Tech Your Kids Will Really Fall For

September 17, 2019 by 1 Comment

 

Now that school is (finally!) back in session, you might be looking for fun ways to keep the kids stimulated and learning but still having fun while at home. We like board games and hiking as much as anybody, but sometimes a little hands-on building and creating goes a long way towards getting your child(ren) interested in something new, or perhaps just learning a little more about their favorite activities and what makes them “go”.

smart toys

If your kids like computers, video games, robots, or construction, Botzees might be the tech for you. This smart toy brings together virtual and hands on play in a way that is both fun and educational. Kids will enjoy playing, and won’t feel like they are having more “ugh, learning” heaped on them.  Botzees, the newest toy from Pai Technology, is a new robotics kit that is meant for kids ages 4 and up. This is a great way to sit with your kids and learn together- I have to admit this is an area my son is far and away better then I typically. It’s fun to learn together, and he loves when he can show me things. With this kit, you and your kid(s) can build, program, and code. There are six pre-designed robots, or you can go all out and create your own.

Once you build your Botzee, it can “be taught to move, drum, dance, make sounds and light up using the free Botzees app. Additionally, the 30 interactive Augmented Reality puzzles will teach even more coding concepts with visual cues.” (as per Pai Technology) It is available for $100 at https://www.pai.technology/botzees and Amazon.

Labo

If you have a child that is into video gaming, there is a new construction toy available that enhances gameplay. Nintendo recently released Nintendo Labo, which is one part game and one part construction toy. According to  Nintendo, they “designed Labo as a way to teach principles of engineering, physics, and basic programming”. You and your child build the kit out of sheets of pre-cut cardboard (thick stuff, not the weak stuff that instantly falls apart on you) and other parts. These you then use with your Nintendo Switch and it’s joy cons, and the creation is what Nintendo is calling a “Toy Con”. You use your “toy con” to interact with software and games.  With the basic Starter Kit, you can build VR Goggles and a Labo Blaster to take on aliens (not my favorite aspect, honestly).  The Blaster Labo Toy-Con can be played with either one or two players. Everything is in VR.  Starter set is $39.99 at https://labo.nintendo.com/kits/

kirby's extra epic yarn

If you are looking for a fun and non-violent game to play with the kids, check out Kirby’s Extra Epic Yarn. Rated “E” for everyone, it’s the latest in the Kirby series.  In this game, Kirby was banished by a baddie into a world where he is made of yarn. While that may seem like a problem, the plus side is that Kirby can transform himself into all sorts of awesome like tanks, UFOs, a dolphin, and more. He gets “power ups” that give him advantages like getting a sword or becoming a tornado. Of course, he still has his classic copying abilities. Collect treasure as you move along the game, and show them off with the “Street Pass” feature, or switch out of story mode into “Devilish Mode” to try to earn even more. There are also two minigames that feature Meta Knight and King Dedede.  Available for $39.99 at https://www.nintendo.com

 

Filed Under: electronics, entertainment, gaming, Holiday Gift Guide, review Tagged With: , , , ,

Make Lunchtime More Fun with Lunch Pets™ (and a #Giveaway )

August 29, 2019 by 19 Comments

Lunchtime is always an adventure with the all-new Lunch Pets™! These huggable, plush pals are the perfect snacking companions for a child on-the-go. From school to dance practice and everything in between, Lunch Pets are sure to keep your child smiling and their lunch at the desired temperature. 

kids lunchbox

We recently took ours on a road trip to a theme park, and it did it’s job. My son didn’t whine (too much) about carrying it, and when he got annoying about it, we just clipped it to my bag. It clips easily to strollers as well.

These furry friends come in 4 styles – SnackyCat, Tumicorn, HungryPup and Munchosaur – and kids can pick their favorite cuddle buddy to spice up any lunchtime routine. The machine-washable  (hang to dry) lunch bags feature an easy open flap to securely hold their food and insulated storage to keep lunch fresh, Lunch Pets are both cute and functional. The Pets paws even snap together to make a handle or attach to your child’s bike.

kids lunchbox

Lunch Pets are recommended for children ages 3 and up and are available at Amazon and www.lunchpets.com.

One of you can win one of your own. Which will you choose? You can enter by using the RC form below. Good luck.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Ever Tried CDB Oil? What’s Stopping You?

August 15, 2019 by 11 Comments

CBD

If you are like me, you are willing to try just about anything to stop your chronic pain. Yet for some reason, so many people I talk to are worried about or wholly against trying CBD oils to try to get some relief. Why, I wonder? Maybe they think it’s illegal. Maybe they don’t know what it is. Well, I’d like to give you some insight into my experiences with a particular brand, Infinite CBD. It’s not the only brand I’ve ever tired, but I’m using it right now and here’s my thoughts as well as information about the products and what it is about from the professionals.

What is it, anyway?

“Cannabidiol is a phytocannabinoid discovered in 1940. It is one of some 113 identified cannabinoids in cannabis plants and accounts for up to 40% of the plant’s extract. In 2018, clinical research on cannabidiol included preliminary studies of anxiety, cognition, movement disorders, and pain.

How is cannabidiol different from marijuana?

According to Harvard studies, CBD stands for cannabidiol. It is the second most prevalent of the active ingredients of cannabis (marijuana). While CBD is an essential component of medical marijuana, it is derived directly from the hemp plant, which is a cousin of the marijuana plant. While CBD is a component of marijuana (one of hundreds), by itself it does not cause a “high.” According to a report from the World Health Organization, “In humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential…. To date, there is no evidence of public health related problems associated with the use of pure CBD.”

Is cannabidiol legal?

CBD is readily obtainable in most parts of the United States, though its exact legal status is in flux. All 50 states have laws legalizing CBD with varying degrees of restriction, and while the federal government still considers CBD in the same class as marijuana, it doesn’t habitually enforce against it. In December 2015, the FDA eased the regulatory requirements to allow researchers to conduct CBD trials. Currently, many people obtain CBD online without a medical cannabis license. The government’s position on CBD is confusing, and depends in part on whether the CBD comes from hemp or marijuana. The legality of CBD is expected to change, as there is currently bipartisan consensus in Congress to make the hemp crop legal which would, for all intents and purposes, make CBD difficult to prohibit.

The evidence for cannabidiol health benefits

CBD has been touted for a wide variety of health issues, but the strongest scientific evidence is for its effectiveness in treating some of the cruelest childhood epilepsy syndromes, such as Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), which typically don’t respond to antiseizure medications. In numerous studies, CBD was able to reduce the number of seizures, and in some cases it was able to stop them altogether. Videos of the effects of CBD on these children and their seizures are readily available on the Internet for viewing, and they are quite striking. Recently the FDA approved the first ever cannabis-derived medicine for these conditions, Epidiolex, which contains CBD.

CBD is commonly used to address anxiety, and for patients who suffer through the misery of insomnia, studies suggest that CBD may help with both falling asleep and staying asleep.

CBD may offer an option for treating different types of chronic pain. A study from the European Journal of Pain showed, using an animal model, CBD applied on the skin could help lower pain and inflammation due to arthritis. Another study demonstrated the mechanism by which CBD inhibits inflammatory and neuropathic pain, two of the most difficult types of chronic pain to treat. More study in humans is needed in this area to substantiate the claims of CBD proponents about pain control.

Is cannabidiol safe?

Side effects of CBD include nausea, fatigue and irritability. CBD can increase the level in your blood of the blood thinner coumadin, and it can raise levels of certain other medications in your blood by the exact same mechanism that grapefruit juice does. A significant safety concern with CBD is that it is primarily marketed and sold as a supplement, not a medication. Currently, the FDA does not regulate the safety and purity of dietary supplements. So you cannot know for sure that the product you buy has active ingredients at the dose listed on the label. In addition, the product may contain other (unknown) elements. We also don’t know the most effective therapeutic dose of CBD for any particular medical condition.

The bottom line on cannabidiol

Some CBD manufacturers have come under government scrutiny for wild, indefensible claims, such that CBD is a cure-all for cancer, which it is not. We need more research but CBD may be prove to be an option for managing anxiety, insomnia, and chronic pain. Without sufficient high-quality evidence in human studies we can’t pinpoint effective doses, and because CBD is currently is mostly available as an unregulated supplement, it’s difficult to know exactly what you are getting. If you decide to try CBD, talk with your doctor — if for no other reason than to make sure it won’t affect other medications you are taking.

pain relief

What Does CBD Do For Pain?

On the Infinite CBD site, you can read that “CBD, or Cannabidiol, can help alleviate pain by addressing the two mechanisms that make humans feel pain.

First, CBD reduces inflammation. More specifically, research suggests that CBD reduces pain in the joints. Using the CB1 and CB2 receptors located in the immune system, CBD halts the activation of inflammatory T cells. Due to this ability, CBD has been found to help reduce arthritic pain and pain caused by fibrosis.

Additionally, studies have shown that CBD alleviates neuropathic pain by suppressing a3 glycine receptors. Due to this ability, CBD targets not just inflammation, but the pathway that makes humans actually feel it.

Using CBD Lotion for Pain

When applied topically, CBD has the ability to provide individuals with targeted and effective benefits. Using CBD lotion to reduce pain is effective because it can be used on an as-needed basis. No amount of CBD lotion is too much.

You can apply CBD lotion to your skin, which should be rubbed in until absorbed. Wait for about 15 minutes, and viola – relief.

Whether you’re recovering from a sprained ankle, experience chronic back pain, or just got home from surgery, CBD lotion is a natural, effective, and targeted way to address your pain. From the inflammation in the area to the neuropathic pain you’re feeling, CBD is the natural solution you’ve been searching for.

Freezing Point CBD Lotion and Salve

Infinite CBD has created a variety of CBD lotion and salve products that address pain.

Freezing Point Lotion comes in a few varieties. If you’re experiencing severe pain, Nano Freezing Point products are recommended, as CBD nanotechnology make CBD more bioavailable (absorbable) to the body.

Additionally, salve products make applying CBD very easy. Infinite CBD’s salves also include a higher ratio of CBD.

It’s Time to Use CBD Lotion for Pain

Experiencing and managing pain is the worst. Not only does it hurt, but it affects your quality of life and ability to do all of the activities you enjoy.

Use CBD lotion for pain if you’re seeking effective, targeted, and natural relief.”

There are a ton of different ways to take CBD oil. Try out a few different ways and see what best suits you and gives you relief. Its great for pets as well.

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Avoid The Summer Slide- Fun Ways to Stimulate Your Brain

August 5, 2019 by Leave a Comment

Summer is a great time to relax and enjoy time together with friends and family, but you don’t want to let your mind turn to mush during that time. According to the Northwest Evaluation Association’s research,  “summer learning loss was observed in math and reading across third to eighth grade, with students losing a greater proportion of their school year gains each year as they grow older – anywhere from 20 to 50 percent.” How do you keep your child from losing their learning or falling behind? Keep their minds active, keep them reading, and keep brains stimulated. No, Fortnight totally doesn’t count, sorry!

Got a little one? Start young and keep them active. There are some amazing books out there, and of course your local library will likely have summer reading programs you can do with your child no matter what age. There are also puzzles and educational games you can play with your child on technology and “real life” touchable options- we recommend a bit of both.

kids apps

We recently tried out these fun and “edu-taining” science based apps aimed at preschoolers, and found them both adorable and fun. My child didn’t even realize they were learning, they honestly enjoyed them. Even my 12 year old liked them- except the dress up app, but that’s pretty good for an age range in my opinion.

I’m a teacher by trade, and I love that there are these apps that let kids have fun while learning.  Since science is an area that is under-taught in many schools, the more ways a child can be exposed to it, the better.  Cosmic Cubs (www.cosmiccubs.com) help kids pre-k and up learn about ecology, the solar system, and just for fun, a space dress up game as well. These three apps are available for Android and IOS platforms, via the App store or Google Play.  The space cubs also teach kids about the importance of being environmentally responsible- reduce, reuse, and recycle – in their Cosmic Cubs Eco Puzzle App.

The website has lots of coloring pages you can download as well as information sheets in addition to the apps. The apps are technically free but cost $1.99 for full access. Kids will have access to puzzles, games, learning about the planets, asteroids, meteors, comets, problem solving, and more. They also teach new vocabulary words. Even the dress up game helps with dexterity and hand/eye coordination, as well as learning about colors and more. Not to mention, spark an interest in space.  The three apps available are the Cosmic Cubs Eco Puzzler, the Cosmic Cubs Dress Up, and Cosmic Cubs Space Puzzles. $1.99 for full access.

kids apps

Learning a language is great for any age, and Rosetta Stone has options for any age learner at any level of knowledge. There are so many benefits that come from knowing a second language, and the younger you start, the better off you are. There is no time like the present, so no matter your age, you aren’t getting any younger- now is the best time. The benefits are really endless, from being able to get better job opportunities, to making better connections in the community and beyond, improving your memory, enhancing your ability to multi- task and decision making skills, improving your first language, and more.  It also keeps the brain active and challenged, which is necessary and helps with overall learning and brain health. So why not?

For kids, there is Rosetta Stone Homeschool. There used to be some pretty cool award winning apps for kids, but from what I can see (and from multiple calls to customer service to inquire) they seem to be discontinued. Rosetta Stone Homeschool uses pioneering technology “which promotes long-term retention and correct pronunciation—without memorization or drills” (as per the company).
Using an immersion method, language is taught the way you would naturally learn, with no translation required. With patented speech-recognition technology, TruAccent®, your child’s speech is analyzed and corrected to get the best accent possible. There are reports and progress data so you can see how your child is progressing, and your child can learn from a computer, phone, tablet, or whatever is convenient, on or offline.

Not just for kids, Rosetta Stone’s pioneering speech recognition technology helps kids or adults learn the language of their choice. With more than 30 options to choose from (including endangered languages), choosing the language you will learn might be the hardest part. You learn the way children naturally learn their first language, with image recognition, pronunciation assistance, and repetition. Tutoring is also available.

It starts with a core lesson that introduces you into a bunch of new words. The core lesson takes about 30 minutes. This is followed up by several smaller lessons that focus on different aspects that you learned in the core lesson. These range from about five to ten minutes each.

We have started learning a new language here -and I will update you in 6 months and let you know how it’s going.

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Sun Chlorella – multiple ways to take this super-supplement

July 26, 2019 by Leave a Comment

Looking for a health boost? Feeling a little drag, sluggish, or maybe you have decided to finally  get serious about your health (who hasn’t made that promise to themselves?) and want to find the best supplements to help you on your way.

As you may or may not know, a new algae has overtaken spirulina, and it’s called chlorella.  This nutrient-packed supplement is full of health benefits, so it’s no wonder so many people are making it a part of their daily routine.  There’s only one problem: chlorella’s outer shell makes it virtually impossible for people to digest it.  Now, Sun Chlorella, a premier provider of chlorella supplements for almost 50 years, has created a 90% pulverized cell wall, making it significantly more digestible than any other brand on the market. 

As a result, Sun Chlorella’s supplements can:

  • Support your body’s natural defense system
  • Support proper digestion
  • Support your body’s natural detoxification process
  • Boost your energy level
  • Promote joint and muscle health
  • Maintain healthy levels of blood pressure and cholesterol

The supplements come in three convenient forms: tablets, which are an easy addition to a meal; granules that can be added to your favorite smoothie; and powder, which provides a healthful boost to your favorite recipe.

It also comes in a noodle form, Chlorella Udon Noodles, which are an alternative to regular old wheat noodles. These new, Vegan-friendly noodles are packed with all the nutrition of our Sun Chlorella tablets, granules and powder, our Chlorella Udon Noodles are as green as they are nutritious.

Having the equivalency of 10, 200mg chlorella tablets per serving, there are now even more delicious ways to get the amazing health benefits of Sun Chlorella.

Chlorella Udon can be served hot or cold by incorporating your favorite recipe. 5 minutes of boil-time is all that is needed to invent new ways of enjoying these healthy noodles. Make any of your favorite noodle recipes a healthy one with Sun Chlorella Udon Noodles.

So, if you’re ready to feel more energized, improve your digestion, and enhance your overall health, check out Sun Chlorella and visit the website.  https://www.sunchlorellausa.com/

Filed Under: food, health, review Tagged With: , ,

WIN Boudreaux’s Butt Paste With Natural Aloe

July 10, 2019 by 36 Comments

This weather is great for the beach and for barbecues, but it can wreak havoc on skin. If you have a baby, you know that their skin is extra sensitive year round, so it’s no surprise that hot and steamy weather might bother baby a little more then usual.

Of course, keep baby cool, change diapers often and keep them fresh, and at the first sign of a rash or irritation, try a nice cooling balm to help sooth the skin. We are fans of Boudreaux’s Butt Paste, and they now have a new variety to try out.

Just in time for the warm weather, one of your favorite and most trusted baby care brands, Boudreaux’s Butt Paste is adding Aloe to it’s ingredients. With the beginning of Summer has launched the new Boudreaux’s Butt Paste with Natural Aloe. When tough diaper rash appears, give Boudreaux’s Butt Paste With Natural Aloe a try – a solution with plant-based ingredients for getting rid of rashes in a rush. We also use it at the first sign of redness sometimes- an once of prevention is worth a pound of cure, as they say. No use waiting until things worsen, at least in my opinion.

More information on how you can say “Aloe” to summer below!

  • Boudreaux’s Butt Paste With Natural Aloe

o   Comprised of over 75% plant-based ingredients to help keep baby’s booty relieved of diaper rash

o   16% Zinc Oxide – helps treat diaper rash by creating a barrier to seal out wetness

o   Plant-Based Ingredients: Natural Aloe, Natural Carnauba Wax and Castor Seed Oil

o   Available in a 4 oz. tube

o   Suggested Retail: $7.99

  • Available at Target, Walmart and Amazon.com

One of you can win some to try for yourself. Feel free to use the RC code below to enter to win. Good luck! Ends Aug. 2, 2019.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Fathers Day Gifts He Will Love

June 10, 2019 by 2 Comments

With Father’s Day right around the corner, here are some fun and funky gifts we think Dad will love.

Who doesn’t love a good cup of coffee? The only thing with coffee can be, as we get older (aging like fine wines, of course) sometimes the acid or the caffine can be less then ideal. You can try a low acid brand like trücup low-acid coffee in either regular or decaf to help with those problems, while not sacrificing on taste.

These low acid coffee options remove what can be harmful or painful for some people’s stomachs, like those who have acid reflux, GERD, IBS, or about a zillion other stomach issues. I know it can get to me, personally. With bold or mild, espresso, decaf, and other choices, there is one that is sure to tickle dad’s fancy. Using a natural steam process to remove acids, but leaving in all the flavors and aromas, your dad will enjoy this healthier, low-acid coffee alternative. Check out https://trucup.com to choose your dad’s favorite roast.

Taking dad out on the town? Check out Tenth Street Hats for something to help him stand out. From the classic to the bold, traditional or funky, these hats are well made and will be a hit- a for sure conversation piece. Some of the best sellers as per the company-

“All-American Dad: Our high quality, American-made Biltmore Collection includes classic, colonial styles in materials ranging from luxurious fur to breathable straw.
BBQ King: For the dad leading the Memorial Day, July 4th and every BBQ this summer, our Sun Protection hats with UPF50+ keeps him protected while he’s grilling (so he doesn’t roast too).
Cool Dad: From our fedoras to our bold prints, our Staff Picks are perfect for cool dads who aren’t afraid to make a statement and accessorize.” Outdoorsy Dads:  for all the dads that love the outdoors, you can’t go wrong with this list of the best fathers day gifts.

Fun loving dads will love a cool statement piece. Standing out from the crowd these days isn’t easy, but doing it with style is always preferred. Head to https://tenthstreethats.com and see what your dad would love.

From the classic to the outdoorsy, Mountain Khakis has durable, long lasting clothing men everywhere will enjoy wearing. Timeless designs that will last him ages (because honestly, many men are not the most avid shoppers), these clothes are destined to be favorites. They feel nice as well- soft and light, breathable and comfortable to wear, they are exactly the kind of clothing my husband likes to wear, and he is incredibly picky. The clothing runs as to size, so pay attention to the charts, or ask if you are unsure. You can find something for any occasion or just lounging around.  Check out https://www.mountainkhakis.com and pick out what you think your dad will like. 

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Built For Your Growing Family

May 29, 2019 by Leave a Comment

Thinking about adding on to your family? That can be a fun, even if somewhat stressful time. Trying to choose what essential everyday items you will need for your growing brood can be difficult, as you need to think about cost, size, durability, safety, ease of use, and more. We are hoping to help you with some of our favorites, as well why we like them and think you will find them useful.

One of the first and most important things to decide on is a car seat. Once your baby outgrows his or her carrier “snap and go” type car seat, the DualFit Harness-2-Booster seat by Britax is a good choice that is both safe and less expensive then some. It easily transitions from a three point harness seat to a booster that is best for older and larger children. As your child grows, the seat will grow with them.

Designed to fit children from 25 pounds to 65 lbs in harness mode, then in booster mode for children up to 100 lbs. Britax’s “patented system of safety components work together to transfer energy away from your child and 2 layers of Side Impact Protection shield your child in the event of a crash” (as per brand). It is easy to install, and has easy-on and easy off lower connectors that lock into place with a click and are released with the push of a button- however this mom always lets the fire station install with me the first time. It’s a service offered for free by many towns, and one I like to take advantage of to make sure I’m doing things right.

You can find this seat (as well as others) at https://us.britax.com for $169.99

Britax also makes the B-Lively Double stroller, which is a smooth, easy ride for two children. It has a lightweight aluminum frame (which is a necessity for packing up and getting into the car) as well as a quick fold. It takes storage seriously as well, knowing how much moms and dads have to lug about. With six storage pockets as well as a large under-storage basket, there is quite a lot of space for what you need to bring along. The stroller itself is easy to push, and not clumsy or cumbersome. No one likes to feel like a pack mule, or like they are taking up all the space in the aisle. It corners easily, and doesn’t “stick” on you, which is something I find ever annoying about larger strollers. Something else that makes the B-Lively Double Stroller extra handy is that it is compatible with your infant car seat should you need to do so. (*When paired with a infant car seat adapter kit, sold separately.) If your baby is still in a “snap and go” type seat, that makes it that much easier. It sells for $399.99 on https://us.britax.com

colic baby

It breaks every parent’s heart to see their child in pain, and a colicky baby will make you cry right along with him or her. Dr. Brown is looking to assist with this, by putting out a feeding and soothing system that will help calm baby.

The new Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow® Options+™ Anti-Colic Bottles have some pretty cool innovations.  There are enhanced internal vent system in the Options+™ Bottle, which is meant to improve the system that Dr. Browns has been using, and has made it #1 pediatrician recommended and #1 selling bottle in America. Both of the new bottles (available in wide or narrow neck styles) are designed to make feeding easy, and let baby go from breast to bottle and back as needed with no troubles. According to Dr. Brown, the breast like nipples on these bottles “provides a correctly contoured shape that’s flexible at the top and gradually firms, encouraging a proper latch and more natural bottle-feeding experience”. This helps baby go back and forth from breast to bottle as they (or mom’s supply) need to. Dr. Brown’s bottles are clinically proven to reduce colic, decreases spit-up, burping, and gas, better preserves nutrients in breast milk and formula, and aids in digestion for a better night’s sleep. They are available at https://www.drbrownsbaby.com

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