Enfant Pediatric VEP Vision Testing

Have you ever heard of the Enfant Pediatric VEP Vision testing?



I had not. Thanks to BSM Media/MomSelect for giving me the opportunity to see what this test is all about and to bring you, my readers, the information.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience. 

A Houston-area pedriatrician, Karen Urbani, M.D., is offering a unique test to detect vision problems in children as young as 6 months old. It tests for visual defects, including amblyopia, optic nerve disorders, and refractive errors. It is the first and only one of its kind.

When you normally take your kids to the doctor, they perform the normal test. They ask our kids to follow the doctor's finger. But now, there is this wonderful test that can catch vision problems early. The test is less than 7 minutes. It doesn't require any sedation or dilation. There are no crazy, scary machines that tramautize our kids. The test is kid-friendly and of course independentmami approved. The pictures and music are animated and very entertaining. The kids forget what they are there to do.

We arrived early to Dr. Karen Urbani's office. We were greeted by a very friendly staff. Right away we were attended by the office manager which introduce us to Dr. Karen Urbani, and our nurse. They were both very friendly. The nurse explained everything she was about to do, and walked us through every step. My son knew what to expect. They cover one eye at a time which a pirate's patch. I told you, kid-friendly. Three sensors are attached all over his head. He sat in front of a computer screen. The lights went off. The test started. He watched as pictures appeared, then lines, then pictures. (The Enfant uses technology called Visual Evoked Potential (VEP), which evalutes our kids response to an external stimulus alont the entire visual pathway from the lens of the eye to the visual vortex of the brain.) The test was over. Yes, that simple. A print out of the results was given to me to take home. My son had no significant differences identified and does not need corrective lenses. This was great to hear. I asked my son, "Was the test easy?" "Yes" "Did it hurt?" "No" Afterwards Dr. Karen Urbani came in to the room to talk to us. These are the questions I asked:
Who is this test recommended for?
All kids starting from 6 months to age 8.

How often should kids be tested?
Every year, once a year. (routine annual well check up)

If my son would have failed the test what is the next step?
Set up an appointment with a Pediatric Opthamologist. By properly identifing problems early on, some vision problems can be fixed.

How long has this test been available?
This test has been available. But Dr. Karen Urbani's office has only had it available since last July.

How much does it cost?
Depending on the region/city, the test can run anywhere from $75 to $100. But, in most cases, it is reimbursable by insurance.
(But really can we put a price on vision. To me it is priceless. My mom did not know my little brother needed glasses until 3th grade. By that time he had already failed many tests and had many problems in school because he could not see the board.)






For more information or to schedule a vision test, contact Dr. Karen Urbani at (281) 499-6300. Her office is located at 5819 Highway 6,ste. 300, Missouri City, TX., 77459.

Crest Pro-Health Review

I was recently contacted by Crest to try their new Crest Pro-Health.  I received this product for review.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.  It covers all from cavities, gingivitis, plaque, sensitivity, tartar, and even whitens your teeth all this while still freshening your breath. It is a toothpaste made for adults and children 12 and up. Available in Clean Mint, Clean Cinnamon, and Clean Night Mint flavors.



My fiance and I have tried it for over one week now and have seen a big difference in our smiles. After brushing with Crest Pro-Health our teeth felt cleaner. Our mouths felt fresher as well. My fiance and I have been convinced. This is the toothpaste for us.

Growing up in a Hispanic family was as same ole, same ole. You use what works and never change. You are not open to try new things. When you need a suggestion of what works you call your mother or father. "Ma' Que uso? (Mom what do I use?) But I have learned that the things that worked back then are not the best now. Our dental hygiene is very important. So do what's best for you and your family. Try Crest Pro-Health.

Spanish-
Hace poco estuve en contacto con Crest para probar la nueva Crest Pro-Health. La cual abarca todo, desde las caries, la gingivitis, la placa, la sensibilidad, el sarro, e incluso blanquea los dientes y todo esto sin dejar de refrescar el aliento. Se trata de una pasta dental para adultos y niños de más de 12 años de edad. Disponible en los siguientes sabores: Clean Mint, Clean Cinnamon y Clean Night Mint.

Mi novio y yo la hemos estado usando durante más de una semana y hemos visto una gran diferencia en nuestras sonrisas. Después de cepillarnos con Crest Pro-Health nuestros dientes se sientes más limpios. Nuestras bocas también se sienten más frescas. Mi novio y yo estamos convencidos. Esta es la pasta de dientes para nosotros.

Crecer en una familia hispana fue el mismo ole, ole de siempre. Se usa lo que funciona y nunca se cambia. Uno no se abre a probar cosas nuevas. Cuando uno necesita una sugerencia para saber que funciona y que no, uno llama a su mama o papa. "Ma 'Que uso? (Mamá ¿qué debo usar?) Pero he aprendido que las cosas que funcionaban en ese entonces no son las mismas cosas que funcionan ahora. Nuestra higiene dental es muy importante. Entonces haz lo que es mejor para ti y tu familia. Prueba Crest Pro-Health.

Tu Crest

A Date with another guy....

There is this guy in life who makes me feel free, lets me act silly, and doesn't care how much I eat. No, it is not my fiancee. He makes me pay for everything, all the time. I even have to drive him around.
I went out on a date with him last night while my fiancee worked. My fiancee even gave us the idea of where to go. If you have not guess by now, my date was my son. Every now and again we go out on dates just me and him. Remember it was me and him for a long time. And him and I did everything together before I got engaged. Being a single parent sometimes makes you get creative. He was the one and only man in my life for the past 8 years before I met my fiancee. He was my date for Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, and even Father's Day. We would go hang out at Chuck e Cheese, go bowling, etc. Now we are no longer a two some, we have become a three some. We do everything together as a family. But every now and again I go out on dates with my honey bunny.
Last night we went to the movies. It was a surprise. He didn't even know where we were going. When it was time to get ready I told him where we were going and what I was taking him to do. He was so happy. My fiancee suggested I take him to see Night at the Museum II. My son loved part I. So we headed on our way 30 minutes before the movie but guess what. When we got there the movie was sold out. I should have bought the tickets online like i intended to do when i was on the computer while looking for the showtimes. You should have seen my son's face of disappointment. Now we were standing there and the next showtime was until 9:30 p.m. I was not about to stay in the movie theater for 2 and 1/2 hours waiting for the movie to start and i was not driving all the way home. So we picked a different movie. He didn't know what to pick or what was showing. So i picked. He was very skeptical but i knew he would like the movie I picked. He laughed all the way throught the end of the movie. After the movie was over he texted my fiance this message:
Dad we didn't get to see our movie. It was sold out.
We watched Dance Flick it was funny it made me laugh so hard it made me fill like my eyes were going to pop out, and yes your going to say wow.
I know some of you are wondering why i let my son see such a stupid movie. Well I am a sucker for seeing my son all disappointed and sad. Some things in the movie are over his head, or at least i hope they are, but i was there and if there would have been anything i didnt approve off or it got really bad we would have left. But it wasn't that bad. It was a stupid dumb movie that makes you go say oohhh...what...then laugh...then groossss...then laugh.
We then headed home. On the way home we stopped and got a Redbox movie, well two. We stayed up watching Hotel for Dogs. We laughed and cried while watching this movie. At the end he told me, thanks mom.

Ridemakerz review and giveaway****CLOSED****

Have you ever built your own car?

My boys and I were able to experience the Ridemakerz car building experience.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience. 

The workers are so wonderful and walk you through every step. You start by selecting the model of the car you want. I chose a Corvette, my fiance chose a Viper, and my son picked a Mustang. Then you are given the choice of making your car a monster or keeping it standard. Next you are given the choice to upgrade your sound in the car. It comes with the standard sound. We upgraded and all picked different sounds. Then you pick out your tires. Next you pick your rims. I got heart rims, fiance got pirate rims and my son got some shiny looking rims. Next you go to the customizing section where you can add an engine, lights, grills, decals, etc... So much to choose from. My boys and I had a blast. It was a great experience for my son and fiance. We then headed over to the assembly area where we were able to assemble our own cars. My fiance and I raced and he won by 3 seconds. We even made our own license plates. And we upgraded and added remote controls so we could race each other. Once everything was done we were giving a cute box with a key to our cars. We had so much fun.

Now we want to share the fun with you and your loved ones. Just in time for Father's Day. Thanks to BSM Media/MomSelect, and Ridemakerz, I have a $100 gift card to giveaway to one of my readers. Contest ends May 31, 2009 at midnight.

Here are the contest rules:
(Please leave an email to be contacted back at. Winners will have 24 hours to claim prize. One comment per item you do. So each person has 8 chances of winning.)

1) Please tell me why you want to win this.
2) Please tell me the nearest Ridemakerz to you.
3) Follow my blog.
4) Follow me on twitter, and leave your twitter name.
5) Tweet about this giveaway and link back.
6) Blog about this giveaway and link back. (2 entries)
7) Enter my Maybelline New York giveaway.


Ridemakerz
Arizona
Glendale
Westgate City Center

Illinois
Schaumburg
Woodfield Mall

Indiana
Indianapolis
Castleton Square Mall

Maryland
Baltimore
THE AVENUE at White Marsh
Hagerstown
The Shoppes at Hagerstown

Michigan
Auburn Hills
Great Lakes Crossing
Novi
Twelve Oaks

Missouri
Branson
Branson Landing

South Carolina
Myrtle Beach
Broadway at the Beach

Texas
Friendswood
Baybrook Mall

Virginia
Fredericksburg
Spotsylvania Towne Centre


Wisconsin
Appleton
Fox River

Maybelline Pulse Perfection Review and Giveaway****CLOSED****

Have you ever heard of a vibrating mascara?

Well i got to experience the first vibrating mascara New Pulse Perfection Mascara from Maybelline New York. It creates perfect lashes every time. I have tried it and i like how my lashes look. I have small thing lashes, but with this mascara it gives me longer, fuller lashes. There was no clumping. Everyone noticed my eyes. My lashes have never looked this good.


Ready. Set. Captivate.

Vibrating technology gives you the 7 must-haves of perfect lashes: volume, length, separation, color, curl, luster, and no clumps.



Maybe she's born with it, Maybe it's Maybelline.
Maybelline New York.

Thanks to Maybelline and Walmart, I have two mascaras to give away.

Here are the contest rules:
(Please enter one comment per entry. Please leave an email address where the winner will be contacted. You will have 24 hours to claim your prize. Contest ends on May 31, 2009, midnight.)

1) Tell me why you would like to win.
2) Follow my blog.
3) Follow me on twitter, please leave me your twitter name.
4) Twitter about this giveaway, and link back to this giveaway.
5) Blog about this giveaway and link back. (2 entries)

Good Luck.

My mother's Dinner...

I had dinner with my boys for Mother's Day. 



The Nikon CoolPix S230. It has 10 megapixels. It has 3x zoom. It has a 3 inch LCD touchscreen. I can write on the pictures too. Dominic eating brocoli while cheesing. Matt trying to eat while Dom makes him smile for the next pic. I love this camera. It is so easy to use. It came with a stylus and a carrying case. I love the color too. Now I really need to learn all the other features it has.

A day out in the sun...

So today was my son's first baseball game in a really long time, 4 years to be exact. We had picture day as well and it was crazy. It was HOT. A mother always takes care of her cub but never looks out for herself. After running around in the house getting dressed and ready. I made sure my son had all his gear. I even made sure he had sunscreen on. Guess who didn't wear any though? Yes, you guess it. It is currently 90 degrees outside. We ended up playing two games because of a no show team. So from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm, we were in direct contact with the sun. Luckily i didn't forget my cap and sunglasses. The kids had a blast win or loose. I think the parents were more upset than they were. We lost the first game and won the second game. Good thing i have aloe vera to put on my sunburn. If you don't have some use products like Banana Boat-Aloe Vera. It soothes the sunburn and helps it heal faster.

Things to remember when you are going to be out in the sun:
(especially during the sun's peak hours from 10 am to 4 pm)

1) Wear sunscreen, SPF 30 of higher
2) Use a cap or hat
3) Use sun glasses
4) Drink alot of water.
5) Try and find some kind of shade, even if you use an umbrella.
6) Have fun! Play hard!


Don't get burned like I did!!!

Free Ice Cream @ Walmart Super Centers

Here are the details of the event:
Saturday, May 30th 2009
11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

2000 Supercenters using new “Bright Ideas” demo program
Full Servings of Branded Ice Cream Treats: 1.57 fl oz. Dibs Snack Bag,
2.4 fl oz. Blue Bunny Aspen Frozen Yogurt Granola Bar, 4 oz. Ben &
Jerry's Flipped Out Cup
Walmart Super Centers

My Water Challenge

I have taken the water challenge at Delicious Challenge.

Do you know how much water you drink in a day?

Do you know how much you are suppose to drink?

I keep a Brita water bottle at my desk. I fill it every hour. So by the time I have gone home i have had my recommend 8 glasses of water for the day. Join the challenge today. We need to start taking care of ourselves better.

Test your water wisdom.

As they grow up giveaways...

astheygrowup

Summer Party: Popits Flip Flops
popits

Summer Party: Tuga Sunwear
tugasunwear

Summer Party: KidsSwimwear.com
kidsswimwear

Summer Party: Dunkin Donuts on the Road
dunkindonuts

EZ VAccum giveaway

Check out this giveaway...

DVD Giveaway: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

www.ezvacuum.com

Fabulous Fun Finds Giveaways....

Fabulous Fun Finds


Current Giveaways!!

baby star hooded towel 5/20

Mutsy Grow Up 5/20

Zoobie Pets Giveaway 5/20

Bath Luve Giveaway 5/20

Snuggle Me' z Infant Car Seat Snuggler Giveaway 5/20

Boob Maternity Jeans Giveaway 5/20

Trendy Peas wall art (size 10x10) 5/20

Print Pattern Paper Alphabet Poster Giveaway 5/19

Balboa Baby Nursing Cover Giveaway 5/19

Punkydoo Kids Cuddle Gown Giveaway 5/19

Color Me Cute Splat Mat and Bib Giveaway 5/19

Emmydoodles Swaddle Blanket Giveaway 5/19

Hand Picked Pumpkin Flare Pants Giveaway 5/19

Leslee's Bits and Pieces 5/19

Win one Baby Dipper bowl and spoon set!5/19

Uniquely Squeaky shoes 5/18

Belle Baby Carriers 5/15

5 Star Baby Customized Movie Poster Giveaway 5/18

Dudes and Diamonds car seat cover 5/18

Olive Janes cloth swim diaper 5/18

Baby Jakes Poodle Swag Blanket5/18

Zutano $150 shopping spree 5/18

Diaper cakes by Becca Three Tier cake 5/18

Win UV SKinz 5/18

PaperRamma Mommy contact Cards 5/17

Bibi and Mimi Baby shoe 5/17

My Urban Toddle Packin Smart 5 Tier 5/17

Always Inspire Burp Cloth and Bib 5/17

Amon Maternity $50 Shopping Spree 5/17

Emmie Kate Jewelry Giveaway 5/17

Petunia Pickle Bottom Clutch Giveaway 5/17

Lovelyduds baby wrap giveaway 5/17

Elaine Turner Handbag

Elaine Turner

Mohop Shoes 5/13-cutest shoes ever!!!


Maclaren stroller, rocker, and carrier package giveaway 5/17
"Baby Showers by Mail 3 Month Supply Diaper Giveaway!" 5/17

Happy Mother's Day

So what can I say about my Mother's Day weekend, IT WAS GREAT!. This has been the best Mother's Day ever. From a comedy show to an Astros game, this year was the best. I reflected on how far I have come. I can finally enjoy myself as a mother. I just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Mother's Day, not just today but everyday. I now know how much a hug, a kiss, and an I love you can mean to a mother now as I am one. When I was younger I never realized how important today was for mothers. But today as I am older and a mother, I know. But I also realize that we are mother's everyday. Pat yourself in the back, buy yourself something, treat yourself, because you deserve it.

Kids and Baseball

***Disclosure-No compensation was received.  Informational post only.My son is going to play baseball again. This time it will not be for the local YMCA. He is playing for a sports association that has been around for a while. I remember my little brother playing for them. We didn't grow up going to a YMCA. Kids just went outside and entertained themselves. Anyways, after years of him not playing we have decided to let him play. I have the no pass, no play rule. I have had him sit out at practice and games because he didn't play by the rules. Funny thing is as I sit next to him when he is sitting out, inside it is killing me. But i know i have to teach him his lesson. The season just started, new fields, new kids, new team, etc. It is all an adventure to my fiance. He doesn't have any kids, but he loves baseball and my son. The weekly schedule just got more hectic. I don't get home from work until 6, after driving an entire hour in traffic. We have to hurry up and eat something. Practice starts at 6:15. Wow, what an adjustment. I am having to event the quickest meals ever. That is no another blog, 15 minute meals, 10 to prepare and 5 to eat. Anyways, the teams just got picked and split up. My son and his bestfriend were separated and one plays for the Blue Jays, the other for the Astros. As if those boys were not competitive enough now they must play against each other. We went to the first practice with his coach. Guess who got picked Team Mom-you guess it-ME. My fiance asked how was that voted upon. I told him i was the only mom who showed up. A couple of parents just dropped off their kids, and the other dads just hung around, but no other moms showed up. My luck. I have been a Team Mom before, i have even coach. I remember the first time my son joined a team. He wouldn't even get on the field. I had to become assistant coach and that way i was on the field with him. Everything i did, he did. First game, he wouldn't play. I took him home that day so mad at him. I was yelling telling him I wasted my money. But then i realized just as scared as i was to meet the parents, start this new adventure, and everything that came with it, he was just as or more scared. We went back the next time, and he has been playing ever since. As I watched my son at practice, I realized how much he has changed. He was 3 when he first played his first time. The adventures to come, Go Astros!!!

SuperMercardo de Walmart-Houston, TX

***Disclosure-No compensation was received.  Informational post only.Yes, you read that right. Supermercado de Walmart is another Walmart store located in betweeen Longpoint and Wirt. This Saturday they will be having many events see below. COme check out the new store and check out all the events.


Colgate Bright Smile Bright Future Van-free dental screening for kids 12 years and younger Saturday May 2: 9 to 1 PM

Dr Pepper Vida23 Van
- An Xbox gaming console with flat screen TV including Rock Band 2, Halo 3 and NCAA College Football
- A Wii console with Wii Sports and Wii Fit
- Contests with the games mentioned above
- Dr Pepper Vida23 gear
- Dr Pepper sampling

The times they will be there this weekend:
Saturday, May 2: 2p-5p
Sunday, May 3: 12p-3p



Lots of dollar deals:
- 6 bolillos calientes y listos para llevar: $1
- 1 lb. de fresas: $1
- 3 lbs. de platanos: $1
- 3 mangos ataulfo: $1
- 3 lbs. de tomates: $1
- 2 lbs. de tomatillos frescos: $1
- 2lbs. de papayas maradol: $1
- Botella de refresco Barrilitos (2 lt.): $1
- 3 rollos de galletas Maria de Gamesa: $1