Reviews by mhurst826

mhurst826 says "Only formula that works for us!" about EleCare Elecare Amino Acid-Based Medical Food and Infant Fomula with Iron, Unflavored

mhurst826 — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 00:25:20 GMT

Making sure your children get the kind of nutrition they need to grow is a concern for every caring parent. But it becomes especially important when your child has a condition that interferes with the body's ability to absorb and use nutrition from many ordinary foods and formulas.

Today, many families and their physicians are turning to EleCare, a nutritionally complete formula specifically designed for the special feeding needs of infants and children with:

Severe Food Allergies
GI Tract Impairment
Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal
Chronic Diarrhea

Disorders (EGID)
Short Bowel Syndrome
Malabsorption

As a parent, you want to feel confident about giving EleCare to your child. This Web site is designed to give you that confidence by providing all the facts you need about the effectiveness and safety of EleCare and the role it can play in helping manage your child's specific nutritional needs.

Personal Review:

This formula has lasted the longest in our family. We tried every other formula on the...

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mhurst826 says "We want chubby babies! Helps preemies gain weight" about Similac Neosure Infant Formula

mhurst826 — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 00:19:45 GMT

When our daughter came home with us, she weighed in at a hefty 4 1/2 lbs. At the time we were having trouble with adequate weight gain....Our neonatologist asked us to mix the formula with pumped breastmilk for even greater calories. She packed on the pounds (for her) and enjoyed the formula. Unfortunetly we had to switch when she became unable to handle it. I would not view this as a problem with the Neosure, as we then tried EVERY commericaly available formula with no luck. We now are on a Rx only formula. I was very happy with the Neosure while we were using it. I would have continued if possilbe....

mhurst826 says "Can you imagine a day when every baby is born healthy?" about March of Dimes

mhurst826 — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 05:57:10 GMT

The March of Dimes Missions Statement:

Our mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality. We carry out this mission through research, community services, education and advocacy to save babies' lives. March of Dimes researchers, volunteers, educators, outreach workers and advocates work together to give all babies a fighting chance against the threats to their health: prematurity, birth defects, low birthweight.

Each year, more than 460,000 babies are born too soon, some so small they can fit in the palm of a hand. Many of these babies must fight just to survive; others will struggle with lifelong health problems. No one knows what causes half of all premature births. No one is working harder than the March of Dimes to find out.

Every baby has a story.

I wish we had never needed the March Of Dimes, but when our daughter was born almost 9 weeks early, weighing in at 2 lbs, we were thankful for them. They provide emotional,...

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mhurst826 says "Very pleased with this product, no weight gain, and clear skin!" about Nuva Ring Birth Control

mhurst826 — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 21:46:01 GMT

Its not like me to discuss birth control with, well the world. I have tried everything from the classic pill, the patch, depo shot, and finally this. I have been using the Nuva Ring for awhile now, and I honestly have not had any negative side effects. I am less hungry, but for me thats a good thing! I also have had very clear skin. I don't normally have problem skin, but I have noticed it looking better these days. I can't feel it, and my husband said every once in awhile he can feel it. The Nuva ring doesn't look like birth control to me, but I would really reccomend it to any woman who has a less than prefect track record for remembering the everyday pill, or spent too much time yanking off the sticky gross patch. When we decide that its time for baby #2, there isn't any waiting time, just remove and......well you know....

mhurst826 says "Classic taste minus the "chemical orange"" about Annies Macaroni and cheese

mhurst826 — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 21:33:23 GMT

I really like that this product is family friendly and very classic, for those us that were fed the chemical orange mac n' cheese in the famous blue box. Annie's Macaroni and Cheese is a better version, and you will never miss the junk in the other stuff! I am trying to make better choices for my family, now that we have a baby, I'm very aware of what I bring in to our home. We are not even close to perfect, but every little bit helps! Really, give this stuff a try, the kids won't notice, you can pronounce everything on the box. Amazing. I checked the price at Costco yesterday (7/24/08) and Annie's is priced at $9.99 for a case of 15 boxes, and the Kraft Blue Box is $9.69 for a case of 15....hardly anything, for a better product....

mhurst826 says "Delicious cheese! Very simple and classic sharp cheddar" about TILLAMOOK VERY SHARP CHEDDAR CHEESE

mhurst826 — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 02:18:21 GMT

I am fortunate enough to live about 4 hours from the Tillamook Cheese Factory, so our grocery store carry a wide variety of Tillamook products. I like pretty much all cheese, but cheddar is a favorite of mine. The flavor is very intense and pure. It makes fantastic grilled cheese, cheese sauce, and a snack! Yum yum!...

mhurst826 says "NOT HEALTHY AT ALL, JUST SUGARY MILK" about Nestle NESQUIK

mhurst826 — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 16:07:52 GMT

I am trying hard to find something positive to say about this product. Its full of sugar, chemicals and little else. I suppose its at least good that its made with milk, so it provides calcuim and vitamin D.

Take a look at the nutrition info. For one thing, it has 200 CALORIES per small serving. Top that off with 5 grams of fat, 3 of those being saturated! 31 grams of sugar? No thanks! Regular nonfat milk has about 12 grams of sugar on its own, but thats naturally occuring. I just don't understand how this could be considered healthy. You would be better off taking lowfat milk, and blending it with strawberries (fresh or frozen) and adding some vanilla extract. It would be better tasting, more nutritious and cheaper!

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mhurst826 says "Lifetime Coach Girl!" about Coach Handbags

mhurst826 — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 05:57:38 GMT

I used to be trendy, then I had a baby. Now I am a jeans and t-shirt kinda girl, and I use fantastic looking purses to dress things up. I have owned many bags, from the uber trendy multi-color LV to a rabbit fur M. Kors. Now I keep it to Coach. I am very picky about my bags, they must be well made, good looking, and go well with a variety of things. Coach always fits the bill. My 1st mothers day present was a Coach Carly patchwork purse, that I simply adore! It works well with so many outfits, not to mention my diaper bag! I also have a very classic black leather purse, that is the little black dress of the purse world! I would say I own about 7-10 bags, and I have been pleased with every one! Yes, some designs are meant to say "LOOK AT ME I HAVE A COACH PURSE" but I don't normally go for those...

On a side note- I really don't think Coach purses are very expensive, and certainly not something that should be faked....the price doesn't warrant being faked. I would NEVER carry any fake...

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mhurst826 says "My fave drink- my version is ALWAYS available" about Starbucks Peppermint Mocha

mhurst826 — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:06:07 GMT

Here is my version of this holiday fave-

Grande,non-fat,no whip, peppermint mocha. This version is always available, much better for you, and tastes amazing. Granted the lack of red sprinkles makes it less festive, but I try to limit my drink calories (other than milk). So if you are craving a Peppermint Mocha in June, try my type- it rocks!

ps- i live near Seattle and the flag ship Starbucks. I can walk to about 4 Starbucks from my suburban home!

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mhurst826 says "Probably the best tasting bars! Tastes like real food" about General Mills - Fiber One Oats and Peanut Butter Chewy Bars

mhurst826 — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 17:58:37 GMT

I really enjoy these fiber bars, in all flavors. They are so thick and chewy, and they taste like real food, not a bunch of weird chemicals.I found over time that most other bars you would either be better off eating a piece of fruit and homemade cookie, or you better be a body builder to work of the insane amounts of protein and such in them. These are a nice balance, and well rounded when you need to eat something NOW and are't about to compete in the Iron Man. I eat mine with soy milk or water in car. Oh and talk about fiber! Most people don't eat that much fiber in one day, but should! If we all ate enough fiber there would be no....um....side effects...

mhurst826 says "Classic Creamy Fudge Bar taste! A real treat!" about Healthy Choice Premium Low Fat Fudge Bar

mhurst826 — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 17:45:31 GMT

A cold,creamy chocolately treat, what more could you ask for? If I handed you one of these out of the wrapper, you would never know it was a Healthy Choice product. It has the taste and texture of a classic fudge bar, all with no sugar added and only 1 gram of fat. Some low fat/cal treats have that gritty icey texture to them, not these. We purchase our Healthy Choice Fudge Bars at our local Costco, and they are fairly inexpensive! Even my anti health food hubby loves them! I normally eat one a day, as my dessert and even more so now with the heat!

Besides the taste, the nutrition is really great. A bar serving (and a decent size also!) is only 80 calories, 1 gram of fat, 4 grams of fiber and 3 grams of protein. No added sugar!

The whole family will enjoy these, and you can feel good about eating them!

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mhurst826 says "Less sugar, same cost" about V8 V-Fusion Light

mhurst826 — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 17:14:37 GMT

I drink the Light version to save on calories, when I do drink juice. I know you could just dilute the original version, but thats not always practical on the run. I really wish they would have just reduced the amount of sugar in the original product! We really don't need that much sugar! EAT FRESH PRODUCE- its way better, cheaper and more filling....

mhurst826 says "Good. but not a fruit/veggie replacement" about V8 Fusion

mhurst826 — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 17:10:27 GMT

I am not a big juice drinker, never have been. I first got this when I noticed I could sneak some fruits and veggies into my less-than-healty eater husband. I like the taste, and appreciate that there is a full serving of fruits and veggies, but there is also AMPLE amounts of sugar that I am not a fan of. Granted, it is better than Kool-Aid or or other fruit "drinks" that contain NO fruit, but it still can't be a replacement for actual produce.

Bottom line- if you must drink juice, drink the V8 Vfusion, its better than most. Be mindful of a serving size, and the amount of sugars!

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mhurst826 says "love it!" about Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm

mhurst826 — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 05:06:55 GMT

I really love Burts Bess Lip Balm. I like that it is plain, and doesn't contain a bunch of things that I am not needing on my lips. The tingle is the best. I use both the tube and the tin, I buy it if it ever goes on sale, even if I don't need it at the time. Other chapsticks give me a weird taste in my throat, but this doesn't. I much prefer the original, but the pomegranete is also good. I don't like the honey at all. Use this under all other lip products!...

mhurst826 says "I adore Carters! Always cute and comfy!" about Carter's Onesies

mhurst826 — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 17:10:31 GMT

I always buy my little one Carters. I orginally started buying them when I was pregnant, just because they were too cute! After we got her home (and she get big enough for newborn sizes) we started purchasing almost exclusively Carters clothing. They have tons variety, trendy onesies and good sales. I like how many mix and match combos you can make. Our little girl wore newborn sizes from age 2 months- 7 1/2 months, and they all stood up to her daily wearing. Now that is quality! I don't let her wear anything with cartoons or characters on it, and Carters makes that simple for me. Basically they make baby clothes that are adorable, comfy, and long lasting. Now if only they made preemie sizes.....

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mhurst826 says "Now she LOVES her bath!" about Especially For Baby Comfy Bear Bath Sponge

mhurst826 — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 23:27:31 GMT

Granted, my daughters first bath was is a hospital basin (see my pics!) but after she came home we tried the basic tubs, then one a friend reccommened, and then the sink....we purchased this on a whim, doubty Izzy would be impressed with a bear shaped piece of foam. WRONG. She loved it! It feels safe and secure with scooped sides, but also alows her to move her arms and legs freely! All that for just $4! Wish we had used this Bear Bath Sponge from the start. Sometimes simple is best! Just wring it out really well and hang to dry!...

mhurst826 says "Serious diaper bag, for those serious about style and function" about Oi-Oi Giraffe print Tote in Cocoa with Burnt Sienna lining

mhurst826 — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 23:20:09 GMT

I am thrilled with this diaper bag! It has enough room to be your purse, and your diaper bag. I use it as just a diaper bag however. The giraffe print is what originally what sold me on this. It does great with boys and girls. It isn't your typical diaper bag, so much better! The mess pouch is one of my favorite features, you can use it for dirty clothes, diapers ect. The wipes pouch is a hard plastic, and it keeps them moist, and is reusebale. The insulated bottle holder keeps the bottles warm for about two hours, and can hold the larger 10 oz bottles. The changing pad is thick, but can be cleaned easily.

The Oi-Oi giraffe diaper bag is a lifesaver! It will hold anything you could ever need, has a great chic look, and two sets of straps! I will keep it for our next child also! Very well designed and constructed.

Please note: The bag pictured is the "hobo sack" style of this product. My review is on the full size tote. They come in a variety of sizes, from messenger bags, hobos...

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mhurst826 says "My go-to mascara- makes my lashes bold!" about Dior Diorshow Mascara

mhurst826 — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 22:52:57 GMT

Most of my days are all about baby! That doesn't leave me a ton of time to get all gussied up. I feel naked without mascara, so I always make time for that, if nothing else. I have tried a ton of different mascaras, from Smashbox to cheapy drug store brands. It seemed like every other type had at least one downside, that only made it an average mascara. I found the "Dior Show" mascara in Seattle, while I was out shopping with my mother. Talk about love at first brush! Two years later, I am still a fan! I find this product great with 1-2 coats for daywear, and more for the evening. It also works well with fake eyelashes!

If I did have a complaint, it would be that the stopper (you know, that thinner part that cleans off the extra mascara when you pull out the wand) would get stuck in the cap! I took it back to Nordys and they replaced it. You wouldn't think a $20+ tube of mascara would have that type of problem!

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mhurst826 says "Not bad, but I am not looking for the classic coke taste" about Coke - Diet Coke Plus

mhurst826 — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 22:37:10 GMT

Safeway was having a killer sale on pop, but were out of regular diet coke, so I decided to give Diet Coke Plus a try. I am drinking it right now, and it is okay, but way too sweet for my taste. I think they might be trying to go for the "Classic Coke" taste, but I don't like regular soda, so this isn't what I was after. While I think the added "vitamins and minerals" are a nice touch, they haven't sold me on this one. Back to regular Diet Coke and a daily vitamin!

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mhurst826 says "We tried them all....Pampers it is!" about Pampers Swaddlers Diapers

mhurst826 — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 00:32:53 GMT

Whe we made it home from the NICU, she came with a few packs of premie pampers. These are the diapers our hospital used, so I trusted them, and as a new mom, I try to stick with what works for us! At my baby shower, alot of people gave us diapers, brands from huggies, luvs, white cloud ect. We tried the huggies, but had problems with fit, and they leaked. We also tried the Luvs, and they gave her a terrible rash from just one diaper, those went right into the garbage. We stuck with Pampers and have had no problems. At first we used the preemie diapers, but have used the newborn and size one...and currently the size 2, although they are a touch to big for her yet. I really think these are the best all over diapers. Reliable and a good product. I know they also have reward points, so thats a plus for moms!

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