Campbell’s Soup has issued a major recall on these Spaghettio products for possibly containing undercooked meat:

• “SpaghettiOs” with Meatballs in 14.75-ounce cans;
• “SpaghettiOs” A to Z with Meatballs in 14.75-ounce cans; and
• “SpaghettiOs” Fun Shapes with Meatballs (Cars) in 14.75-ounce cans

The cans will have a use by date of June 2010 and December 2011 with the plant code EST4K on the can. You can return any cans to the store where the Spaghettios were purchased for a exchange or refund.

Does your Gifts to Grow account need a boost? Rack up over 50 pampers points with these promotional codes. As of today, June 15, 2010, all the codes are working, but they could expire any time! Hurry and enter your Pamper Points codes today. There is some really good stuff available in the rewards catalog right now. Enjoy!

25GTGSUMMER2010

15GTGSUMMERFUN

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GROWWITHVILLAGE

THRIFTYMOMMYGTG

OHAMANDAAWGTG08

WELCOME2VILLAGE

]]> http://sharpmoms.com/2010/06/15/free-pampers-gifts-to-grow-rewards-codes/feed/ 0 http://sharpmoms.com/2010/06/03/planning-a-picture-perfect-baby-shower/ http://sharpmoms.com/2010/06/03/planning-a-picture-perfect-baby-shower/#comments Thu, 03 Jun 2010 18:05:47 +0000 admin http://sharpmoms.com/?p=484 Welcome to Baby Showers 101! If you think baby showers have to be planned around tacky party games like guess the poop, then think again! There is absolutely nothing wrong with games at a shower or event, but many soon-to-be-moms and their hosts are taking a more sophisticated and fun approach to planning baby showers and leaving the games behind. Showers these days let the mommy-to-be spend more time socializing and, of course, include many presents to shower mom and baby as the main focus of the party. Here are a few ideas and planning tips we have to help you throw a great baby shower!

1. Have a “Baby-que”~This low key backyard bbq is a great idea for a couples shower. Throw on some hamburgers and hotdogs, throw some bottled beverages into a galvanized party tub, make some virgin daiquiris for the expectant mom. Throw on your favorite tunes, hang up some party laterns or string some lights, and have some fun. This is a more low key kind of party, but a guaranteed good time and a great way to include men at the event.

2. Talk it up~Be sure to ask the mom-to-be about a guest list. If she is having more than one shower you may be planning for a small gathering vs. a larger one if your shower will be her only one.

3. Choose great invitations~Part of party planning fun is choosing a great invitation. If you are crafty, you can make invitations with scrapbook supplies. Other hosts will opt to order invitations in bulk. We love printed invites for guests because they give a nice clean look. Don’t forget to include all the details and a map/address to the event. Do some research online. We’ve found some of the best deals are online and not a your local shops. Order invitations 8 weeks in advance and be sure to send them out no later than 6-4 weeks in advance.

4. Plan the party schedule~Most showers will only last 1.5-2 hours so keeping time is important. As the host, greet guests as they arrive and allow 30-45 minutes for mingling and eating. At about 30-45 minutes into the party, cut the cake with the mother to be (or serve cupcakes, depending on what you choose). Then delve into the presents. If you have alot of guests this part could take up to 30 minutes or more. After presents are opened, usually there is more time for socializing and eating. Be sure to help the mommy get all her loot to the car before she leaves.

5. Decorating~Rather than picking a theme, we suggest choosing a few colors to work around. For boys we like brown/baby blue, brown/blue/mint green/orange/white, or red/yellow/blue/green. For girls we think pinks, greens and yellows are a good fit. You can always add jungle animals as a center piece or cake topper for a litte more fun, but finding paper products to coordinate with a color scheme will be easier to find. You can always jazz things up a bit with stripes, dots, paper lanters, pictures of the mommy-to-be, etc.

1. Sore Breasts: This is a tell-tale sign and will usually appear within the first few weeks of pregnancy. Your breasts may feel sore or heavier than usual.

2. Cramping: It may feel as though Aunt Flow is knocking on your hormonal door, but it is just your uterus stretching and therefore causing some period-like cramping.

3. Spotting: Many women mistake early pregnancy spotting for a period. If your period seems lighter and shorter than usual, take a pregnancy to see if your “period” actually means pregnancy.

4. Extreme Fatigue: Okay, we all know tired, BUT if all you can think about is a nap, and isn’t even 9am, you might be pregnant. Tiredness is a big symptom of the first trimester.

5. Nausea: Certain smells turning your stomache? Can’t eat your favotite snack? Nausea is a sure sign that you are pregnant. Morning sickeness plagues about 85%of pregnant women.

6. Bloating and Constipation: Can’t zip your favorite pair of jeans? Bloating may be the cause. While this sympton is also a characteristic of PMS, it can be a major side effect of pregnancy.

7. Peeing more often: Getting up at all hours of the night to tee tee can also be a sign that you are pregnant. Your kindneys kick into high gear when you conceive and this can also be a problem near the end of pregnancy as well.

8. Headaches: Increased blood volume and hormone changes can trigger lots of headaches during the first trimester.

9. Mood Swings: Hormomes are raging and added fatigue can cause a lot of moodiness. If you notice that some things are bothering more than before, take a pregnancy test.

10. Increased Basal Body Temperature: Charting your BBT can usual help you tell when you ovulate. However, if your BBT stays elevated this is a good sign that there is a bun in the oven.

While many of these symptons mimic PMS, it can be hard to tell if you are acutally pregnant. If you think you are pregnant and have not had a period in 40 days, take a home pregnancy test. You know your body best and will be the best doctor when it comes to knowing if some things are not adding up.

Clinique Bamboo Pink, $14.50

With summer right around the corner, we thought it would beneficial to make a list of the things we feel are essential for every SharpMom to have this summer. These are things you must have at home or shouldn’t leave home without!

1. Clinique Bamboo Pink Lipstick: This lipstick is sheer, shimmery, and PERFECT for summer. No mirror needed! Just dab on before running out the door (or at the nearest red light) and add a little glam to your look. The best part: It’s only $14.50. This is a must have item for your make up bag!

Old Navy Dress, $10.99 and up

2. Old Navy Striped Dress: We totally blogged about this dress back in April, but with some styles on sale for $10.99 (YES!) we thought it was worth mentioning again. For the price, this IS a summer essential. We know all moms are super busy and this dress will work around your schedule. It’s a great  choice for a casual day at work or a wonderful alternative to a tee shirt and shorts. Perfect for your day at the park, a trip to the mall…AND for this price we think you need TWO!

3. Suave Mango Mandarin Body Wash: Smell spectacular without breaking your bank. This body wash smells so good, you won’t be able to tell the difference between this brand

PBK Harper Diaper Bag, $59.00

and the high end brands at specialty boutiques. Extra Bonus: CLICK HERE for a Suave coupon.

4. PBK Diaper Bag: We love this bag for many reasons. 1) It doesn’t look like your typical diaper bag. 2) There are a variety of patterns to choose from. 3) You can also use this a multifunctional tote the whole summer (for those of us with older children). 4) You can monogram the bag for just $6.50 extra with 3 initials or just 1 initial. Prices range from $39.00-$59.00 and we think for the style and functionality it is worth every penny!

5. Metallic Sandal: Don’t be shy about bold metallics. They are in again this season.

American Eagle Sandal, $29.50

Metallic sandals can dress up a plain black dress or add a little flare to a pair of shorts and a cute top. We really like these strappy sandals from

American Eagle, $29.50 or, for our SharpMoms on a budget, try these at Old Navy for only $12.99.

GAP Smocked Dress

C & C California Jersey Dress

6. A Little White Dress: Every woman has their go to little black dress, but what about a crisp, flirty white dress for the summer? We did some deep digging through many stores and boutiques and found two super cute dresses. Our first dress is a lightweight Jersey cotton dress by C & C California, $46.99. We like this dress because it is pleated so it will hide your tummy, if that is your trouble area. We also liked the price. Not too cheap, but not breaking your bank account either. The second dress is by GAP and retails for $69.50. Both of these dresses are perfect for date night, a day at the beach, lunch dates with your girlfriends, or a bar-b-que with friends. And, won’t both dresses go so well with those metallic sandals? We LOVE this look!

Banana Republic Tee

7. One Go-To Tee: For those moments when you don’t have time to think, we love this scoop neck tee from Banana Republic, $24.99. Available in a variety of colors, this tee is perfect with khaki shorts, a jean skirt, or jazzed up with your favorite necklace, earrings, and jeans for a night out. Why we love, love this tee? It has a hint of spandex for great comfort and fit.

Crisa Cancun Set, Target $24.99

8. Silver Hoop Earrings: Why do we think this is a must have? Well, for starters, it is a timeless looking addition to a solid tee, sundress, or many wear-to-work styles. It is a great little item to stow away in your glove box or purse. If you want a great pair, check out these hoops available at Macy’s. For a less pricey version, try this pair which can be found at Kohl’s.

9. Partyware: We all love a good time and, if you love a good drink every now and then, you must have this seven piece glass set available at Target, $24.99. This will be perfect for your next patio party-break out the blender!

Lucky Brand Necklace, $25.00

10. Beaded Necklace: There is no stopping this trend. Wear it with your favorite solid dress. Wear it with a ribbed tank. The options are endless. The great things about a big beaded necklaces is that they can be found in a variety of styles, for a variety of prices.

These are just a few of our favorite things for summer. What are your must have items? Drop us a line and tell us about your essential pieces. If you try out some of our suggestions, let our other readers know what you think and leave a comment as well. We’d love to know how you would rate some of these items. HAPPY SUMMER 2010!

Visit uddercovers.com for a FREE patterned nursing cover! (if you’re not currently breastfeeding they make great baby shower and holiday gifts)!

These regularly retail for $32, you can get one for free. You just pay the shipping. The code is “Family2010“.

Go to uddercovers.com, click on “Shop Now”, select the product you would like and you will automatically be directed to the center of the page where you can enter in the promo code! Type in “Family2010” and it will pull up the ones available. They are selling out fast. You can use the code more than once – you just have to open a new browser/window to do so. Good Luck!

This promotion gives you a $32.00 discount off your total order no matter what you put in your cart! This promotion code is valid once per transaction, so you can order as many times as you would like!

SharpMoms Short List of Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

1. Something from the heart: Every Grandma loves something handmand from their number one grandchild. Try letting your little one get creative. A handmade card is a great way to start. Pull out your craft box and let your child make a work of art for a special mom in the life.

2. What’s cookin’? Hit up your local Hobby Lobby or craft store for a blank canvas apron and some fabric markers. You can let you child decorate the apron or take it upon yourself to spice up a blank apron and turn it into gift that will be cherished forever.

3. Rest and Relaxation. Let Dad help the kids serve you breakfast in bed and do all the chores for the day. Better yet, push for a spa day package/getaway and then invite a few of your girlfriends to tag along for some added fun.

4. Keep it Traditional. Send her favorite flowers to her front door or compile a “beauty basket” with bath salts, lotions, candles, a bottle of wine and new paperback read.

5. Name it. Monogramming is always a fun and personal touch to gifts. Engrave a keychain, picture frame, or piece of jewelry. Add her initals to a make-up case, travel duffle, or beach bag filled with some summertime goodies like a fun new towel, sunhat, sunscreens and pool passes to a local pool.

**Consumers can contact McNeil at 1-888-222-6036 and also at www.mcneilproductrecall.com.**

To see if your Tylenol products qualify for the recall click here.

To see if your Motrin products qualify for the recall click here.

To see if your Zyrtec products qualify for the recall click here.

To see if your Benadryl products qualify for the recall click here.