Designer Look Under $50 each

Designer Look Under $50 each by cosmopolitan-mommy featuring an orange jacket

3 Different Ways to Wear

3 Different Ways to Wear by cosmopolitan-mommy featuring mid rise jeans

Guide to Online Shopping for Kids

It's holiday season and I would like to share with you my top five picks for unique and trendy items for your kids.  Here are my top five websites:

#5 -Bargainchildrensclothing.com


Bargain Children's Clothing is a perfect place for the mom on the budget.  You can find cute clothes for your little ones without breaking the bank.  They offer clothes and accessories in all sizes for both boys and girls.  The clothing options are definitely unique and you can even find items for under $10.  If you are looking for a new cost effective and adorable option for your child, then head over to Bargain Children's Clothing!


#4 - Zulily.com

 Zulily offers a variety of products from a variety of well known brands.  They have daily sales events so you always have to check to see what they have.  The savings are great and you can save up to 90% off of retail prices.  The clothes, accessories, toys, and decor are super stylish and cute. It is a great place to check for deals on holiday items. Head over to Zulily to check out what they have today!

#3 -Skechers

Skechers is the go to place for unique and adorable shoes. They offer shoes for kids and adults and they come in a variety of styles. If you are looking to stand out from the crowd while remaining stylish, head over to Skechers.

#2 -  Wittlebee

Wittlebee is a unique kids clothing club. They offer adorable clothes for a fraction of what you would pay at your local mall. So how does it work? First, you sign up on Wittlebee.com. Give a few details about your child and how you dress them and then place your order. You will then receive a box of clothes for your child with a retail value of over $100, every month. You don't have to do anything else! It's that simple! Just place your order and wait for your box! Wittle Bee carries sizes 0-6 for both boys and girls. Make your life easier and put your kids clothes on autopilot! Order today at Wittlebee.com and receive $10 off of your first order! It's like having a personal stylist!

#1 - Tea Collection

Tea Collection clothes are unique and authentically inspired with artistic inspiration of global destination. The newest holiday collection is inspired by Nordic design. On this site you can find adorable and durable clothes for your precious little ones. They offer clothes from newborn to 12 years. (Mommy's, you can even pick up a little something for yourself while you are their!) These clothes are stylish, trendy and easy to mix and match. If you are looking for clothes that are fun and modern, then Tea Collection is your place. Now through 12/31/2012 you can Buy 1 Newborn Layette Collection Outfit (Boys or Girls) and get the 2nd free (Offer only valid with the Newborn Layette Collection). Click here for that offer Tea Collection and use code: BABYBOGO
Tea's Facebook page -->
For some of my special picks from these sites, follow me on pinterest! Happy Shopping!

The Cosmopolitan Mommy Thanksgiving Giveaway!

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I would like to thanks any and everyone for their support! I am giving away a $25 Restaurant.com Gift Certificate. Perfect for a night out with your family or date night with that special someone. Only for US Residents. You can enter below! Contest runs from 11/11/12 - 11/17/12. Winner will be announced and notified on 11/18/12. Good Luck! a Rafflecopter giveaway

$500 Cash Christmas Giveaway: ENTER TODAY

Christmas Cash Giveaway Event

Hosted by Mom Powered Media

Please take a moment to visit our sponsor: Emperola.com!

Emperola.com was founded in summer 2012 in order to provide visitors with daily updated list of contests, giveaways, sweepstakes and deals. Enter your email here for a chance to win $500 in cash. If you host any kind of giveaway or contest feel free to submit your contest at Emperola for free.

Stop by and say congrads to Mom to Bed by 8 who is celebrating their 3rd annual gift guide!

Finally a special thank you to our lovely co-hosts whom without them great things would not be possible: Bay Area Mommy, Coupon Gator, Frugal Mom Eh!, An Ordinary Housewife, Spend With Pennies, To Sew With Love, Funny Postpartum Lady, Giveaway Bandit, Stay a Stay at Home Mom, Confessions of a Messy Mama, CountingToTen, The Dragyn's Lair, Lovingly Mama and Saving My Family Money!

Don't miss out on this special Christmas giveaway. Be sure to share it with your friends and let them know The Cosmopolitan Mommy sent you! Good Luck!

One lucky reader will receive $500 {winner's choice of Visa Gift Card, Paypal Cash or Amazon Gift Card}!

Giveaway ends December 5th at 11:59pm, open to worldwide, ages 18+. To enter please use the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck.

Tell them Cosmopolitan Mommy sent you!

Christmas Cash Event hosted by Mom Powered Media

Prize: $500 Visa Gift Card OR $500 Paypal Cash OR $500 Amazon Gift Card {winner's choice}

Event dates: 11/7 - 12/5

Free Blog Event! Sign-up here, BLOGGERS WANTED

Did Your All Purpose Cleaner Make the Cut?

There are so many all purpose cleaners on the market.  So which one do you choose?  There have been many debates on whether to use the green cleaners, old faithfuls like Pine Sol, or just use vinegar and baking soda.  Consumer Reports put our favorite brands to the test.  They were tested for their ability to remove stains, grease, soap scum and streaking.  So who won?

Pine-Sol  won the overall test.

Can one household cleaner vanquish tough kitchen stains such as grease and grape juice; soap scum and other bathroom scourges; and stubborn mineral deposits left by hard water?

To find out, we applied those and other common stains to tiles; sprayed or wiped on 19 all-purpose cleaners, and inserted the tiles into our special scrubbing apparatus. In our tough tests, only Pine-Sol Original cleaned well enough to be recommended, earning high marks on all stains. It did so without streaking, and at 9 cents per ounce is a CR Best Buy.

All-purpose cleaners are typically used to clean such household surfaces as kitchen counters and bathroom tiles. In our labs we pit them against four soil types—grease, grape juice, ketchup and mustard that we spread on glass, ceramic and metal tiles. Then it's on to the soap scum test.

Finally, we see if the cleaners leave streaks behind. Only the Pine-Sol aced that test. It was also very good at removing stains and soap scum and was the only cleaner to make our list of top-picks.

So if you use name brand all purpose cleaners then it seems as though Pine Sol  might be your best overall all purpose cleaner.  What are your favorite household cleaning products?

Check out these men using Pine Sol!

It's Flu Season! Shot or No Shot!

While talking to many of my friends, I found that there was a mixture of emotions regarding flu shots and vaccinations.  Some people feel that they are absolutely necessary while others are afraid to vaccinate their children.  With many recent allegations that vaccinations cause autism, their are many concerned parents. And rightfully so!  Here is a guide to some pros and cons about vaccinations.

PRO Vaccines
  1. Vaccination should be required for children. No individual should have the right to risk the health of the public solely for the purpose of satisfying their personal moral, philosophical, or religious views.

  2. Vaccines can eradicate disease and prevent serious illness and death. Mandatory vaccination has eradicated diseases that once killed thousands of children, such as polio and smallpox. According to researchers at the Pediatric Academic Society, childhood vaccinations in the US prevent about 10.5 million cases of infectious illness and 33,000 deaths per year. [2]

  3. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, most childhood vaccines are 90-99% effective in preventing disease. When children who have been vaccinated do contract a disease, despite being vaccinated against it, they usually have milder symptoms with less serious complications than an un-vaccinated child that gets the same disease. [3]

  4. Since some individuals that have been vaccinated may still get sick when exposed to infected individuals, 75% - 94% (639 KB)  [33] of the population (depending on the disease) must be vaccinated to acheive "herd immunity." When herd immunity is achieved the number of immunized individuals is high enough to prevent the spread of disease through the population. [4]

  5. The risks of not being vaccinated far outweigh the small risks associated with vaccination. Preventable diseases like measles and mumps can cause permanent disability and death. In 1991 an outbreak of measles in an unvaccinated group of children in Philadelphia caused seven deaths. Children infected with the mumps can become permanently deaf. [5] Although a very small number of deaths from the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine have been reported (39 KB) , [34] the most common adverse reactions are minor soreness and or fever.

  6. Even when diseases seem to no longer exist, outbreaks can still occur if children are not vaccinated. In Boulder, CO, fear over possible side effects of the whooping cough (pertussis) vaccine [6] led many parents to refuse vaccination for their children causing Boulder to have the lowest school-wide vaccination rate in Colorado for whooping cough and one of the highest rates of whooping cough in the US as of 2002. [7]

  7. Because children and infants are more vulnerable to the swine flu (H1N1 virus) they should be required to take the FDA-approved vaccine to prevent illness and possible death. [8]

8. The claim that vaccines cause autism is false. Many studies, including one by researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health, reject the hypothesis that thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative in vaccines, causes autism [9]. On Mar. 12, 2010, in the case of Mead v. Secretary of Health and Human Services (500 KB) , [35] the US Court of Federal Claims ruled that the "theory of vaccine-related causation [of autism] is scientifically unsupportable."

  9. Children should be required to receive vaccination against hepatitis B. The disease can cause inflammation of the liver leading to cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver or cancer. The World Health Organization recommends that hepatitis B vaccination be a part of universal childhood vaccination programs. Reports that the hepatitis B vaccine may cause multiple sclerosis have been refuted by many published studies. [10]

  10. Girls between the ages of 11 and 12 should be required to get the HPV (human papilloma virus) vaccine because it protects against four strains of HPV - two of which cause cervical cancer. In the US, cervical cancer is the second leading cancer killer of women, with 10,000 women diagnosed each year, and 3,700 dying from the disease (as of 2009). The HPV vaccine can stop these deaths and should be given to all girls before they become sexually active and have the potential to contract HPV. [11]

  11. Vaccines should be required because they produce significant economic benefits for society. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every $1 spent on vaccination saves the public $6.30 in medical costs (123 KB)  [36] that would result from having to treat unvaccinated diseased individuals.

CON Vaccines
  1. Governments should not have the right to intervene in the health decisions parents make for their children. 31% of parents (639 KB)  [37] believe they should have the right to refuse mandated school entry vaccinations for their children, according to a 2010 survey by the University of Michigan.

  2. Many parents hold religious beliefs against vaccination. Forcing such parents to vaccinate their children would violate the 1st Amendment which guarantees citizens the right to the free exercise of their religion.

  3. Vaccines are often unnecessary in many cases where the threat of death from disease is small. During the early nineteenth century, mortality for the childhood diseases whooping cough, measles, and scarlet fever fell drastically before immunization became available. This decreased mortality has been attributed to improved personal hygiene, water purification, effective sewage disposal, and better food hygiene and nutrition. [12]

  4. Vaccines interfere with natural law and God's plan for humanity. Disease is a natural occurrence, and humans should not interfere with its trajectory.

  5. Common childhood vaccinations may cause rare yet serious reactions (139KB)  [38] including anaphylactic shock, paralysis, and sudden death. This risk is not worth taking, especially considering most diseases vaccinated against are not necessarily life threatening.

  6. Vaccines can trigger auto-immune disorders such as arthritis, multiple sclerosis, lupus, Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), and other disorders. [13]

  7. Vaccines can cause brain inflammation (encephalopathy) which can lead to death or permanent brain damage and disorders such as autism, ADD/ADHD, and other developmental problems. [14] In addition, the vaccine additive thimerosal (found in most pre-1999 vaccines) has been associated specifically with the development of autism and is still found in certain meningococcal, tetanus, and flu vaccines such as the H1N1 vaccine (62 KB) . [39]

  8. Vaccines clog and disrupt the lymphatic system with large foreign protein molecules (the active ingredients contained within vaccines) which may lead to lymphatic cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma. [15]

  9. All vaccines cause immune system suppression, and can permanently damage the natural immune system. Unvaccinated children build and strengthen their immune systems through fighting off infection and developing natural immunity to diseases like measles and chickenpox. Artificial immunity, generated through vaccination, weakens the immune system and leaves children more vulnerable to all other diseases and infections. [16]

  10. Children should not be required to receive the DPT (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus) vaccine. Some studies have shown that children who receive the DPT vaccine exhibit shallow breathing which has been associated with sleep apnea and may be a causal factor in sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Studies of infants whose deaths were recorded as SIDS show a temporal relationship with DPT vaccination (these infants tended to die at similar time intervals in relation to when they were vaccinated). [17]

  11. Children should not receive the hepatitis B vaccine. Hepatitis B is a blood-born disease and is primarily spread by sexual intercourse and intravenous drug use. Children are not at great risk of contracting the disease. In addition, researchers have found that immunization with the hepatitis B vaccine is associated with an increased risk of developing multiple sclerosis. [18]

  12. Young girls should not receive mandatory vaccination for HPV (human papilloma virus). The vaccine was approved in 2006 and the long-term effects are unknown. Since approval, adverse side effects such as severe allergic reactions, Guillain-Barré syndrome, spinal cord inflammation and pancreatitis have been reported to the US Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System. Although these adverse reactions may be rare, they are not worth the risk since the vaccine only protects against two of the 15 strains of HPV that may cause cancer of the cervix (20-40 years after an individual is infected). [19]

  13. Vaccines are promoted primarily to generate profits for manufacturers and financial donations for medical organizations that endorse vaccines. In 2003, a House Committee on Government Reform report (4 MB)  [40] revealed that the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices had members with significant financial ties to vaccine companies. The American Academy of Pediatrics, a leading pro-vaccination organization, receives millions of dollars from vaccine companies. [20]

For more information go to http://vaccines.procon.org/

Let me know your thoughts on vaccinations. Will you vaccinate your child? Comment below.

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Image courtesy of  FreeDigitalPhotos.net

I Have to Organize my Refrigerator Too?

It seems like everything in life works best if it is organized. As a mom we have to organize our kids toys, closets, drawers, lives... Now we have to organize the fridge too?  Well of course! But get this, you may be doing it WRONG! If you are anything like me, the most used stuff ends up on the top shelf.  Here is a guide to organizing your fridge according to Real Simple Magazine.

1. Eggs do best where the temperature is most consistent-on the middle shelf. Store in the original cartons (don't transfer to the fridge egg container).



2. Milk tends to land on the top shelf, but it should be on the bottom, all the way in back, where it's coldest.



3. Yogurt, sour cream, and cottage cheese fare best on the bottom shelf for the same reason. Stack items on a turntable to keep everything accessible and expiration dates visible.



4. Packaged raw meat should go on the super-cold bottom shelf. And if juices drip, they won't contaminate the whole fridge.



5. Vegetables stay fresh longer with a bit of humidity. The drawer labeled vegetables or high humidity is the moistest spot in the fridge. Store in the original packaging or in a plastic bag, loosely tied.



6. Fruit belongs in the low humidity drawer (sometimes marked crisper). Keep in the original packaging or in a plastic bag, loosely tied (citrus is fine with no bag).
Tip: Leave vegetables and fruits unwashed until you use them. Water can promote mold and cause bacteria to grow.



7. Deli meats belong in the shallow meat drawer, which is slightly colder than the rest of the fridge, or (if there's no such drawer) on the bottom shelf.



8. Butter and soft cheeses don't need to be super cold, so they can live in the dairy compartment on the door (the warmest part of the fridge). Place soft cheeses, like Brie and goat cheese, in an air-tight container after opening them.



9. Condiments are generally high in vinegar and salt, which are natural preservatives. So ketchup, mayonnaise, and salad dressing are fine on the door. Same goes for pickles and jarred salsa. Olive and vegetable oils can remain in the pantry. But nut oils, like sesame and walnut oils, belong in the refrigerator, also on the door.



10. Orange juice can be stored on the door, as long as it's pasteurized. Fresh-squeezed should be stored on the bottom shelf.

Now that you have all of the tools that you need, head into your kitchen and reorganize your refrigerator.  It will be much easier for your husband and kids to polish off the milk now that they are confident that it is cold and fresh!

What are some of your kitchen organization secrets?

*CM RECALL ALERT* Stroller Recall

Hundreds of thousands of strollers recalled for strangulation risk

Please check the model numbers below.

The model numbers are:

Pliko-P3 Stroller Model Numbers Venezia Stroller Model Numbers
IPFR28US34xxxxxxxx IPPF28NA32 IPVA13MU09
IPFT28NA63 IPPF28NA57 IPVA13MU10
IPFT28NA64 IPPF28NA65 IPVA13US09
IPP328MU10 IPPF28NA66 IPVA13US10
IPP328MU09 IPPF28NA67 IPVA13US32
IPP328US09 IPPF28NA68 IPVA13US34
IPP328US10 IPPO28US32 IPVC13NA32
IPP329US10 IPPO28US34 IPVC13NA34
IPPA28US32 IPPO28US62
IPPA28US33 IPPO28US69
IPPA28US34 IPPO28US70
IPPD28NA34 IPPO28US71

*CM Deal Alert* - Toys R Us - Backpacks

Toys R Us is having a sale on backpacks. When you purchase a backpack for 12.99 and up, you get a lunch container (value, 9.99 and under) FREE. Also, if you bring in a used backpack, you will get 20% off your purchase! Head over to your local Toys R Us today. Sale good from 7/1/12 - 7/7/12.

Huggies Little Movers Slip-On Review

I have been using the Huggies Slip On diapers for a few months now. They are excellent at keeping my son from leaking. The diapers absorb the moisture and keep it locked into the diaper until it's time for a change. My son can easily remove the diaper and I am using them as a potty training tool at the moment. Just slide on and go! Very easy to use for anyone. The only thing is that the diaper will sag quite a bit after an over night soak session. I find that it sags more than the regular Little Movers diapers. All in all I love the diapers and it is all I purchase!  For more Huggies products that may fit your needs check below.

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Quick Healthy Snacks for Kids

With childhood obesity being so prominent in our society, many parents are wondering what kinds of foods to serve their children. Here are a few quick and healthy snacks that your children will enjoy. They can even assist in the preparation!


1. Ants on a Log
This is a fun and easy snack to make with the kids. All you need is celery, peanut butter, and raisins. First wash and cut the celery stalks into bite size logs. The spread the peanut butter. The final step is placing the ants on the log. Place the raisins on top of the peanut butter. You now have a fun and healthy snack that your kids will love!

2. Fresh Fruit
You may not think that your kids will eat it, but fruit is sweet. Kids love sweet! It also comes in many colors and textures. Find the fruit that is right for your child and serve it to them as a healthy snack!

3. Peanut Butter Crackers
This is also a quick snack for the kids to help make. Just two crackers with peanut butter in the middle. Serve with a glass of cold milk (or Silk) and let your kids enjoy!

4. Quesadilla
This is one that my kids love! All you need is a tortilla and some cheese. To jazz it up you can add some salsa. This can be made in a skillet or on your trusty George Foreman Grill. Takes less than five minutes to prepare. Just be sure to let it cool before the kiddies take a bite!

5. Smoothie
This is fun and quick. All you need is yogurt, juice, and your child's favorite fruit. If the fruit is not frozen you may want to add a few ice cubes for a more slushy texture. Just pop these items in the blender and you have yourself a smoothie. Serve with a twisty straw and the kids will love it!

Hope you enjoy these quick and healthy snacks! Leave some of your favorite snacks in the comments section!

A Moment to Remember Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Dr. King was a revolutionary during his time. He is widely known for his teachings on nonviolent civil disobedience. These practices were a way to fight the injustices that were being placed upon African-Americans during the 1950s and 60s. This time period was known as the civil rights movement. We take this day to remember Dr. King for the visionary that he was.

Thank you Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.!

“I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit together at the table of brotherhood.”
– Martin Luther King, I Have a Dream Quote

The King Center

Tips on Making Your New Year's Resolutions Stick!

Every year, everyone makes a list of New Year's Resolutions. Some follow them, but many don't. Here are five tips to help your New Year's Resolutions stick!

Be REAL about it!
When deciding what items you are going to put on your list of resolutions, be realistic. Set realistic goals for yourself. Don't put items on your list that you know you won't complete.


Game Plan!
Once you have your list together, set up a plan. In order to fulfill your goal, you must create a plan that you can follow. You will then have a step by step guide to follow, making reaching your goal that much easier.

Change is good!
You may need to change your situation or the company you keep. Everyone doesn't wish you well or think the same way you do. You should be around people who will encourage you and have similar goals as you. You should also place yourself in an environment that breeds success.

Get your Mind Right!
Our actions begin in the mind. If you believe it, you can achieve it! Don't think negative thoughts and expect positive results. You have to stay positive. Take it one day at a time. If you fall off the wagon one day, just hop back on the next!


DO it!
Just do it! NO one is stopping you but you! There is no one to blame for your actions but YOU! Just do it! If you want to lose weight, DO IT! If you want to start a new business, DO IT! If you want to be happy, DO IT! Life is what we make it so make your life count! Let's let "DO" be our word of the year!

I wish all of you the best and want you all to succeed! Happy New Year!

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net