Scanimalz Review & Giveaway

May 30, 2013 by 16 Comments

I received the Scanimalz Purple Bear plush character, in order to facilitate her review. All opinions are my own and honest. I am disclosing this in accordance to FTC Guidelines. Please see “Disclose” tab for more information.
scanimalz

I am always on the lookout for a new, creative iPad activities for myself, my students, and my daughters. I was very excited to give Scanimalz a try. Not only was it a creative app for kids & adults, but it also comes with an adorable plush character.

About Scanimalz:

Scanimalz are the cute, cuddly plush characters with QR codes on their adorable soft bellies. Scanimalz, from Wicked Cool Toys, capture what kids love – cuddly toys, technology, and playing games on smart phones and tablets! There are more than 30 plush Scanimalz characters to choose from. Kids will love to collect [Read more…]

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Swim Safety – Ideas to Help Keeps Kids Safe

May 28, 2013 by 5 Comments

Now that Memorial Day has come and gone, many public spaces and private homes have opened up their pools for the summer season. Pools and areas where there is water can be a dangerous place for kids, especially non-swimmers. Keep your kids safe in and around water by teaching them safety rules and keeping them in protective gear.

kids water safetyProtect your kids (and yourself) from the sun and painful burns. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, just one bad childhood sunburn more then doubles the chances of developing skin cancer later in life. Babo Botanicals has a line of sport and swim products desinged to protect and rehydrate your children’s skin while spending time in the sun. The new Clear Zinc Sunscreen (in green bunny packaging your kids will love) has both a sunblock cream and easy to carry stick that contain zinc oxide, an all natural mineral that both protects and is less likely to irritate your child’s skin. Many children have skin that is easily irritated by the chemicals in sunblocks, so natural products like these are a lifesaver in the summer. After a long day in the sun, refresh and rehydrate your child with the Organic Cucumber and Aloe Vera shampoo and body wash, also tear free. It is created to remove chlorine, salt, and other grime as well as replenish skin and scalp. If your child gets dry hair as well, there is even a conditioning spray. These products are certified organic, soy, dairy, chemical, and nut free, and made in the USA. For more information, go to http://www.babobotanicals.com

babo botanicalsRashgaurds and hats- another way to protect against the summer sun. One place I recently discovered that had a fantastic line containing nearly every sort of bathing suit, rashgarud, and hat imaginable is Polarn O. Pyret . Yes, the name is funny (Sweedish) but the line is vast. The best part is that you can mix and match products to create exactly what you are looking for. Want a long sleeve swim top and shorts, all 98% protective of UV rays? Or perhaps you prefer a one piece, or a rashgarud top and girls regular bottoms. You can find what you want in matching colors, and even hats that go along. Great for boys, girls, and babies. For more information, go to http://www.polarnopyretusa.com/

[Read more…]

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‘Radiance’ by Thermos, 24 Can Cooler Review

May 22, 2013 by 6 Comments

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With summer arriving just around the corner, I know that I definitely will be needing a cooler now and then. I was thrilled to be able to review the ‘Radiance’ 24 Can Cooler from Thermos.

About Radiance:

  • Adjustable Shoulder Strap
  • Quick Access Lid
  • Front Zippered Pocket
  • Side Mesh Pocket
  • Holds 24 Cans
  • Dimensions: 10″ W x 8.5″ D x 11″ H

If you are wanting to clean the interior or the exterior of the cooler, you just need to do it with the damp sponge and mild soap for the best results.

RadianceMy Thoughts:

I was completely impressed with the cooler. I love all the room that there is inside of the [Read more…]

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PMD-Personal Microderm Device and Skin Care Line Review & Giveaway

May 21, 2013 by 44 Comments

 

Pmd PackageI have such sensitive skin, and it is hard for me to find products that I can use on my face that doesn’t cause one problem or another. Honestly, I can say that since I have found the specific products that work out for my face I am usually a little bit skeptical to try new things. However, I was very excited to be able to give the PMD device as well as the PMD Skin Care Line a try.

About PMD (Personal Microderm):

“Achieving amazing anti-aging resultes at home with PMD Personal Microderm. It works just like a professional microdermabrasion treatment without the hassle or cost. The hand-held device uses the same aluminum oxide crystals as the ten thousand dollar machines found at your doctor’s office. It smooths away dead skin cells, diminishing age spots and other signs of aging.

PMD Includes:

  • 1 Personal Microderm
  • 7 exfoliating discs (1 white training, 2 green, and 4 blue)
  • 1 electric cord
  • 1 facial cap
  • 1 body cap
  • 1 reusable filter
  • Instructional CD and Pamphlet

When you are regularly using the Personal Microderm, you should use a cell renewal or gentle skin resurfacing cream, and I was happy to be able to try out the PMD Daily Regeneration System – Starter Kit with my microdermabrasion tool.

How To Use:

**On the first treatment, you should use the training disc on the neck to test how the skin will react to treatments from the PMD.

  1. First you need to choose a disc. (Small Disc is used for face and delicate areas & Large Disc is used on your body specifically) (White-Training Disc, Blue-Sensitive Skin, Green-Medium strength, Red-Maximum Strength)
  2. Insert the disc by pushing down carefully.
  3. Use a free hand to pull the skin tight in the treatment area.
  4. Move the PMD Personal Microderm in an upward motion across the skin. (Do not make more than two passes over one area during the treatment.
  5. After the treatment use a toner to neutralize the pH balance in the skin and a recovery moisturizer.
  6. Let your skin recover. Wait 6-7 days between treatments.

If you would like to see a demonstration [Read more…]

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A Wonderful Infinity Scarf from Beejeweled by Jesel Review & Giveaway

May 20, 2013 by 15 Comments

beejeweled by jeselI am most definitely very ‘in to’ scarves right now. I loved them throughout the winter, and I am so happy to see that this trend is continuing into spring and summer. I recently was given the opportunity to do a review of an infinity Scarf from Beejeweled by Jesel.

About Beejeweled by Jesel:

Beejeweled by Jesel is a page on Facebook that has Jewelry and Accessory Fixed Price Auctions every Wednesday night at 8pm CST.

On Wednesday nights, you simply need to get onto your Facebook and watch for the great items to be posted. If you see an item that you want to purchase during the auction, you just common on the picture of the item with your e-mail address and Zip Code. You then will receive an e-mail with an invoice that must be paid within 24 hours.

Another extremely exciting option is that she also offers giveaways occasionally when people share and like her page.

Beejeweled is owned by a busy, hard working, stay at home mom.

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My Thoughts:

The [Read more…]

Filed Under: fashion, giveaway, review Tagged With: , ,

Banda Bib Review & Giveaway

May 20, 2013 by 9 Comments

Banda Bib

With two small children bibs are definintely a must have item. My oldest still uses them for the occasional meal, but my youngest always has one on. However, my youngest is not always a huge fan of having to wear them. That was until I introduced her to the Banda Bib.

About Banda Bib:

The BandaBib is an Award-Winning bandana style baby bib. It is extremely stylish and functional. It is made of 100% cotton designer print hi-dry cotton backing. It also has a velcro closure.

The Bib comes in a variety of prints and solids so that you can use it with any child.

My Thoughts:

I was [Read more…]

Filed Under: baby, giveaway, review Tagged With: , ,

2013 Strider ST-4 Balance Bike Review

May 18, 2013 by 5 Comments

Balance BikeMost of my favorite childhood memories involve my bicycle. I know that I cycled through a few different ones when I was young, but I always had a favorite bike. I am really hoping to pass on the love that I have of bicycles to my daughters. When I was given the opportunity to try out Strider ST-4, I was thoroughly excited.

About Strider:

Mission Statement: “At Strider, we love riding bikes, and we love inspiring kids to ride. Our mission is to build lightweight, efficient, all-terrain bikes that develop two-wheeled balance, coordination, and confidence in children.”

Strider Sports International designs efficient, no-pedal balance bikes that encourage Toddlers to ride, learn, and explore the world on two wheels.

Strider was founded in Rapid City, South Dakota in January 2007. Their goal is to simplify a bike to its essence.

strider Balance Bike

 

About Strider ST-4 No Pedal Balance Bike:

“The Strider ST-4 is the culmination of many years of design improvements. We take the rider experience seriously at Strider Sports and think the latest iteration of our flagship product is the best performing and safest balance bike to ride on the market.”–Ryan McFarland, CEO of Strider Sports International.

The wonderful think about STRIDER bikes is the fact that if your toddler can walk, they can cruise over dirt, grass, and pavement easily. They are thoroughly [Read more…]

Filed Under: kids, review Tagged With: ,

Kaboom! Entertainment ‘The Jungle Book’, ‘The Berenstain Bears: Golden Brother Edition’, and ‘Horrid Henry: The Movie’ Reviews

May 17, 2013 by Leave a Comment

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The Jungle Book The Movie: Rumble in the Jungle:

There’s trouble in the jungle, and as usual Mowgli and Mani are at the center of it all. Shere Khan plots to put an end to the noise of Mowgli and Mani. At the same time Tabaqui is stuck in a well, Appu gets lost, and there’s something fishy going on at the Cold Lair. This movie definitely promises to bring you the best of The Jungle Book.

Runtime: 62 Minutes

Genre: Family, Animated

Special Features: Downloadable activity kit, slide show, and exclusive collectible Mowgli and Baloo toys.

Availability: Exclusively at Warlmart stores for $14.86; nationwide in May 2013.

My Thoughts: We absolutely loved this movie. My husband and I enjoyed it just as much as my girls did!

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The Berenstain Bears: Golden Brother Edition

Brother Bear loves sports of all kinds, especially soccer. He often acts as protector and stands up for the smaller cubs at school. This is set in the Rolling hills of Bear Country, this animated comedy stars a fun loving family of [Read more…]

Filed Under: electronics, review