Deals & Steals – 2/12/10

Here’s the information I’ve come across this week and want to pass along to you! 

Note: Many of these are not in my own words, but taken straight from the e-mail or press release that I received. I have re-worded or re-written where I thought it was necessary or helpful, but am not responsible for the content of these items or anything that may be posted on their sites.

Zulily has recently launched a new private-sale shopping site for children’s boutique brands. Two dads of small children who listen to their wives and also happen to be the entrepreneurs who changed the ways diamonds were purchased with a company called Blue Nile founded the company. Basically, it’s the personal shopper busy moms always want and the secret weapon for moms who want to give their kids the best without spending a lot of money. It’s a fabulous new online store offering daily sales on top-quality apparel, gear and other goodies for moms, babies and kids. Members can enjoy savings of up to 70% off retail prices—not to mention discover some exciting new brands and products.

Only members can shop their sales, but membership is free and to sign up is fast and easy.  Until February 17 you can use the coupon code ‘MOMOF310’ for a $10 coupon. Happy Valentine¹s Day!

The LIFE Foundation has commissioned a new survey that focuses on Valentine’s Day, the different ways people can express their love, and the connection between love and life insurance. Although Valentine’s Day typically brings to mind gifts of jewelry, roses and chocolates, the survey showed that a financially responsible gift might be the way to hit your love’s sweet spot this year.

“Our survey reveals that financial security is top of mind these days, and people are seeking significant others who have it and gifts that can help them maintain it,” said Marvin H. Feldman, CLU, ChFC, president and CEO of the LIFE Foundation.

• Security instead of Celebration: The majority of Americans (70%) are willing to forego celebrating Valentine’s Day for greater financial peace of mind.  Interestingly, more women than men (76% vs. 64%) would give up celebrating the holiday altogether if it meant feeling more secure with their finances.
• Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder – Nearly half (42%) of Americans are most attracted to people who are either intelligent or financially responsible, more so than those who are physically attractive (14%) or stylish (2%).
• Life Insurance – A Gift of Love: Nearly one-in-four Americans (22%) wish their significant other would purchase life insurance or purchase more than they have.  In fact, many Americans would feel loved (23%), happy (16%) and even relieved (9%) if their significant other bought a life insurance policy naming them the beneficiary this Valentine’s Day.
• How Americans Show Their Love: Nearly half of Americans (48%) feel that doing something they don’t enjoy expresses their love, 41% say working hard to provide a comfortable lifestyle and 37% say that going out to dinner are expressions of love.  While 13% think purchasing an expensive gift shows their loved ones that they care, 8% of Americans consider purchasing life insurance an expression of love and 15% of Americans think doing something you wouldn’t normally do such as skydiving or getting a tattoo are ways to show their love.

The campaign was created in response to growing concern over the number of Americans with little or no life insurance coverage. According to LIFE, 68 million adult Americans have no life insurance and most with coverage have far less than insurance experts recommend. When someone dies without adequate life insurance coverage, surviving family members often face a range of financial consequences including having to work longer hours or additional jobs, move to less expensive housing, and put long-range plans such as college and retirement on hold.

To help Americans assess their life insurance needs, the LIFE Foundation offers three simple steps:

Step 1: Determine how much – To determine the right amount of life insurance to fit your needs, think first about who depends on you financially, including your spouse, children and other loved ones, and then ask yourself how much money would they need to maintain their standard of living and future plans.  To help you get started, check out the interactive insurance needs calculator on LIFE’s website at www.lifehappens.org/howmuch.

Step 2: Decide what kind – Determining the type of life insurance best suited for your needs depends on a number of factors, including how long you need the coverage, how much you can afford, how much risk you can tolerate and how much flexibility you need. There are two main types of life insurance: term and permanent policies. To help you decide if you need term insurance, permanent insurance or a combination of the two, LIFE offers an interactive product selector at www.lifehappens.org/whatkind.

Step 3: Get professional help – Once you’re ready to purchase a policy, it’s best to have an expert conduct a thorough needs analysis to ensure that all of your needs are met. One way to find an insurance agent is to get a recommendation from your friends, family members or a trusted advisor. You can also visit LIFE’s agent locator tool at www.lifehappens.org/agentlocator.

Crazy4Love Photo Contest – To get Americans thinking about life insurance as a way of expressing their love this Valentine’s Day, LIFE is sponsoring the Crazy4Love Photo Contest. From now until February 19, consumers ages 18 and older are invited to share digital photos that demonstrate how they’ve expressed their love to the ones they love. The Grand Prize winner will receive a $1,000 romantic getaway package. To learn more about the contest and about how life insurance can protect the ones you love, visit www.insureyourlove.org.

Consumers are considering both traditional favorites as well as several new ideas for Valentines Day gift-giving as they shop for the holiday this year, according to data released by shopping search engine Sortprice.com listing the most frequently searched-for gifts on its site thus far.

“Not only are shoppers taking advantage of the many post-holiday deals offered up by many retailers right now,” said Doron Simovitch, Sortprice’s co-founder and CEO “It appears that many of them are thinking outside the box this year to supplement, or even completely replace, traditional Valentines gifts like candy, fragrances and lingerie.”

Sortprice, which regularly tracks user visits and searches during major holiday shopping periods to gauge consumer trends, compiled a top ten list of the most popular products being viewed on the site. The data was collected starting in late January through February 8th:

1. Canon Power Shot SD970 IS
2. Ugg Classic Short Boot
3. iPod Touch
4. Kama Sutra Bath Gels and Oils
5. Guess Handbags
6. Bulova Diamond Women’s Watches
7. Weleda Body Oils
8. Betsey Johnson Necklaces
9. Philips Norelco Men’s Razors and Grooming Kits
10. Armani Acqua di Gio Men’s Fragrance

Sortprice added a Valentine’s shopping guide with helpful suggestions for a wide range of gifts for him and her, including a list of recommend top retailers. Learn more at: http://www.sortprice.com/valentines.html.

Fashion Playtes is a new virtual design studio that empowers girls ages 6-12 to design and produce their very own clothing. The online platform let’s girls “play designer” and use their creativity to create custom clothes and accessories (complete with personalized labels!) that are delivered to their doorstep in just 3 weeks.

A fabulous activity for moms and daughters to enjoy together, the site allows girls to see their unique ideas come to life with high-quality garments they’ll be proud to wear. And – with prices starting at just $25 for a custom dress, the designs are budget-friendly and make for a fabulous birthday gift or slumber party activity. (And fear not if Ed Hardy is already becoming popular at school, Fashion Playtes’ clothing is totally mom-approved.)

Now through February 14th, young fashionistas can also enter to win Fashion Playtes’ Cutest Valentine’s Day Outfit Contest and have their festive Valentine’s Day design produced and shipped for free.

Baby on the way?

Before baby arrives, win a getaway to pamper yourself and enjoy some downtime. Bright Starts™ is giving away a luxurious 7-night babymoon vacation to three lucky couples. Relax and reconnect at an incredible U.S. Virgin Islands destination – St. Croix, St. John , or St. Thomas.

Your babymoon includes:

• Airfare for up to four from anywhere in the continental U.S.
• Seven night’s hotel accommodations
• Spa treatment for the mother-to-be
• Dinner for up to four people
• $500 spending cash
• Choice of activities

Sweepstakes ends November 30, 2010. One winner will be chosen each 4-month giveaway period.

Enter to win at www.brightstarts.com/babymoon and visit www.facebook.com/brightstarts for details.

With 7-Eleven’s charity-focused coffee campaign “Coffee Cup With a Cause” supporting a cause has never been easier.  Now, through December 2010, simply purchase a limited-edition 20-oz coffee cup designed by a featured celebrity and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the celebrity’s charity of choice.  7-Eleven will introduce new celebrity (from entertainment to sports) designed cups throughout 2010, which will be sold in 7-Eleven stores nationwide.

Nicole Richie, Joel Madden and Benji Madden designed the inaugural cup, with proceeds from their customized cup benefiting The Richie-Madden Children’s Foundation, which was founded by Nicole and Joel in 2007.

7-Eleven is guaranteeing a $250,000 minimum donation to each charity, although through your support and purchase of cups, donations could reach as high as $300,000!

For additional information, please visit www.cupwithacause.org or check us out at www.facebook.com/7Eleven and www.twitter.com/7Eleven.

Here are some sleep tips, courtesy of SelectComfort and Beds.com!

Nine out of 10 couples do not agree on mattress firmness. In fact, men usually prefer a more firm mattress than women, which can lead to one very happy partner and one sleep deprived partner. Below is a way to overcome mattress firmness issues for a better night’s rest for you and your partner.

• According to Sleep Expert and Select Comfort’s Director of Sleep Innovation and Clinical Research, Pete Bils, your bed is the most important piece of furniture in the bedroom and has the greatest impact on the quality of sleep you get each night. If you prefer a softer mattress and your partner requires a firm mattress, consider a bed that allows each of you to choose your own firmness preference for your side of the bed. Our lives have become so demanding that every waking second counts and the word multitasking has become a way of life. Your busy life may not just be affecting how many hours of sleep you get a night. According to the National Sleep Foundation, Sleep habits can lowers marital satisfaction. One way to improve your both your marriage and your sleep is to make your bedroom a restful retreat and not a home office.

Does your partner bring work to bed, or prefer to fall asleep to the sound of the television each night? Sleep Expert and Select Comfort’s Vice President of Sleep Innovation and Clinical Research, Pete Bils suggests using the bedroom only for relaxing rituals and sleep. Create a bedroom sanctuary conducive to these activities, leaving the computers and televisions for other rooms in the house. Most sleep specialists strongly advise against screens in bed, but if one insists while the other is trying to sleep, compromise is in order.  Keep the volumes down, set the sleep timer, and use a small clip-on light for computer use or reading.  For the sleeper, many very comfortable eye masks and ear plugs. By the time a couple has been together 20 years, they’ll have spent over 50,000 hours (roughly 6 – 7 years) together in their bed.  You’d think they’d have everything worked out by then . . .  Yet an estimated 23 percent of U.S. couples sleep apart, according to a survey conducted by the National Sleep Foundation. Many psychologists warn that sleeping apart might not be a good solution—sleeping comfortably with your partner is an essential component of a healthy relationship. So before resorting to separate beds or bedrooms, identify and attempt to resolve those disruptive conflicts that might develop. Is temperature the reason why you don’t seep well with your partner? Below is a way to overcome temperature preferences for a better night’s rest for you and your partner.

• You may be cold at night, while your partner complains that it’s too warm in bed. According to Sleep Expert and Select Comfort’s Vice President of Sleep Innovation and Clinical Research, Pete Bils the ideal room temperature for sleep is in the mid sixties, individual preferences can lead to conflict and disturbed sleep. To make you both as comfortable as possible, purchase bedding that accommodates you both – such as a comforter that allows you to personalize the level of warmth. One side is heavier to keep you warm and the other side lightweight to keep your partner cool. Or consider Sleep Number’s In Balance Bedding Collection, which uses a NASA-designed material that reduces the temperature swings and keeps you warm when it’s cool, and cool when it’s hot. Many couples have their own private blankets (this solves the blanket stealing syndrome, too!).  Ceiling or portable fans can solve the problem as well.

Snores come in many varieties: there’s the snorter, the whistler, and of course the freight train. But all of them have a common denominator – they keep their partners awake. A National Sleep Foundation survey showed 23% of married Americans sleep alone, an increase from 12% in 2001. I wonder how many married Americans opted to sleep alone because their partner snores. Below is a way to overcome snoring for a better night’s rest for you and your partner.

• According to Sleep Expert and Select Comfort’s Vice President of Sleep Innovation and Clinical Research, Pete Bils, nearly forty-five percent of adults snore on occasion and about 25 percent snore habitually. It’s a problem that can affect both the snorer, and the partner. It’s more predominant in people who are overweight. Exercise and weight loss can make quite a difference. It’s also exacerbated by alcohol use or relaxants taken near bedtime, so avoidance of these can lead to improvement.  Sleeping on one’s back also contributes to the problem. A somewhat softer mattress and a carefully fitted pillow designed to encourage a better sleeping posture have helped many. Or use a pillow that promotes natural head and neck alignment to open the airway. Actively dealing with allergies, colds and other respiratory problems may also help reduce snoring. There are more invasive remedies including dental appliances that hold open the airways, and various surgeries to correct defects in the affected areas of the collapsed air passage.* If your partner’s snoring keeps you up at night, try going to bed first and have your partner come to bed later. This will allow you to fall into deep sleep while your surroundings are quiet.

*Snoring accompanied by a cessation of breathing for prolonged periods of time could be an indication of a more serious issue, such as sleep apnea, and should be discussed with your physician.

What does your partner do that keeps you from getting a restful sleep? Please share it with us as a comment on Beds.com , on our Facebook page Sleep Number, or on Twitter @SleepGeekPete.

Select Comfort’s Presidents Day Sale: Sale ends February 21, 2010. Look for more deals and coupons on beds.com, via the Sleep Number Facebook page, or on Twitter @SleepNumberSara.

Sleep Number “Winter 2010” Sweepstakes: Go to www.sleepnumber.com/winter and register for a chance to win a personalized bed package worth over $3,600. Sweepstakes ends Saturday, February 27, 2010.

Playhouse Disney invites preschool viewers, parents and caregivers from across the country to vote for their favorite character from Playhouse Disney’s #1 series, “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse,” with the winning character being revealed in a themed marathon and concluding with a new episode on SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20 (6:00-10:00 a.m., ET/PT) on Disney Channel.  You can vote on the official “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse” Facebook fan page or at PlayhouseDisney.com.  In addition, Facebook fans will have the opportunity to see an exclusive music video with a sneak peek of the new episode.

Viewers can choose their favorite among Mickey’s pals – Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Goofy or Pluto – who will be featured in a marathon of seven episodes.  The marathon will conclude with the new episode, “Mickey’s Big Surprise” (9:30 a.m., ET/PT), in which Mickey surprises all of his Clubhouse pals with a big fireworks show.

Season 3 of Playhouse Disney’s hit series “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse” will premiere Saturday, Feb. 27 (9:00 a.m. ET/PT) on Disney Channel. The third season will bring the series to 100 episodes and will include the new fitness-themed short-form series, “Mickey Mousekersize” and three new primetime specials.

“Mickey Mouse Clubhouse” airs weekdays at 7:30 and 8:30 a.m. ET/PT and weekends at 9:00 and 9:30 a.m. ET/PT during Disney Channel’s Playhouse Disney programming block for preschoolers. Select episodes of the series, which carries a TV-Y parental guideline, are available on PlayhouseDisney.com and via a variety of mobile video distributors.

Disney Television Animation has begun production on “Jake and the Never Land Pirates,” an interactive 2-D and CG animated series for preschoolers and parents featuring the music and fun-filled adventures of classic characters Captain Hook and Smee, and a new crew of kid pirates led by the enthusiastic and courageous Jake.   The series, which will premiere on Playhouse Disney branded blocks and channels around the world, is designed to emphasize teamwork.  The announcement was made today by Nancy Kanter, senior vice president, Playhouse Disney Worldwide.

Kanter said, “Jake and the Never Land Pirates’ will introduce preschoolers to the excitement of Never Land, an imaginative, engaging pirate world for kids and a wonderfully memorable one for their parents.  Comedic foils Captain Hook and his well-meaning sidekick Smee will continue to amuse young kids, as the enthusiastic Jake leads his team of kid pirates on adventures that model teamwork for our young viewers.”

Each episode features two fun and music-filled stories as Jake leads his team – including Izzy, Cubby and their parrot lookout Skully – aboard their amazing ship Bucky, sailing from their Pirate Island hideout on a lost treasure hunt throughout Never Land.  There, Jake and the team learn that they must work together to outsmart Captain Hook and Smee, earning gold doubloons as they conquer tasks.  Be it a skateboard, a guitar or a prized seashell, Captain Hook will do anything to get his hands on the treasure, so Jake and his fellow kid pirates invite viewers to use teamwork, problem-solving and physical activity such as sliding down waterfalls, pulling vines and flying with the magic of pixie dust, to reclaim their treasures.

“Jake and the Never Land Pirates” stars Colin Ford (“Sweet Home Alabama”) as Jake, Disney Channel star Madison Pettis (“The Game Plan,” “Cory in the House”) as Izzy and Jonathan Morgan Heit (“Bedtime Stories”) as Cubby. The series will feature original pirate jigs and rock chanteys as well as music underscore by Loren Hoskins and Kevin Hendrickson of the Portland, Oregon-based pirate rock band, Captain Bogg & Salty.

Rob LaDuca (“Mickey Mouse Clubhouse”) is executive producer and Howy Parkins (“Emperor’s New School”) is director.

Two SUPER WHY episodes, Comic Book: Attack of the Eraser and The Big Game, will be in movie theaters on weekends in February as part of the Kidtoons program.

Soar to new places in February with SUPER WHY, as Super Why, Princess Presto, Wonder Red, and Alpha Pig go on reading adventures like you’ve never seen before.  Wham!  Pow!  Bam!  Join the superheroes inside a comic book, where they’ll use their literacy powers to stop the diabolical eraser from erasing the words in Reader Valley in Comic Book: Attack of the Eraser.  Then get ready to cheer for Super Why and his friends as they learn the importance of practicing in The Big Game.   Visit http://www.kidtoonfilms.com for more information and to find SUPER WHY in a movie theater near you! Super Duper!

The Kidtoons program is dedicated to helping parents connect with their kids by bringing family friendly animated movies to the big screen every weekend at participating theatres across the country.  Participating Kidtoons theatres showcase a fun, affordable family friendly matinee movie and provide a family experience filled with entertaining, kid-friendly characters, as well as cartoon shorts, music videos and sing-alongs before each movie. We even have fun giveaways for the kids, such as stickers, temporary tattoos, activity books or toys after every film.

It’s not often that a TV show beloved by fans and critics alike is  abruptly taken off the air. This happened to the gritty LA police drama, SouthLAnd, when NBC reconfigured its prime time lineup after the first season.  Lucky for fans, SouthLAnd has a new home on TNT, starting with the never-before-seen premiere of Season 2 on March 2nd.  From the beaches of Malibu to the streets of East Los Angeles, SouthLAnd is a fast paced drama that takes viewers inside the lives of cops, criminals, victims and their families.

In addition, if the SouthLAnd Facebook Fan page grows to 75,000 people by February 23rd, the stars will be doing a live chat with their fans on March 2nd!

It’s tax time. The good news is that potential inflation and changes made by Congress to help bring the country out of a recession will give taxpayers new deductions and credits when filing this year. ChicagoHealers.com practitioner Julie Murphy Casserly, Owner of JMC Wealth Management, offers the following tips when filing 2009′s return.

• Roth Conversions – One of this year’s changes says that you can do a Roth conversion this year regardless of your income. Roth conversions could rise to 39.6 percent, up from 35 percent (depending on the tax bracket you fall into) o It may sound appealing to spread the tax liability due over 2010 and 2011 but, bottom line, if you do a Roth conversion, pay all taxes in 2010 to save money.
• Itemize – More than likely, your taxes will be less if you take itemized tax deductions instead of the standard deduction, especially with some of the new changes going into effect this year such as expanded tax credits for home purchases and education, and tax credit for making your home more energy efficient.
• Pay Yourself First- Many people use a tax return as a forced savings, but it’s always better to pay yourself first with each paycheck. If you’re getting a tax refund, get your exemptions changed at work to increase your monthly cash flow into your checking account. Why let the government make interest on your money?

If you have questions, or are confused by some of these items, it’s important to sit down with a tax professional now, or at least once every few years, to review your life changes and goals. For more information, please visit www.ChicagoHealers.com.

Do you have picky eaters at home? If so, you are not alone. It can be frustrating to get them to eat at all sometimes, let alone eat healthfully!

Here are three quick and nutritious smoothie recipes that are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. All of these smoothie recipes, courtesy of Camp Shane, are less than 175 calories per serving and help kids achieve the recommended 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables a day.

Banilla Shake:

1 ½ cups skim or 1% milk
1 peeled and sliced medium banana, frozen (Wrap sliced banana in plastic wrap or place in a freezer storage bag. Freeze several hours or overnight.)
½ tsp. vanilla extract, optional
¼ tsp. almond extract, optional

In a blender combine all ingredients, except cinnamon. Blend until smooth, about 20 seconds. Pour into glasses and garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon, if desired. Yield: approximately 2 ¼ cups.

Blueberry-Orange Whirl:

1 12-ounce package frozen blueberries, unthawed, or 2 1/2 cups fresh
8 ounce low-fat vanilla yogurt
1/2 cup orange juice
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

In an electric blender, blend all ingredients until smooth. Yield: approximately 3 ½ cups.

Very Berry Smoothie

1/4 cup berries (your choice!)
4 ounces skim milk
6 ounces calcium-fortified orange juice

Blend together all three ingredients until smooth. Yield: approximately 1 serving.

Camp Shane is the world’s longest running weight-loss camp for children. In partnership with renowned child obesity expert and Board Certified Pediatrician Dr. Joanna Dolgoff, Camp Shane has developed a well-balanced menu that is focused on portion-controlled meals and snacks intended to ensure healthy weight loss.

“Government statistics show that about 32% of children and adolescents are obese or overweight, so it’s important to provide parents and children with the necessary tools to make healthy choices when it comes to snacking.” said Dr. Dolgoff, the official doctor of Camp Shane. “We’re so pleased to be able to offer some of the campers’ favorite recipes for anyone to enjoy right at home.”

While most people approach weight loss programs for nothing more than the weight loss itself, Camp Shane is dedicated to providing kids with a comprehensive set of life skills that help equip them to deal with their problems completely and successfully, for the long term.

“As someone who has seen thousands of parents struggle with how to continue their child’s weight loss at home, I’ve learned that cooking and eating with your kids at home is one of the simplest and most effective weight loss tools that parents can adopt,” said Ziporah Janowski, co-owner of Camp Shane.

February is National Pancake Month, giving pancake lovers across the country the perfect reason to start the day off right with a warm breakfast. With the nation currently facing a hot breakfast shortage due to lack of frozen waffles, Aunt Jemima® Frozen Pancakes offer families the perfect path to delicious pancakes.

“It’s time to l’eggo your Eggo,” says Eric Hintz, Category Manager of Aunt Jemima Frozen Pancakes. “Aunt Jemima Frozen Pancakes saves the morning with hot delicious pancakes in minutes.”

Aunt Jemima has a variety of Frozen Pancakes for every family member including Homestyle, Buttermilk, Low Fat Buttermilk, Whole Grain, Mini and the newest flavor in the frozen pancake family – Blueberry. Aunt Jemima Frozen Pancakes can be found in the freezer section of grocery stores across the country for a suggested retail price of $2.59.

Aunt Jemima Frozen Pancakes are ready in minutes out of the microwave or toaster, giving even the busiest of families a way to celebrate each day of National Pancake Month with homemade-tasting pancakes. For a creative way to celebrate National Pancake Month, host a pancake party and encourage your friends to bring their favorite toppings or try these creative, tasty recipes from Aunt Jemima Frozen Breakfast!

BANANA & WALNUT PANCAKE SANDWICH

• 2 Aunt Jemima Frozen Pancakes, toasted
• 1 Banana, sliced
• ¼ cup, chopped walnuts
• ¼ cup maple syrup

1. Toast pancakes until desired crispiness.

2. Add banana slices, walnuts and syrup.

3. Make sandwich.

GOAT CHEESE, SPINACH & SCRAMBLED EGG SANDWICH

Serves 2

• 4 Eggs, beaten
• 6 Spinach Leaves, washed, dried and chopped
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• 4 Aunt Jemima Frozen Pancakes
• 2 tablespoons, Goat Cheese

1. Pre-heat a medium skillet or frying pan.

2. In a medium mixing bowl, mix together eggs, spinach, salt and pepper.

3. Pour mixture into skillet and cook and stir until eggs are cooked through.

4. Place the frozen pancakes in the oven or microwave according to the instructions on box.

5. Spread the goat cheese on the four pancakes.

6. Top with egg mixture then top with remaining two pancakes making two sandwiches.

For more information on Aunt Jemima® Frozen Breakfast, log onto www.auntjemimafrozen.com.

Toys“R”Us, Inc. has introduced an exclusive line of baby essentials marketed under its trusted Babies“R”Us brand name. The Babies“R”Us-labeled assortment offers parents and caregivers a high-quality, lower-cost alternative to comparable brands when shopping for essentials for their children.  The collection of Babies“R”Us-branded products began arriving in Toys“R”Us and Babies“R”Us stores in late 2009 with the introduction of a variety of powdered infant formulas, diapers, wipes, laundry detergent and most recently, purified water.

“Babies“R”Us has long been a destination and trusted resource for new and expectant parents as they navigate through the early stages of parenthood. We are proud to leverage our position as the baby products authority to offer parents a line of must-haves for their babies from a name they rely on and recognize,” said Jerry Storch, Chairman and CEO, Toys“R”Us, Inc.  “The Babies“R”Us line of essentials provides our value-conscious shoppers with a lower-priced alternative that matches the quality of other trusted brands in our stores.”

Exclusive Baby Essentials Collection – The Babies“R”Us line of baby essentials includes an assortment of infant formula, diapers, wipes, laundry detergent and purified water, which come in traditional Babies“R”Us eggplant purple, yellow or pastel packaging featuring the Babies“R”Us logo. The company is supporting the assortment through in-store signage and an online presence at Babiesrus.com, as well as through print advertising. In addition, a brochure featuring select items is available in stores. Highlights of the collection include:

• Powdered Formula: Presenting customers with nutritious, tailored choices for their little ones, Babies“R”Us offers five unique varieties of powdered infant formulas, right for every stomach, including soy-based, Gentle^®, lactose sensitive and two unique milk-based selections. Complete with all the vitamins, minerals and nutrients full-term babies need to support growth and development during their first year, Babies“R”Us infant formulas meet the nutritional levels recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and are packaged in containers free of bisphenol-A (BPA). While Babies“R”Us infant formula is made with all the same nutrients as other well-known infant formula brands, it can be purchased for up to 50 percent less, at prices ranging from $12.99 to $15.99.
• Diapers: The Babies“R”Us-branded diapers come in two varieties – Basic and Supreme – available in newborn to size 6, and offer super absorbency. With advanced leak protection, stretchable grip tabs and a comfort stretch waist, Basic Diapers aim to keep babies rash-free, as they contain ingredients from popular rash ointments, including Vitamin E, Aloe and Zinc Oxide, and are perfume- and latex-free. Supreme Diapers provide extra comfort and protection, including comfort leak side guards to maximize leak protection, an extra absorbent core for overnight use, size indicator and a soft moisture-proof cover. Both varieties are available in mega bags and value boxes at prices ranging from $10.99 to $24.99 – up to 40 percent less than brand name equivalents – allowing parents and caregivers to stock up and save.
• Baby Wipes: Offering a thicker, textured wipe for superior cleaning, Babies“R”Us Basic and Supreme Baby Wipes are available in scented or fragrance-free varieties.  The wipes are hypoallergenic, alcohol-free and moistened with a mild cleansing solution gentle enough for baby’s face and hands. Both varieties of wipes are available in soft solo packs that are perfect for on-the-go cleanings, or larger box containers for home.  Ranging in price from just over $1 for the travel pack to $12.99 for the value box, the wipes are available at up to 33 percent less than comparable national brands.
• Laundry Detergent: Available in 64 or 96 load containers, as well as in a high efficiency offering, Babies“R”Us Baby Laundry Detergent is priced between $14.99 and $18.99 – nearly 33 percent lower than comparable brands. The cleaning agents in the detergents are double concentrated, offering a powerful liquid laundry detergent that is gentle on clothes and sensitive to baby’s skin. In addition, the cleansers in Babies“R”Us Baby Laundry Detergent are biodegradable and break down naturally into simpler compounds, making them environmentally friendly.
• Purified Water: The most recent addition to the collection is Babies“R”Us Purified Baby Water. Complete with added minerals for optimized flavor, the water is used to mix with powdered infant formula. One gallon is priced at $0.99, nearly 30 percent less than competitor brands.

In 1997, the company entered into the private brand baby essentials business under the Especially for Baby name. With the introduction of this new collection, the Especially for Baby brand consumable products line will transition to the Babies“R”Us brand.

That’s it for this week, happy Friday and check back next week for more ‘Deals & Steals’!