When I was pregnant for Hailey I remember getting all sorts of magazines and information and freebie type things in the mail.  There was so much information and so many things I wanted to buy or do or get more information about- it was really overwhelming.  And then, thanks to the Internet, I was able to research and overwhelm myself even more.

One thing I remember seeing in a lot of magazines and on a lot of sites was information about cord-blood banking.  I ordered more information and read all about it, trying to figure out if we were going to bank Hailey’s cord-blood.  The stem cells taken from the cord can treat over 75 diseases.  This could be used to save a family member’s life.  Cryo-Cell is one of the companies that makes this possible.  If you are pregnant you can enroll now at cryo-cell by checking out their website.

When we went to the child-birth class another couple there asked about cord-blood banking.  The lady teaching the class said that there was no one in our area that would do that.  And we lived near some pretty good hospitals- so I was really shocked to hear that.  Another problem with cord-blood banking- it’s expensive.  If you know someone who is expecting and they want to bank their baby’s cord blood you may want to help them pay for it.  Sometimes you can get deals- like they were recently offering a discount of $725 by using the code HOT.  That ended on June 28th, so be sure to check back for more offers.

It’s certainly something to consider if you are expecting.

I am usually good at keeping up with all of my giveaways but I have fallen really behind.  Usually I just announce the winners of the giveaways on the actual post but since I am so far behind I am going to do one post and announce the winners here.  If you see your name here, please send me an email (me (at) ourhappyhappenings (dot) com) to collect your prize.

Picture Keeper Giveaway- Sarah Z

FullBar Giveaway- Tracy L

Nowali Moccasins Giveaway- Pam

Mag-Tagz Giveaway- Judy B

KidsCards Giveaway- Carrie

EcoTools Giveaway- Angela

So we’re planning a vacation for this fall.  We can’t agree on how to get to our destination.  Rich wants to drive.  I want to fly.  Driving will take about 18 hours (according google maps).  We would leave in the evening and hope that Hailey sleeps for most of the night taking up a good portion of the trip.  I would rather fly and be there in 3 hours.  But, I would also like to save the cost of 3 plane tickets plus $20 for each piece of luggage we bring.  If you’ve ever taken a long trip with an almost 3 year old is your opinion?

I can’t believe I am about to admit this, but I used to have stinky towels. I’m a busy mom who starts a load of laundry, forgets all about it, and then two days later I remember I have wet towels in my washing machine. So, my towels were stinky.

A friend of mine gave me some great advice for washing towels- and it worked so well that I just have to share it with you. The next time you are washing your stinky towels set your washer to the hottest setting. Then add about a 1/2 cup of baking soda to your regular detergent. Let the water and soap get a good swish and then leave it overnight to soak. In the morning continue the cycle.

Even if your towels don’t stink- always do a second rinse when you are washing your towels. Also, it’s better if you don’t use fabric softeners on your towels. They will work better for drying you off if you don’t.