Only our closest family and friends know about what we have been going through lately with Isabella.  My family has been worried and we have been sick to our stomachs.  We were recently back and fourth to our Pediatrician for weeks because of a really bad rash she has been getting in her private area.  We have been given several different prescriptions for Antibiotics and it keeps coming back.  I’m not even going to go into detail of my first appointment about this concern and what they said it "could” be because I literally fell to the floor crying!  They then said not to worry, they are going to run tests.  Anthony and I were worried out of our mind, not to mention, the thoughts of who could of done this to our daughter and how could this happen?  I’m a stay at home mom and only family members watch Isabella. After a couple of hours of tests being run, they came back negative.  They just kept giving us the run around and nobody seems to know what it was.  Our last appointment I said to our Ped. "Please don’t take this personally, but if it comes back we are going straight to our dermatologist”.    Of course he did take offense and said, they are just going to say the same thing.

We then try to think of what I have changed that could have caused this blistering?  The only thing I have switched/changed in her routine were her diapers.  We started to use White Cloud Training pants.  After having the feeling these were the Issue, I stopped using them.  We have thankfully not been back to the doctors about this concern for about 3 weeks. But, I am appalled by what I am hearing from other moms having the same issue as me with Pampers Dry Max.  Although, I’ve never used these diapers I am wondering if both companies are using something in these diapers to cause this rash.  If you take a look at these  two facebook pages, Pampers bring back OLD CRUISER/SWADDLERS AND Boycott New Pampers, there are a TON of complaints.  So many I truly feel there should be a recall!!!!   I am shocked at some of the responses I am hearing that moms have heard from P&G after complaining.

I am also wondering if any other moms are having this problem with White Cloud diapers.  We use Target Brand Diapers for regular use but when I started to Potty train I was using Pull-ups. We were going through them so fast, I then switched to Whitle Cloud because of the cost.  I really feel these diapers were what was causing the blister like rash and even told my Pediatrician the same.  The pictures on this facebook page are EXACTLY what Isabella’s rashes looked like.  When describing them to people and our Pediatrician, we said they were like open blisters that formed overnight.  I don’t want this to happen to any more babies and we need to find a way to fix this issue.  Our poor children should not being going through such pain and after weeks of going to our Pediatrician and them giving us the run around telling us that Isabella’s AWEFUL rash is eczema, I have come across these facebook pages and articles about Pampers Dry Max Diapers causing what moms are calling "Chemical Burns”.   We need to figure this out.  Please let me know or comment below if anyone else if having this concern too.  I really don’t know what to do but with this many complaints and issues of the same occurrence, something needs to be done!

Durable, supportive and most important comfortable is what I have seen in the past few days of Isabella wearing these U*neaks around the city.  Isabella, like many 2 year old's, is a spark plug.  She is constantly running and jumping all over the place.  With that much movement and energy, I'm very happy with the support and durability these U*neaks sneakers have given her.  U*neaks patented customizable footwear are sneaker style shoes with side clear panel windows and specially designed socks that allow kids to continuously customize their shoes by simply changing their socks. Pair the shoes with any of U*neaks’ double-sided decorated socks for footwear that’s fun and chock full of personality.

U*neaks kindly sent us the Pearlized Pink Paris Z-Strap to review.  This princess inspired shoe is a combination of Pearlized Synthetic Leather and Metallic Synthetic Leather, which provides unparalleled color pop and Princess appeal. Cinderella would have definitely wanted a pair of these. This shoe is available in Toddler Size 8 - Children's Size 3. The Window material is Extra Durable and Environmentally Friendly. This shoe has dual windows , so you can see both sides of U*neaks double-sided socks, depending on what window you look in. This shoe also has an EVA Wedge for added comfort.  Check out these other adorable girl choices!

If I had a boy, these would be my choice of U*neaks.  This shoe is Camel Rev Colored Suede and the look my little man would be strutting around at the park wearing.  And don't worry, if you have a different style, take a look at the others.  They are all so cute and customizable for your "that day" look.

In addition to FREE SHIPPING, if you purchase U*neaks with Shoebuy.com you receive free returns and a 10% discount by entering the coupon code UNEAKS at checkout. Woohoo! I love discounts and savings!! U*neaks Customizable Footwear are Sealed with Approval by Baby and Momma!

Happy 40th Birthday, Earth Day! Not that we don’t on most days but today the Bucci’s are making a extra, extra effort to help save our Earth.  Most people are make the effort to save our Earth due to the evidence that the decisions we have made, and continue to make, are damaging the air we breathe and the land we live on. If I raise Isabella with the habits of living "green”, she will most likely follow in our footsteps to live a green life.

Most of these efforts we, Anthony, Isabella and I, are making to be Green I know a lot of others are too.  If your not, take a look at this list and try to make a effort.  This is only helping our future generations!

• Start using re-usable grocery bags instead of plastic.  It’s so easy and believe it or not, I have found groceries a lot easier to carry.
• Cut your shower time in half.  I use to love standing in the hot shower to wake me up in the morning. Now I make a effort to be in and out!
• Save stained or clothes you are going to throw away as your cleaning cloth. I have a full basket now!
• Ask your utility provider if they offer Buying green power
• Use rechargeable batteries.  Duracell has a full line of these.
• Switch to non toxic cleaners.  Toxic cleaners are not good if you have children in the house.  We love Seventh Generation products
• Turn off the water while brushing your teeth.  Isabella is still getting the hang of this. She just wants the water to run :/
• Use a water filter for your tap instead of buying bottled and use a reusable, aluminum, water bottle.
• Check out hand me down and second hands stores.  I’m a huge fan of these.  She grows out of them so quickly and I LOVE Craigslist!
• If you could walk or ride your bike somewhere, try to do so.  If I only have a few groceries to pick up, we will walk to our local grocery store.
• When you leave your house, make sure all the lights and appliances are unplugged. This will not only help your payments go down but help save the environment
• Do it yourself home energy savers
• I wash all my clothes in cold water instead of hot.  This will also prevent your color from running
• We don’t have all but have switch a bunch of our light bulbs to CFL’s.
• I learned when buying our new TV, anything with Energy Star on it will help save a ton on energy

While cleaning is on most moms everyday checklist, Spring Cleaning, thankfully,  only comes once a year.  You would think because we clean so much on a daily basis we wouldn’t dread the ritual of Spring Cleaning. I actually love it and look at it as a way to celebrate the warm weather ahead.  I’m bringing you my Spring Cleaning 101 with tips, tricks and checklists from one mom to another for your household.

• The first thought that pops in my head when Spring Cleaning comes along is where to begin?  First things first, where to start?   Going from top to bottom, Bedrooms to basement, works best for me.  This way everything that needs to go works it’s way down and ready to go out the door
• Second, Go through each room and Make a Checklist of what needs to be done in each room.  This way you wont forget anything and make sure you get it all done.
• Also,  play music when your cleaning. This will help the time go by and make it more fun.  I love to sing (even though I’m horrible)  and figure this is the only way I can be tone def and not hurt anyone else’s ear drums. hehehe
• Prepare to have about 3 to 4 boxes for each room (especially, bedrooms) to get rid of junk
• And lastly, make sure you have all your supplies you need and ready to go before you start.

My Sample Checklist:

Bedrooms

1. Start with closets and go through clothes you want to donate
2. Switch winter wardrobe with summer
3. Dust air vents and corner dust bunnies/cobwebs from ceiling to floor
4. Wash all bedding and flip mattress
5. Empty drawers and get rid of the lonely socks, holy undies, old t-shirts and tank tops
6. Clean windows
7. Polish all furniture
8. Vacuum floor boards and carpet

Tips & Tricks:

When going through your wardrobe(shoes and all ladies!!!) and get rid of anything you haven’t wore in the past 6 months.  Don’t forget underneath the bed. I shocked every time I look underneath my bed to see what we have accumulated over the year. AMAZING! Save all the lonely socks for future cleaning.

Bathrooms

1. Open windows for ventilation while cleaning with bathroom supplies
2. Spray tub, toilet and sinks with cleaners
3. Wash shower curtain, Window curtains or blinds, rugs and display towels
4. Clean selves, medicine cabinets, mirrors
5. Scrub floors

Tips & Tricks:

Throw everything in the washer while cleaning. Spray tub, toilet and sinks with cleaner and let sit for a while to do a little work on it’s own. The last thing before your completely done should be putting the shower curtain and rugs back in place.

Living and Dinning Rooms

1. Clear all clutter such as magazines, books and newspapers
2. Dust everything hanging on the walls.
3. Wipe down end tables, TV stand and knickknacks
4. Vacuum underneath and behind the furniture. Also, between the couch and chair cushions
5. Clean door rugs and mats.
6. Wipe Windows inside and out

Tips & Tricks:

Thoroughly clean the rugs and mats sitting near doorways from outside in.  This will help keep your house clean throughout the year after this clean.Professional cleaning for rugs and upholstery in these rooms are highly recommended.  These items are the most used by you and others and need heavy cleaning.

Kitchen

1. I like to start with my refrigerator and pantry
2. Check and get rid of everything beyond expiration (obviously)
3. Wipe down cabinets inside and out from top to bottom
4. Clean stove burners and inside the stove
5. If you have a hutch, dust dishes inside
6. Run dishwater empty
7. Wipe down counter tops and scrub floor

Tips & Tricks:

Living in a city, everything that isn’t dated but I want to get rid of, I like to give to the bums (just drop the box where you know they stay…DON’T TALK OR STOP TO TALK…some are crazy!) Old pots and pans can be used as fun instruments for the kiddos. Isabella loves them!

In every room I suggest taking down the drapes and anything that needs washed and throw them in the washer before you start that room.  By the time you are done cleaning that specific room, the laundry will be ready to go back in it’s place.  Focus on one thing at a time and please keep in mind that a good deep clean will take more than one day (especially if Attic, Basement and cleaning carpets is on your list ).

If you haven’t before, this year try using Eco-Friendly cleaning products.  With toxic free cleaners, you can clean or scrub anything from your kitchen counters to your bathroom toilets.  Not to mention the natural scent they give for you to wake up to for days.  After reading through my tips and techniques, tailor the list to fit your home.  Happy Spring Cleaning!

In these past few days of receiving Ella’s Kitchen to do a review Isabella has been chowing down!  Ella’s Kitchen is a delicious blend of 100% organic fruit and vegetables with nothing else added, not even water! Can you believe it?  Offered in stage 1, 2 and 3 these are a great snack cold, room temperature or warm by standing it in hot water. Of course, always check the temperature and great for moms on the go!  For the little ones just starting out with solids, these are great to squeeze out on a spoon to feed.  Isabella now says…nummy (meaning yummy) and runs to the refrigerator during snack time everyday for her Ella’s Kitchen snack.   Dairy Free, egg free, wheat free, allergen free and USDA organic approved! All just listed I would say are most moms dream in a snack.  Ella’s Kitchen just mad our snack dreams a reality!  My favorite part about these snacks are usually I have to toss them after opening.  This snack pouch has a re-screwable anti-choke screw top so your little one can finish their snack later on.  After opened, Ella’s kitchen is recommended to be stored in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours.  Ella's Kitchen is Sealed with Approval by Baby and Momma!