Naturals. Our house has hard water and cleaning the bathrooms can be a real pain as they usually need harsh cleansers to get rid of the soap scum and water buildup. I was surprised that Vim Naturals powered right through the scum and the limescale... I will definitely be buying it in the future. - Melissa, mom of 2

The product worked great, I sprayed, walked away for a couple minutes and came back to wipe away, I didn't have to scrub at all. - Linda, mom of 1

This product makes it so much easier to clean the bathroom. - Deanna, mom of 2

Glad I got to try it, not always sure about natural products doing a good job but this was great! - Stacey, mom of 2

I love the fact that you don't need to use much product to clean large areas - just a few sprays. A little most definitely goes a long way! Very fast and easy to use. - Brenda, mom of 2

naturSource® Nuts, Trail Mixes and Granola

2011-11-01T18:34:38Z

We all lead busy lives and we rush from work to errands to school activities to...well, you know. With all the demands in our busy modern lives, it's really difficult to stay on track with healthy eating. You need to grab a quick breakfast, or it's 3:30 p.m. and you can't think clearly because you haven't had lunch. What do you grab? It's not always easy to have fresh veggies or fruit on hand for those moments - especially if you're in the car chauffeuring your little ones off to a game or a dance lesson. That's why we were excited to try out these new snacks from naturSource®. Portable, nutritious and delicious - how can you go wrong?

naturSource® offers a flavourful line of high-quality nuts, trail mixes and granola, and our
Go2Girlz testing panel sampled three different varieties: Luxure® Cashews, So Smart® trail mix and Tamari® Almonds. Packed with vitamins, fibre and a source of healthy fats, these offerings can be a great hunger-fighter for families on the go.

More information about these tasty snacks is available at www.natursource.com, but here are some highlights:

Luxure Cashews:

Source of iron
Source of selenium, a dietary antioxidant involved in the formation of a protein that defends against oxidative stress
Excellent source of magnesium, a factor in energy metabolism, tissue formation and bone development

So Smart:

Low in sodium and saturated fat
Source of fibre
Excellent source of vitamin E, a dietary antioxidant
Source of selenium, a dietary antioxidant involved in the formation of a protein that defends against oxidative stress

Tamari Almonds:

Low in saturated fat
High source of fibre
Excellent source of vitamin E, a dietary antioxidant
Excellent source of magnesium, a factor in energy metabolism, tissue formation and bone development

Sounds great, right? Well, our testers were keen to see if the snacks sent to us by naturSource® would live up to their promises. And the verdict was virtually unanimous: all but one of our 75 testers said they would recommend the products to a friend, and would buy at least one of the three naturSource® products again. Overall, our testers loved the taste and natural appeal of these snacks, citing the delicious ingredients and plump dried fruit (in the So Smart® trail mix) as their favourites. The interesting combination of flavours in the Luxure® Cashews and Tamari® Almonds also met with universal approval from our testers and their families. Here's some of what they had to say themselves:

They all are natural ingredients,nothing you can't pronouce. made in Canada. All had some health benefit, iron, selenium, fiber etc. Package sizes were good, the small was perfect snack size. - Karyn, mom of 1

Outstanding healthy alternatives for a great snack (and I'm a self-professed sugar gal). Modern packaging and fun flavour additions make it desirable. - Karen, mom of 4

I was skeptical my children would like this product but they kept on asking for more. - Cari, mom of 2

They are healthy - yet filling and very tasty. They're not messy to eat and your kids are going to love them! - Dawn, mom of 1

I like knowing whats going into my family. - Teri, mom of 3

We all loved them and were surprised at how delicious each flavor was and the fact that they were produced in Canada. -- Ray,

These were a big hit with everyone in the house. - Shauna, mom of 1

My kids are picky eaters and they enjoyed these. - Michelle, mom of 3

These products offered different varieties and flavours than other products on the market. I found the packaging easy and convenient to open. The travel size packages were the perfect size for a snack and convenient for having on hand in a purse or diaper bag. - Maurey, mom of 3

A great product. Nice varieties in convenient packaging. Perfect for on the go snacks or as a complement to your salad or yogurt. - Sarah, mom of 4

I liked everything about these products. The Luxure Cashews were a nice addition to my chicken stirfry and the Tamari Almonds were great as a snack. - Karyn, mom of 1

I was so impressed with all three products. Each one was unique, tasty, natural and nutritious. The perfect snack! - Katherine, mom of 2

Magna Color & Color N' Glow!

2011-10-17T00:22:33Z

Do you find yourself always hunting for something new and different to get your child or one of their pals for their birthday or the holidays? Look no further! The recently launched Magna Color and Color N' Glow are the perfect solution. Both products are simple to use so a child can play happily on their own. These toys also inspire creativity while using cool new 3D Technology.

The Magna Color:

When we brought the Magna Color home we immediately sat down to give it a try. The assembly was pretty straightforward and, for the most part, my daughter was able to do it on her own. There are some small pieces called "Magna Dots" that are easily stored in the one unit. Just dump them on the board, insert the pens, and use the sorting system to fill everything up!

The cool thing about this toy is that there is nothing else like it on the market, at least not that my daughter or I had seen. The dots are easily moved from inside the "pens" and are pushed on gently one by one or in a long, cascading line to create a pattern using a stencil or to create one's own design on the magnetic board. Once complete, put your 3D glasses on to view your creative magic!

Plus, clean up is easy. All your child needs to do is use the accompanying tool to slide the magnetic pieces back into the unit. After pushing the dots back into the unit, use the sorting system to easily place each dot back into its pen. Voila! Ready for next time.
My daughter really enjoyed placing the different coloured and shaped dots around the board in her own unique designs. The 3D view was a bonus!

For more information on Magna Color, check out the website. Magna Color can be purchased at Toys R Us or MasterMind Toys locations in Canada.

The Color N' Glow:

The Color N' Glow was a huge hit. Aside from the fact that we had to do a last minute run to the corner store for 3 AAA batteries this toy was simple to use right off the bat. My daughter loved using the existing stencils to create scenes but her creative juices really got flowing when she did freehand design.

She loved the fact that it was tough to see your work as you were creating it but once you turned off the light, turned on the Color N glow, and looked through your 3D glasses, everything came alive! My daughter would switch on the light, add more elements and take another look. She has taken this toy out every night since we got it!

For more information on Color N Glow, check out the website. Color N Glow can be purchased at Toys R Us or MasterMind Toys locations in Canada.

Product Review: Children's Advil®100ml Dye Free Grape Suspension

2011-09-22T22:09:15Z

Maybe it's a cranky baby cutting a tooth (or heck, even an older kid getting their twelve year-old molars), maybe a bad bump or bruise or the aches, pains and fever that are part of the territory with colds and flu. Either way, Mom's toolkit needs an effective pain and fever reliever.

But as moms, we also know that having the right remedy is one thing - getting your little one to take it can be quite another. Thankfully, Children's Advil^® is available in a range of pleasing flavours such as: grape, blue raspberry, fruit and berry. Also, Children's Advil^® provides up to eight hours of relief; and since most fevers last longer than 4 hours, it's nice not to have to give those fussy kids two doses of medicine.

Another great thing about Children's Advil^® is that it's available in a dye-free grape suspension for children who are sensitive or allergic to dyes. Not only does it save me on laundry stains (even older kids often drip some medicine, especially when they're laid up sick in bed), but I can rest just a little bit easier knowing that I'm not feeding my children an unnecessary dye along with their medicine.

In my experience in over a decade of parenting, Children's Advil^® 100ml Dye Free Grape Suspension is absolutely my first choice in pain and fever relief. It is reliable, long-lasting, and palatable even for my very fussy daughter.

Li'l Ones® Yogurt

2011-08-26T20:46:30Z

We've all heard of DHA, and we know it's an important Omega-3 fatty acid that is critical for the optimal development and function of the brain, eyes and central nervous system during childhood. You probably also know that one of the most common sources of DHA is fish, which can be a difficult food to encourage fussy toddlers to eat.

So DHA is important for brain, eye and nervous system development, but it's not exactly abundant in the foods toddlers love. What's a concerned mom to do? Well, look for foods that are fortified with DHA, naturally. Fortunately the folks at Dairyland have taken one of a toddler's most-loved foods - yogurt - and added the goodness of DHA to it.
Dairyland Li'L Ones® is the first yogurt in Canada specifically designed for toddlers. Developed with the help of dietitians and nutritionists, it's a great way to introduce your toddler to the goodness of dairy - with the added health benefits of DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid. The makers of Li'L Ones® really had the wish-lists of conscientious moms in mind when they formulated this yogurt; in addition to being enriched with DHA, Li'L Ones® is:

Sweetened with fruit juice
Free of gelatin, artificial flavours and artificial colours
Made with whole milk (3.25% M.F.)
Made with real fruit purée
Fortified with Vitamin D
A source of calcium
Vegetarian friendly because it contains DHA sourced from algae
Free of fruit pieces to prevent choking hazards
Smooth and creamy, with a spoon-hugging texture that makes it easy for toddlers to feed themselves
Available in eight kid-preferred flavours, plus new My Fruit & Veggie with two new flavours: Sweet Potato & Banana Blend, and Butternut Squash & Peach Medley

We sent samples of Li'l Ones® to 100 members of the Go2Girlz product testing panel to get their take on this product and, more importantly, their children's opinion. Because we all know this axiom of motherhood: no matter how good a food is for your toddler, if they won't eat it, it doesn't matter! And their verdict? Overall, our testers (and their toddlers) loved Dairyland Li'l Ones®. All the added health benefits were very appealing to moms, but - kids being kids - the little ones really only cared about the taste. And they loved it! All our testers unanimously commented that their children enjoyed Li'l Ones®, and lots of older kids, moms and husbands loved it too! When asked if they would buy it again and recommend it to a friend, the Go2Girlz were nearly unanimous in their response: yes! Absolutely! As for any drawbacks, only a few of the Go2Girlz reported on any. One concern was for organic ingredients and a few moms felt the portion size was too large for their little ones to finish, but others felt a larger tub was ideal for their kids.

But don't rely on what we have to say; here's some of what our testers had to say about Li'l Ones® in their own words:

Very tasty! My 2 year-old loves it for breakfast. Elena, mom of 2

It is very creamy and tastes great. My little guy ate the whole container. Sabina, mom of 2

This is a delicious healthy product. Michelle, mom of 1

A nutritious and yummy treat for my son. Brandy, mom of 1

I was very happy and surprised that it wasn't sweetened with sugar! And there was no gelatin which was a plus, and I loved the flavors and knew my little ones would love them too! Salma, mom of 2

This yogurt is yummy and my 2 munchkins love it! Caryn, mom of 2

I really liked the idea that it is not made with added sugar and that it has natural flavours. Caroline, mom of 2

The kids loved it and ate 2 each, one after the other. Cathy, mom of 2

The bigger size is ideal, as is the wider container which makes eating on her own a little easier for my 13 month old. Heather, mom of 2

Good tasting and reasonably priced. Adrijana, mom of 1

It's a nutritious snack that my son actually likes (he's pretty picky)! Brandy, mom of 1

Perfect portions, appealing flavours. Sara, mom of 1

Absolutely! I have already purchased two more packs since trying it. Janet, mom of 1

Swanson Skillet Meals

2011-08-01T21:04:21Z

Modern families are always on the go. Sometimes getting everyone in one place long enough to plan, prepare and enjoy a family meal is simply not possible. On those days, having a quick, nutritious prepared meal can be a lifesaver. Enter Swanson Skillet Meals: with the option of preparing them in the microwave or on the stovetop, you've got a healthy, delicious meal in fifteen minutes max.

We asked 100 members of our Go2Girlz product testing panel to try out Swanson Skillet Meals at home and let us know what they (and their families) thought. Their overwhelming response was that these quick meals live up to their promise: they are fast and easy to prepare as well as being tasty. What stood out? The tasty, crisp veggies that didn't turn out soggy after cooking, even in the microwave! Also, most of our testers reported that their kids gobbled up these meals, veggies and all: even the picky eaters. In fact, when asked if they would buy this product again, nearly all of our Go2Girlz said that they would, and several already had.

Here's some of what our testers had to say about Swanson Skillet Meals in their own words:

Quick and easy to prepare and clean up. Great mix of vegetables, pasta and meat. Great flavour. - Therese, mom of 4

It is quick, tasty and everyone enjoyed it from my granddaughter who is 2 to myself at 54. Lots of veggies and they didn't get all mushy which is great. - Sherry, mom of 3

Lots of vegetables, nice sauce and good chunks of chicken -- what's not to love? My kids enjoyed it very much. - Cara, mom of 2

Its nutritious, kids like it, and it's very easy to prepare. - Maria, mom of 4

Very kid friendly food - 11 year old loved it. - Therese, mom of 4

Easy and fast and only one pot to clean up. - Tracey, mom of 2

Tasty flavour - the whole family loved it. - Jackie, mom of 2

I loved it, and both of my kids did too. - Cara, mom of 2

Next best thing to home-cooked. - Mary-Ellen, mom of 1

Both of my children loved the sauce and didn't even mind the veggies. - Nicole, mom of 2

I made it on a night when I was tired and kids were hungry and I got a tasty, nutritious meal on the table fast...so we could have more quality time. - Sherry, mom of 3

This is certainly a product that will become a staple in our home. - Laurie, mom of 1

Nexcare™ Brand Bandages from 3M

2011-06-29T16:04:53Z

All right, we might be safe to say it now: summer is on its way.

What that means to most moms is that bikes, scooters, and sprinklers will come out, trees will be climbed, children will tumble and knees and elbows will be scraped and skinned. Since no two cuts are alike (and according to most children, each and every cut requires a bandage), it pays to be prepared. This summer, Nexcare™ would like you to Be Ready for Anything by ensuring you have the right bandage solutions in your family's first aid kit.

To that end, Nexcare™ sent samples of their Waterproof and Comfort bandages to 50 members of our real-mom panel of product testers, the Go2Girlz. Armed with two new boxes of bandages, the Go2Girlz and their Go2Kidz did their best to try them out. And their verdict? Well, this one was unanimous: they all loved them and 100% of our testers said they'd recommend Nexcare™ bandages to another mom. The more popular of the two products were the Waterproof Bandages (waterproof bandages) which unfailingly stayed put through showers, baths, sprinkler runs, swimming lessons and even lasted through Go2Girlz Tracey's "sweaty workout"!

With a patented unique shape, Nexcare™ Waterproof Bandages provide a 360° adhesive seal that blocks water, dirt and germs from your wound. The bandage stays on in water so you can be protected in the shower, bath or pool. Plus, these bandages provide a moist healing environment that helps your wounds heal quickly.
With its soft, velvety material, Nexcare™ Comfort Bandages takes comfort to a higher level with a latex-free bandage that is soft to the touch. Pliable fabric bends and conforms to the body to provide flexible, unrestricted movement. Plus, with Nexcare's Plus, with Nexcare's 360 degree seal around the pad, these bandages form a seal that blocks out dirt and germs to protect your wound wherever you go - yet provides gentle removal. The perfect combination of comfort and performance for you and your family.

Now, to be fair, one or two of our testers reported some drawbacks, most notably that the bandages they tested did not sport cute cartoon characters to appeal to the Go2Kidz in the family. It's worth pointing out, however, that Nexcare™ does have a line of bandages called Just for KIDS, which feature both girl- and boy-friendly licensed artwork.

Enter the Be Ready For Summer contest for a chance to WIN a monthly $500 prize giveaway! Simply click here!

But what did the Go2Girlz really have to say? Here's some of their feedback in their own words:

I think Nexcare waterproof bandages are great. They do not fall off when wet. I love them! - Lucy, mom of 1

I like that they are latex-free as I have a latex allergy. - Michelle, mom of 3

Great! Our oldest wanted to play at her water table, and the bandage stood up to full immersion and play for over an hour non-stop! Quick on, quick off, minimal tears! - Kym, mom of 3

The waterproof bandages stayed on for swimming lessons and bathtimes; the comfort bandages were soft and very flexible, not 'plasticy' like other brands. They stayed during all activities outdoors, from building sandcastles to climbing into their treehouse. - Shelley, mom of 2

I like the multi shape package that suits many different type of wounds, and it seems to stay longer on my skin as compared with other products I've used in the past. - Ruth, mom of 1

These bandages stay on and are durable and comfortable. The waterproof bandages are really thin and stay on through showers and loads of dishwashing. - Maureen, mom of 2

Waterproof - great for summer with sports and swimming on the go. - Tina, mom of 3

Waterproof, gentle on little ones' skin, easy to remove, and doesn't hurt! - Lindsay, mom of 1

I loved how there were many sizes....enough for my little guy...and my big guy! PERFECT for the whole family! - Allison, mom of 2

The waterproof bandages really did stick and stayed stuck when wet. They were barely noticeable when wearing them. The Comfort bandages were actually really easy to peel off but stayed on really well. - Amanda, mom of 1

They stick very well to bendy spots like elbows, fingers, etc. - Rachel, mom of 2

These actually stay on a child - Sherri, mom of 2

Great value for the price - Nicole, mom of 4

Mothers will appreciate the flexibility of the Comfort bandages as they help you forget about the booboos. There's no sticking or tugging at the wound and the bandage doesn't get all gummed up and dirty like others do. - Linda, mom of 3  The waterproof bandages help children feel better about getting wet or even swimming without worrying about their sores getting worse or looking bad after getting wet. - Linda, mom of 3

These work...they stay on...they fit every circumstance! -- Allison, mom of 2

The waterproof bandages stay on your kids - through showers & swimming lessons! You don't have to worry that their cuts & scrapes are exposed and not healing properly. And you don't need to waste bandages by putting on a new one everyday - these waterproof Nexcare bandages really stay on! Great products. - Jennifer, mom of 2

They were comfortable and stayed on well. The latex free was a big seller for me. - Michelle, mom of 3

They did exactly what they said they would. Especially the comfort bandages. - Chris, mom of 2

They will now be my regular brand. - Maureen, mom of 2

After trying them out, I can't wait to use these at the lake this summer - Nicole, mom of 3

They will probably be the only bandages I'll ever buy again! - Amanda, mom of 1

My daughter said 'they are almost like a second skin.' My son loved the invisibility. - Adrienne, mom of 3

My husband loved them...working all day with his hands...he needs something that will stay on! These did the job! My son was a little upset they didn't have cars or trucks on them! -- Allison, mom of 2

We will go through these fast this summer, I am sure! - Rachel, mom of 2

3M and Nexcare are trademarks of 3M used under license in Canada. ©2011, 3M. All rights reserved.

MOTT'S Garden Cocktail

2011-06-03T19:10:09Z

Summer's just around the corner, and doesn't it just make you dream of fresh, crisp vegetables, straight from the garden and lovingly prepared for your family's table? Yes. But the reality is that moms are busy people, and busy people don't always have the time to prepare delicious fresh vegetable dishes every day.

Which is why it's a good thing there's Mott's Garden Cocktail; an exciting blend of vegetables with smooth garden fresh taste and aroma and contains two servings of vegetables per 290 ml.

Mott's Garden Cocktail, lets you and your family conveniently and deliciously enjoy the vegetables you need. Getting two servings of vegetables never tasted so good! In addition, Mott's Garden Cocktail is available in Low Sodium that contains 78% less sodium than the original and is a good source of vitamin A, fiber and a recognized healthy choice by the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

The single-serving containers make it easy to carry while you/your family is on the run, while the 945ml and 1.89L multi-serve size great for your at home convenience.

We sent samples of Mott's Garden Cocktail to 100 of our Go2Girlz testing panel to get their feedback. So what did they (and their families) think? The verdict was nearly unanimous - most of our testers loved it, even some of the skeptics who claimed they weren't fond of vegetable beverages to begin with. Take Rachel, for example. A mom of 2, she wasn't a fan of vegetable beverages, but gamely tried out Mott's Garden Cocktail. Here's what she had to say, "I really wasn't sure if I was going to like it, but when I took a sip, WOW!!! I have already bought more."

Nearly all of the other 99 testers agreed with Rachel, and most of them commented that the best benefit of this product is the fact that it packs 2 servings of veggies into just 290 ml. Certainly the convenience of single-serve bottles and the nutritional benefits topped the list of benefits for the Go2Girlz. The only drawback our testers could find was the sodium content (in the original cocktail only). In fact, nearly all of our testers said they would recommend Mott's Garden Cocktail to a friend, and some already have. As for buying it themselves, again, nearly every one of the 100 Go2Girlz product testers who tried Mott's Garden Cocktail said she would buy it again. As Sharyn, mom of 3 put it, "yes, it's a nice easy convent way to have your daily fill of veggies".

But what else did our testers have to say about Mott's Garden Cocktail? Here are some of their comments, in their own words:

What a great way to increase my veggies! - Lisa, mom of 1

I love that I can quickly get 2 servings of vegetables in just one container- very easy and efficient, especially when I am on the run. - Karyn, mom of 2

Easy, convenient, no more excuses to go without your 5-10 a day - Yvonne, mom of 1

This product is a great way to offer the vitamins that we need from vegetables to my family, while we are on the go. - Laurie, mom of 1

Love the fact that it gives me 2 servings of vegetables in one serving. It tastes great and I can take it with me...and I can get it in a low sodium variety which is wonderful. - Heather, mom of 3

Smooth, refreshing meal replacement for those on the go. - Wanda, mom of 1

It's good for a quick natural way to supplement a deficient meal. - Zohar, mom of 2

They all really enjoyed it and this surprised me - and made me happy to be able to purchase this for all of us to enjoy - Mary, mom of 3

We make a lot of food choices every day, this is an easy choice that makes me feel good while drinking it, and long after. - Karyn, mom of 2

Mott's Garden Cocktail is a delicious and healthy drink to have in your fridge. - Shelley, mom of 2

Mott's is something I will serve my family with dinner, so that I can be sure that they are getting enough vegetables in their diet. Daniela, mom of 1

I really liked the convenience of it. It tasted great. It had a nice balance of flavours. - Natasha, mom of 3

Delicious tangy yet sweet taste in a portable size. Great for throwing into the gym bag, or purse, for a quick pick me up. Benefits: 2 servings of vegetables in 290 ml! - Carolyn, mom of 2

Mott's Garden Cocktail is very smooth with a refreshing taste. - Tanya, mom of 2

I really enjoyed it - the taste was refreshing and crisp, texture was nice and not too thick, spice level was perfect. Mary, Mom of 3

Nesquik

2011-05-09T05:30:00Z

Picky eaters? We hear you. Nobody likes a struggle at the dinner table, but as moms we know there are certain foods our kids just need to eat, like 'em or not (vegetables, anyone?). So that's why it's great to know there's a product like new Nesquik Less Sugar Ready to Drink - with all the nutritional goodness of milk and no more sugar than a glass of unsweetened fruit juice.

Kids (and grownups) love chocolate milk, so we were thrilled to have the opportunity for our Go2Girlz product testing panel to sample Nesquik Less Sugar Ready to Drink. Each of our testers received two Tetra Pak cartons to try with their families so they could tell us what they really think!

Nesquik is made with fresh milk and is a good source of calcium. It's a way to help your kids get the two to four servings of milk products they need in a day. The Tetra Pak carton is also very convenient: older kids can help themselves to a snack after school, the box fits easily in the fridge, which was a big plus for our Go2Girls testers. Tetra Pak cartons are also worry-free; the packaging seals in the freshness so you can store Nesquik Ready to Drink in the pantry then chill when you're ready to serve.

But what did our product testers think of Nesquik Ready to Drink? Nearly all our Go2Girlz and their families loved the convenience and taste of the product and reported they would recommend it to a friend and buy it again for their families. The fact that it's 25% lower in sugar is also very appealing to our testers. Admittedly, some of our testers were a little skeptical about milk in a Tetra Pak carton stored on the shelf, but nearly everyone reported that once the milk was chilled, everyone enjoyed the taste. Jennifer tells us, "My kids loved it. They said it tasted like cold hot chocolate!" Stacy points out that "this product is excellent for camping", and several other testers recommend it for outdoor activities like barbecues, picnics, etc.

Here's more of what the Go2Girlz had to say about Nesquik Ready to Drink:

"Looking forward to my next glass - and to finding it in my local supermarket! 25% less sugar is a great thing for my kids!" Sharla, mom of 2

"This is a great product by a trusted company!" Linda, mom of 3

"It was convenient and the container was easy for the kids to manage. " Andrea, mom of 2

"My whole family tried it together and it was fun for all of us to be involved. Thank you for sending us this product to test!" Stacy, mom of 2

"My 6 year old loved the chocolate milk and did not notice that it was lower in fat or sugar. He is counting the days to have some more!" Michelle, mom of 2

"It's great to be able to keep it in the cupboard for a later time, without worrying that it will expire." Karri, mom of 2

"They LOVED it! Both packages were finished over the course of the weekend." Gav, dad of 3

"Loved the taste! Nice to know it has less sugar." Kristi, mom of 2

"It was sweet enough even with 25% less sugar. The taste was not compromised." Barb, mom of 2