The Best Parental Control Software to Protect Your Family

The Internet can be an incredible resource for your children, but it can also put them in danger without proper supervision. There are many ways that a child can be at risk online, including predatory websites, bullying, and, exposure to graphic content. Parents cannot
monitor their kids Internet activities all the time. This makes using parental control software very handy, especially for working parents.

Not all parental filter software available today offers the best protection for your kids. Some may have the protection you want, but they’re not user friendly. For your ease and for the safety of your kids, here are a few of the top most effective and easy to use programs you can
buy.

Net Nanny

Net Nanny ranks first among the rest of the filtering software because it blocks not only adult
content but also suspicious chat rooms, emails account, and other forms of Internet danger.
It assures that your children can only play and install games that you think are appropriate.
This parent control program is simple to install and easy to set-up. It also has a feature that
helps you to choose the appropriate program, games and other online activities based on your
child’s age.

PureSight PC

PureSight is a newer company – they’ve been protecting kids from online treats since 1998
– but their software is still very effective. Its latest filtering software ensures your child’s
protection from sites that are considered threats, but at the same time allows access to sites
that are useful. Similar to Net Nanny, PureSight also has many user-friendly features in its
interface.

PureSight is designed to totally block pornographic sites. It allows social networking sites
such as Facebook and chat rooms but under strict real time analysis where parents are alerted
in case suspicious interactions or communication happens.

CYBERsitter

CYBERsitter may not be the most popular name in parental software, but it is one of the best
filtering programs available today. It’s effective and easy to use and is designed to protect
kids from any treats that can be accessed through the Internet. The program is developed so
that you can customize filtering features for any program that allows chatting and emails.
This program also helps to avoid ‘overblocking’ (blocking of harmless programs)
and ‘underblocking’ features (unblocking programs that are considered as threats).

There are many great programs out there to help a busy parent keep an eye on their child’s
online behavior for a reasonable price. For other objective and data driven comparisons, be
sure to check out FindTheBest, where you can compare everything from antivirus software to
tablets.


*Guest post by Tom, who is part of the editorial staff at FindTheBest.

Record a Story with Dora the Explorer

Fun Find- Record  a Story™ ($19.99) is something that I'm sure many kids would love to receive as a gift this holiday season.  It allows  readers to easily record their voice narrating a story, and the narration then  plays when each page is turned. Fun for parents or grandparents, they can create  custom-recorded storybook for their kids and grandkids.  Kids can do the  same for parents or long-distance relatives. It's perfect for military families! My girls love the Dora version, which is now on sale for $14.95!

Available at major retailers  nationwide, Record a Story helps families stay connected even when they are separated.  It is a great solution for working and traveling parents too.   New titles this year include, My Grandpa is Special and My  Grandma is Special, Good Night, Sesame Street, The Day You Were Born,  Thomas:  Good Night, Little Engine, I Love You So Much, Ten Little  Pumpkins, The First Christmas and Frosty the Snowman.

Rocknoceros - Colonel Purple Turtle

Fun Find-The fourth studio CD ($14.99) and first ever kid-friendly concept album has launched this week by Rocknoceros. Colonel Purple Turtle is loads of fun and full of whimsical characters. Based right here in the DC Metro area this CD is energetic and features a bit of everything from jazz, barbershop quartet, string ensembles and more. Sure to appeal to kids, because Rocknoceros always does, Colonel Purple Turtle is colorful, funny and definitely worth checking out.

Available here.

*Image from Jamminjava.com

Trade in Your Old Board Games with Hasbro!

Give us your tired, your huddled masses.... I'm ridiculously paraphrasing there but Hasbro has come up with a great idea to help get Family Game Night (Sept. 26) off to a great start. It is time to trade-in and recycle those old board games that are worn out, tired and missing pieces.

Working with Recyclebank, Hasbro asks you to participate in the Great Games Trade-In. It makes recycling and upgrading games easy! Throughout the month of September, visit FamilyGameNight.com to print up to $83 in coupons, as well as prepaid shipping labels to easily recycle your old games. You’ll learn how to recycle your old, worn-out games with Recyclebank to make plenty of room in your freshly cleaned game closet for brand spankin’ new games! The 22 Great Games Trade-In coupon offers can be redeemed at mass merchandise retailers nationwide through October 9. And with all of these savings, you’ll even have extra spending money for treats and decorations for your big National Family Game Night celebration!

Have fun!

Image from cdn.screenrant.com

dENiZEN Jeans

New this summer to Target are the American classic jeans dENiZEN! These great-fitting, affordable, fashionable jeans work well for the entire family. Created by Levi's (circa 1853) this American company knows jeans.

We received a pair of size 6 skinny jeans ($17.99) for my daughter. She starts kindergarten this Fall and new jeans were on the top of our back to school shopping list. The jeans are soft (she won't wear them if they are not) and have a nice on-trend dark wash. There is a bit of stretch to them and a tapered leg. I love the adjustable waist on these jeans. She's small but tall and the adjustable waist band is the only way we can wear pants that fit her height and middle. The fact that I can buy the Skinny style and the two other styles (Super Skinny, Slim Boot) at Target is such a bonus.

Like dENiZEN on Facebook and get a surprise!

MPR Rating: Five Stars.

Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this post. Products received are for review purposes only. Opinions are MPR's only.

Recess Monkey at Wolf Trap

Recently I mentioned the kids band Recess Monkey. The trio of teachers from Seattle is a great find. My kids love the silly but not stupid songs and I do too. I really didn't see myself rocking out to songs like 'Grandma' but then we went to a Recess Monkey show at Wolf Trap's Theatre-in-the-Woods and I did just that. So did my two youngest girls too.

While it was a not so enjoyable heat scorcher of a day we braved the elements to see this band and it was worth it. They are fun, not too loud, and full of energy. The whole audience of kids and parents had a great time dancing, singing and acting out songs. My 11 month-old could not stop waving her arms and moving to the music, something I had never seen her do before. I highly recommend seeing Recess Monkey at least once.

Wolf Trap's Theatre-in-the-Woods is a wonderful way to introduce your kids to concerts, plays and puppet shows. The venue is not too big and it is a fairly free feeling setting. You can picnic nearby and there are ample bathrooms. There is also a good amount of staff on hand to answer questions and just help out.
If you are in the Washington, DC area it is a great place to take your family but also a night out just for adults.

Musselman's Apple Sauce and Summer Fun!

Want to know the way to this mother's heart? Create a wonderful tasting product that contains no high fructose corn syrup, sodium, trans fat or cholesterol. Putting it in snack-sized portions is just a bonus that I love. Musselman's has earned a place in my heart and in my family because their products just taste good and are good for you.

The Totally Fruit was totally a hit in our house. We all love the peach and strawberry sauces that don't have any artificial flavors or dyes in them. The kids clamor for them daily and think they are just a really fun, special treat and alternative to the Musselman's apple sauce. Not only are these products great alone but we looked up some recipes from the Musselman's website and found a great one with the Peach Apple Smoothie Popsicles.

We added these ingredients (Apple Sauce, peaches, strawberries, milk and lime juice) and blended it in a blender.





We froze them and viola! Natural, delicious Popsicles. The extra that didn't fit in the Popsicle containers we drank as a yummy smoothie.





Musselman's has more than just apple sauce in jars and snack packs. The various products include organic apple sauce, Healthy Picks, apple butter, and more. Mussleman's products can be found at your local grocery store. The website also has coupons and recipes to create even more fun foods and times.

MPR Rating: Four Stars.

Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this post. Products received are for review and test purposes only. Opinions are MPR's only.

Prosperity 4 Kids Piggy Bank

Created by a mother, Prosperity 4 Kids is a wonderful set that every parent and child can learn from and utilize.  Set up to teach kids how to save, give, invest and spend the Prosperity 4 Kids set includes a ceramic piggy bank, story book and CD ($39.95).  The bank is divided into four compartments that children can store their money in depending on what they want to do with it.  You want to give, put it in the charity pig.  You want to invest your money for the future then deposit it in the corresponding pig. The storybook describes to children the values of each category and how they can work for the child now and in the future.  It's actually become a pretty regular bed time story selection in our house since we received it.  I can't think of an easier way to describe this money management to my kids than with this bank and book.

Lori Mackey, the creator, is a leading expert on kids and money.  She is behind this masterful book, Mama Money and the Three Little Pigs.  We received another bank very similar to this a while back and we explained the how and the why to the different compartments in the bank as best that we could, but I was never sure that my child understood it all very well.  The story in the book with the Prosperity 4 Kids bank is the key.  It is an engaging, fun and smart way to get everyone in the family into thinking about how they use their dollars and cents.  We love this bank and book!

Prosperity 4 Kids banks, books and more can be purchased in sets and a la carte.  You can find them on the company website.

MPR Rating:  Five Stars.

Disclaimer:  MPR was not paid for this post.  Products received are for review purposes only.  Opinions are MPR's only.

Rediscover Outdoor Fun

There is no better time than summer to take your family camping for some good, old-fashioned outdoor fun. What got me thinking about camping this year was the Great American Backyard Campout that happened on Saturday, June 25th. It was a nationwide event meant to bring people together to enjoy nature and each other’s company without the distractions of electronics and the stresses of everyday life. My friends and family enjoyed a great night of outdoor fun! It was quite refreshing to be away from the computer and the TV, even just for a night. It made me want to actually go camping this summer, and I’m definitely looking forward to it! If you are planning on camping this summer, be sure to stock up on all your supplies at REI!

No matter where your adventures take you, travel with a cozy home for your entire family! REI has tents for families of all sizes. Get the REI Camp Dome Tent for four people or for six people! If you need to fit even more people, try out the gigantic REI Kingdom 8 tent! These tents are rugged, built to survive any weather you may encounter while you are on your adventure. They are constructed to be easily set up as well so that you can spend more time having fun and less time wrestling with your tent.




Keep everyone in the family warm and snuggly with their very own sleeping bag. REI has a wide selection of sleeping bags all made from different materials tailored specifically for certain temperatures and weather conditions. If your summer travels take you somewhere warm, try out the REI Travel Sack +55 Sleeping Bag. It’s lightweight and packs to the size of a football, so it takes up almost no room in your luggage and it is light enough to carry long distances. It’s warm enough to keep you cozy and light enough that you won’t be miserable in hotter summer temperatures. This sleeping bag has tons of great reviews already, so you can be sure that this is a quality product!




Bring your home cooked meals into the great outdoors! Keep your family well feed even while you’re out on an adventure. Bring your own camping stove with you for as low as $22.95! That’s a small price to pay for feeding an entire family. Let your kids have fun making food too. Give them the Camper’s Dream Play and Freeze Original Ice Cream Maker – the toy that makes ice cream! Just add cream, sugar, and ice, then roll it around and have fun! After that, you will have homemade ice cream in minutes!



No matter what you need for camping, REI has supplies for your entire family. Become and REI member and you can save even more! REI members get free shipping with online orders over $50. You can get all your summer camping supplies delivered right to your front door hassle free! Want to save even more on your summer fun? Check out all these REI coupon codes and see what money saving deals are in store for you!

Great Wolf Lodge Pocono Mountains, PA

Great Wolf Lodge located in Pocono Mountains; PA is a family-friendly resort that all ages can enjoy. We visited as part of the Reviewers Retreat in May taking my five, two and ten-month old along for the short visit. For three days, we splashed, swam, rode water slides, played games and had a ball. Inside it was a balmy 84 degrees in the water park. Outside it, was a rainy, grey mess but who cared?

While there my family of five stayed in a family suite (sleeps four, max of six) that had two queen beds, a sofa with a pullout couch (queen-sized) and a small table with a balcony. My girls loved sitting at the tiny two-person table eating their lunch and dinner while my husband and I sat at the larger two-person table inside. A microwave, refrigerator and countertop were also in the room. This was a huge convenience as we packed a cooler full of drinks and snacks and used both appliances during our stay. It is tough to leave the room to eat all the time when you have three little ones. That was why I was so surprised and dismayed that room service was not available at Great Wolf Lodge. There was no room service and actually very little options when it came to dining in general. Just because we are at a family-oriented establishment does not mean I want to eat fried food and pizza all the time. A lack luster buffet and snack shack and ice cream parlor were our only options for each meal and it made us glad that our stay did not go beyond three days. That is a real shame. We are not into specialized foods and none of has have food allergies either but I would have liked more options than sugar-laden foods at breakfast and fast food type items at lunch and dinner. There is a Starbucks and bakery on premises as well.


Other than the food issue, we loved staying at Great Wolf Lodge in Pocono Mountains. It was easy to navigate despite being under renovations. The lifeguards on staff are located every five feet it seemed and I always felt that my family and I were safe while using the water park. There are four pools located in the park and that does not include the adult only swim area. The wave pool was a big hit with my kids and so were the water slides. My oldest loved waiting for the big "wooden" bucket to pour our its contents from the sky every few minutes. There are slides and games for all ages and I loved that about the park. No age was discriminated and it made for a great time. Another plus that I adored was the wrist bands. Everyone gets one, except those under three, and you wear them the whole time. You can have them activated for charging purposes effectively eliminating the need to carry your debit or credit card or wallet while at the waterpark or anywhere else on site. That was so wonderful! It makes life so much easier, especially in that that type of environment.

Great Wolf Lodge has accommodations for all sizes of families and groups from large too small. There are suites with bunk beds and bigger eating areas and more. I hope the bathrooms are bigger in those rooms. Our four to six person bathroom was quite tiny with only room for a shower and toilet. It was a surprise to find a family resort with that sort of bathroom. Maybe Great Wolf will consider renovating that portion of their facilities next.

Despite the food choices and small bathroom, Great Wolf is a fun, special place to stay. Your kids will love the story time, water park, arcade and MagiQuest adventures that are programmed throughout the site. The bear hunt my kids went on was a blast for them as was the arts and crafts room. The Gr8 Space for older kids is good too. All ages can enjoy this place and we would go back to another location again in the future.

MPR Rating: Four Stars/Three Stars (Four for fun, three for food)

Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this post. Products received are for review and test purposes only. We stayed at the Great Wolf Lodge as part of the Reviewers Retreat. Opinions are MPR’s only.

*Images from stlmommy.com, golflink.com and followatswu.com

Recess Monkey's Flying!

I am so not a fan of kids music. I don't like listening to it in the car ever. Three school teachers from Seattle have changed all that. Recess Monkey's latest CD 'Flying' is fun, jump, dance around music with lyrics that rock! From song one, Flying, I found myself dancing along and learning the words in minutes. When I picked up my oldest daughter from school that day, Recess Monkey was playing in the car again. We've played it a lot since that first day too.

Full of energy with sounds that sometime remind me of a sneaky mix of Jack White and Better than Ezra this trio of rockin' teachers just works. My kids do too. We rock out to songs about kids covered in bandaids, toolboxes and grandma's house like it is nobodies business and you know what? It's cool.

In fact, I'm taking them to see Recess Monkey next month. Yes, indeed this mom of three is going to her first kids concert and I can't wait.

Like Recess Monkey on Facebook! View the 'Sidekick' video here. So cute!

MPR Rating: Five Stars.

Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this post. Products received are for review and test purposes only. Opinions are MPR's only.

The MUPPETS Official Trailer

Cars 2 Giveaway!

Cars 2 hits theaters on June 24 but I am holding a giveaway TODAY! Included in this fun prize pack is -



- CARS 2 t-shirt in youth sizes of S, M, L, XL
- CARS 2 set of 3 bumper tickets
- CARS 2 temporary tattoo sheet (2 per winner)
- CARS 2 puzzle

In addition, Disney/Pixar has created an awesome activity pack for kids that you are free! These include Mazes, Soap Box Dragster Activities, T-shirt Designs, a Radiator Springs Play Set and much, much more!






Check out their Facebook page too!


ENTER TO WIN by commenting. Additional entries can be had by visiting The Mummy Chronicles and then commenting here on your favorite post. Winner will be chosen at random on June 24, 2011. Open to US and Canada residents only.


CONGRATULATIONS to Shelagh! She won the prize pack!

PackIt- Reusable Lunch Bag

My oldest takes her lunch to school one day a week.  When the PackIt lunch bag ($19.95) arrived on our doorstep for review she squealed, "Oooh, that's my new lunch bunch bag! I want to use that!"  We received the polka dot printed one (there are three styles total) and I immediately put it in the freezer for her weekly use.

My daughter loves it!  I do too. Other mothers have asked me where I have gotten such a great lunch bag almost every week.  It's been such a great find.  The PackIt was designed by two mothers, Jeannette and Melissa.  They wanted a better way to keep their kids lunch cool. Icepacks got lost and other alternatives leaked.  They came up with the PackIt right in their own homes.  It folds in three and fits easily into your freezer.  When it is time to pack the lunch you simply unfold it, pack, and seal the Velcro closure.  Food stays cold or frozen for up to 10 hours! It's pretty amazing.  The part I love best is that even though the bag is frozen it is still pliable and easy to pack and seal.  It stands upright well and is super easy to clean.

PackIt is having a BOGO sale right now- Buy one PackIt and get the second one for free!  It's a great deal and one amazing product!  We use it all the time and I highly recommend it.

PackIt lunch bags can be purchased online here.

MPR Rating:  Five Stars.

Disclaimer:  MPR was not paid for this post.  Products received are for review and test  purposes only.  Opinions are MPR's only.   


*Image from onesmallstep.com

Fun Find- It's Santa Claus! By Ben Rudnick & Friends

Get into the fun energy of the holiday season this year with Ben Rudnick and Friends newest CD, "It's Santa Claus!"  The CD ($9.95) is named for their instant hit and title track.  This CD is all about friends, family and holiday cheer.  The group has recorded classic holiday songs and favorites and made them a bit more fun and adventurous too. 

Full of sounds from guitars, harmonicas, drums, organs and even harmonicas you and your family will surely enjoy this new take on songs like, 'Frosty the Snowman', 'Greensleeves' and 'Auld Lang Syne'.  I even learned the words to that New Year's song, finally. 

Get it here. 



Image from musesofmegret.com

Marie Callender's Multi-Serve Bakes + Giveaway!

I'm not big on processed or prepared foods as I prefer to plan weekly menus and make our meals myself but I was asked to review Marie Callender's Multi-Serve Bakes and I was curious to see how they compared to other frozen meals I had tried before.

It took a bit of searching but I was able to find two of the six flavors Marie Callender's offers (Vermont White Cheddar Mac & Cheese and Creamy Chicken Alfredo with Sun Dried Tomatoes) that are all in the comfort food category.  Other food options include- Scalloped Potatoes and Ham, Southwestern Style Chipotle Chicken Bake, and Chicken, Spinach and Mushroom Lasagna. Retailing at under $6 at most locations my local grocery store sold it for $6.29.  My free coupon was for up to $5.69 and these meals typically cost under $5 elsewhere. 

Finally having the meals in my possession I served up the Chicken Alfredo with Sun Dried Tomatoes at lunch.  My mother was visiting and I wondered how she would like it.  We both found this dish to be hearty and filling. The pasta was cooked just right- a bit al dente while the carrots, broccoli and sun dried tomato bits were steamed and not mushy.  I was impressed by that factor and how the punch of the tomato was just right.  The cheesy Alfredo sauce had a nice flavor as well.  While my mother wished for more chicken in the dish I thought it was just right.  More vegetables would have been nice in my opinion.

Next, I served the Vermont White Cheddar Mac & Cheese. I was unprepared for how rich this tastes.  As I took it out of the oven I noticed a few reddish looking pieces in it and looked at the ingredients again.  No vegetables in this dish. What was this red part?  Red pepper.  There is a bite to this mac & cheese that has a definite adult flavor to it.  My kids were not impressed deeming it too "spicy" for their consumption but I liked it.  It's creamy with plenty of cheesy sauce that has a nice flavor that rings with more than one note. 

I wish I could have tried other versions of Marie Callender Multi-Serve meals.  They make easy side dishes that heat up quickly in both the oven and microwave, but can also be used for two people as a one dish entree that won't blow your budget to bits.

GIVEAWAY- I'm giving away two coupons for you to try these meals for free yourself. One lucky reader will win them (chosen at random) just by commenting on which Marie Callender meal they would like to eat.  Contest ends November 27, 2010.  Good luck!

MPR Rating: Four Stars.

Disclaimer:  MPR worked with Marie Callender's and TheMotherhood on this sponsored post. I was compensated for my time.  Opinions are MPR's own.

Congratulations to Nancy on winning the Marie Callender's meals!

Kraft Homestyle Macaroni & Cheese

If you have kids then you are probably familiar with 'the blue box' and macaroni and cheese.  We've eaten them all from organic to that very recognizable blue box.  Kraft sent me three bags (12.6 oz) of their new 'homestyle' macaroni and cheese in the following flavors- Classic Cheddar, Old World Italian and Hearty Four Cheese. 

Kraft Homestyle Macaroni & Cheese ($4.95) is supposed to be easy to make, convenient for your family and yet taste just like homemade.  I make homemade macaroni and cheese every once in a while and I have used many different recipes. None of them taste like any of the three Kraft flavors.  My kids who love this macaroni dish don't like homemade and they didn't like Kraft Homestyle either.  As my four year-old put it, "I don't like this crunchy stuff and it tastes weird."  Each flavor got the same response and I have to say I agree.  While I don't mind the extra steps it takes to make the homestyle version I was really put off by the squeezable bright orange cheese and the flavor which just wasn't there.  It was quite disappointing.  The Hearty Four Cheese tasted like barely one cheese.  The Classic Cheddar?  Tastes better in the old box version and the Old World Italian was the same as the Hearty Four Cheese.  For the extra price I would rather take even more time to make it 'homestyle' myself.  While the macaroni is ridged to hold the cheese better the flavor just wasn't there.  Sorry Kraft, but this was just not a hit at our house with anyone. 

MPR Rating: Two Stars.

Disclaimer:  MPR was not paid for this post.  Products received are for testing and review purposes only.  Opinions are MPR's own. 

Image from the Krazy Coupon Lady.

Better Oats Peaches & Cream Oatmeal

My kids eat oatmeal almost as much as they eat yogurt.  I am continuously buying it and looking for flavored alternatives to the boxed stuff and just adding our own cinnamon, fruit or wild honey.  Better Oats sent us a box of their Peaches and Cream oatmeal and the kids loved it.

Filled with flax, calcium and real peaches, not dehydrated apples flavored to taste like peaches (yes, really.), Better Oats is a great way to get your Omega-3 each day.  There are 21 grams of whole grains in each serving and the tall packets satisfy kids and adults alike.  Oatmeal is a heart healthy food and Better Oats is also a good source of vitamins A & E too.  It smells divine, can be microwaved and the tall, thin box doesn't take up a lot of pantry or cabinet space.  I was actually surprised at how sweet this oatmeal is but my kids loved that about it.  For me, it isn't something I could eat daily but I did enjoy the warm, homey scent of peaches and a few bites of theirs in the morning.

Better Oats oatmeal comes in a variety of flavors from plain, maple and brown sugar to fruit and berry or spice options.  It is available at Wegman's, Harris Teeter, Lowe's food stores and many other grocery retailers nationwide. 

MPR Rating:  Four Stars.

Disclaimer:  MPR was not paid for this post. Products received were for review and test purposes only.  Opinions are MPR's only.

Pomi Tomato Products

From Boschi comes Pomi Tomato products- the BPA-free alternative to canned tomatoes.  I received two boxes of Pomi items.  One 26 ounce box of strained tomatoes the other a 26 ounce box of chopped tomatoes. I cannot tell you enough how handy these were.   I placed them on my pantry shelf and within a week both were used when I realized I needed sauce or chopped tomatoes in a recipe and I had forgotten to buy the canned version. 

In the past I have always bought the canned version when I needed it.  I hated the idea of the BPA leaking into my food but the alternative in a jar was so much more expensive that I just couldn't go that route.  We try to be organic, safe and green in so many other areas in our lives but sometimes the budget wins out.  Not anymore! Pomi makes it affordable.  At about $3 a box I can get more than one use out of each container and store the rest for later.  I know that there are no preservatives inside and it is just pure, wonderfully tasting tomato!  No water or citric acid is added. Nothing.  It's the best deal money can buy and a great tasting, feel good product.  I am in love with Pomi.  Thankfully my local grocery store is too.  Available in grocery stores nationwide and at Amazon.

MPR Rating: Five Stars.

Disclaimer:  MPR was not paid for this post. Products received are for review and testing purposes only.  Opinions are MPR's only.

National Geographic's Green Guide Families

National Geographic books is once again the place that people and families can go to find answers to their questions, specifically their green living questions.  Green Guide Families: The Complete Reference for Eco-Friendly Parents really is that, a reference guide.

The book ($21.95) is great for families of young children.  It holds so much useful information regarding clothing, toys, home decor, food, health, toiletries travel and so much more.  It may seem like a dense book at first, but keep in mind that it is a reference guide and it covers a wide range of topics.  Having said that I have found myself referring to it frequently when I want to know the ins and outs of the cloth diaper argument, what organic foods are most important to purchase and more.  If I have a question regarding green living, I just open up this book.  The answer is usually there with a lot of background information to support it.  It is so useful to be able to browse through it and know that the information is arming me with enough information to make informed decisions regarding green living practices for me and my family. 

The key focus of this book is its knowledge on green parenting.  It offers a very strong foundation of scientific knowledge, which National Geographic is known for. You can be sure that the information in this book can be trusted with the N.G. name standing behind it.  Author Catherine Zandonella specializes in health and saftety concerns for the family and the environment.  Backed by a board of advisors this book offeres the very latest in accurate information and recommendations.  It's a great comprehensive guide for anyone who wants to begin or continue green living.

You can purchase the book here and at Amazon.  For more reviews visit the Silicon Valley Moms website.

MPR Rating: Four Stars.

Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this posting. Products were received and kept for testing purposes. The opinions in this review are solely my own.