High5Dogs Leash and Harness Review

November 10, 2017 by 1 Comment

Innovation from High5Dogs

There are a ton of options out there for pet owners these days when it comes to leashes and harnesses, but most of these are pretty standard. I mean a leash is a leash right? I confess that has been my belief for some time, but not any longer. High5Dogs has opened my eyes to features I never knew I was missing out on. Their leashes and harnesses have a variety of options for you and your furbaby.

High5Dogs has a two great products for dog owners on the go, their CLIC Leash and CLIC Shoulder Leash. On the most basic level these two leashes are made up of two ropes connected by a clip. If you find yourself needing both hands or at a cafe and want to hook your dog up this is unbelievably convenient and can be done one handed. It is also safer than unhooking your dog to loop the leash or tying one end up. This is a great option for anyone that frequents dog friendly eateries or has their pet with them running errands.

The CLIC shoulder leash has a segment long enough to lope around you and allow for hands free dog walking. This same easy to clip system makes it convenient to switch from hands on to hands free. I can not tell you the number of times I wish I had this option or just that the leash loop was not on my wrist and my dog pulling while I tried to carry something two handed. For anyone that has arthritis or other issues when walking their dog this is a great choice and easy to loop on and off with the center clip.

High5Dogs also offers harnesses to match their leashes. These are high quality and durable rope topped harnesses that are easy to put on and quick to take off. If you use a harness you know that those two things are not often true. The dual adjustable clips are speedy to undo but there are adjustable straps that have their plastic adjusters under your dogs chest so this is not something you want to leave on as that might be uncomfortable while your dog is resting.

There are two lines to pick from at High5Dogs, the Metropolitan Collection and their new Leisure Collection. The products are basically the same but the Metropolitan has leather details. With both you can pick three different sizes of rope to decide how heavy a leash you are looking for. They are offered with suggestions based on size of dog and then your preference. Some of the details they have added like a metal hook by the leashes handle is great for attaching a dog bag holder. These products are a high end option for pet owners.

Find out more at High5dogs.com or on Social Media – Twitter – Facebook – Instagram – Pinterest

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Going Camping? Check these out.

October 11, 2017 by Leave a Comment

If you are headed out into the great outdoors anytime soon, you might want to check out some of these items. Not just for camping, but having other outdoor uses as well, you will find they make your camp experience that much more comfortable.

The new Quik Shade canopies recently launched SOLO Steel. This series of six portable, instant shade canopies makes setting up a breeze. They are lightweight and easy to carry, can be set up by one person, are pinch free and allow you to adjust it’s height as needed as the sun moves or if the ground is uneven- this is a real boon and very helpful. It has 99% UV sun protection built in, so it keeps away harmful rays, as well. Easy to set up AND put away (yes, really), it goes easily back into it’s carry rolling bag for easy storage. It is durable and built to last, with Rip-Stop polyester camping tent fabric that has water-resistant coating and features the Aluminex™ back lining to help you and your stuff stay dry.

The SOLO Steel canopies has a ton of options depending on your needs. Sizes range from  50 square feet of shade to 170 square feet, and comes in 5 color choices.  From $119.99 to $249.99 at https://www.quikshade.com/

One of my favorite camping finds has to have been a Kickstarter campaign. The GoGo Lantern is a very cool option for camping, and for several reasons. It’s solar powered, which means you can charge it all day long and use it for longer periods of time without having to run off and use batteries after batteries or propane etc- and the charge lasts a long time, as well. It is fully charged after roughly 8 hours of solar charge, or you can charge via USB for about 3 hours. It’s waterproof- not merely water resistant. You can actually submerge it, and it’s still both fully functional and keeps working. It’s very light and thus extremely portable. The GoGo Lantern is extraordinarily bright, much more then most I have used. It folds up into itself/collapses, which makes it easy to store and put away while not in use (or for charging). It also is magnetized, and will stick should you want it to. That’s also a pretty neat option, and one I’ve not personally seen before.

The GoGo Lantern is “the world’s first bucket which integrated LED & solar cell in one”, according to it’s  website. You can get yours for $39 and up at https://www.indiegogo.com/project/preview/294dad3a#/

If you are headed out into the water, you might want to bring along some dry bags. Seal Line has different sizes and colors available, and they definitely keep your stuff dry, even if the bag ends up in the water. These are space saving as well, the rectangular shape packing and saving %20 more space then rounder bags. They pack together closer as well, leaving less space in between. This saves space. They have strong, welded seams which are 50% stronger then sewn seams, to keep water out and your items dry.

Featuring an efficient-packing, patent-pending rectangular shape and strong fully welded seam construction, Blocker waterproof dry sacks are the easiest way to organize and protect clothing and gear in your pack, luggage, or on a boat. PVC free, yet tough, they are more environmentally friendly then other types of vinyls and nylons but still tough and durable. They are easy to organize by color and size, and are available starting at $15 and up at https://www.seallinegear.com/dry-sacks

To dry off, you might want to grab a few pack towels. They dry quickly, are uber soft, and are fantastic for all sorts of travel. My favorite is the “nano”, which is tiny yet mighty. I love how useful it is- and how handy. Quick drying, slim, and absorbing twice its weight in water, you can toss it in your pocket, clip it to your waistband or backpack (or whatever you’d like, Carabiner clip and mesh storage pouch included), or wear it as a headband. Or more, just some ideas. Wipe off ski goggles, your Go Pro, your face- whatever- and keep moving. You’ve got stuff to do. Then wring it out, and it’s nearly dry. It really does dry super quickly.  The nano is $10, other sizes and sizes available for $10 and up. These are more useful then you might think at first glance- give them a go, you won’t be sorry. https://www.packtowl.com

On the go, and way out there? Check out the GravityWorks™ 4.0L Water Filter System from Platypus. It’s perfect for basecamps, and has the high-capacity, pump-free filtration that is both easy and useful. It can deliver 4 liters of filtered water in under 3 minutes with no pumping, which we all know is a real pain in the end. This is the fastest and simplest way to get your water filtered while you are way out there. Just dip it into water, fill it, hang, and wait. The filter can be cleaned easily in the field as well, for continues use. This system meets all EPA & NSF guidelines for the removal of 99.9999% of bacteria and 99.9% of protozoa, so it is effective and will help keep the ew out of your drinking water. This is a great size for your average family, a medium size group of friends, or a basecamp. The system as an 8-liter total capacity,which is enough filtered water for drinking,  cooking, and cleaning up any dishes.  Get yours at https://www.platy.com/gravityworks-4-0l-filter for $120.

 

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Dressing For Fall Travel

October 4, 2017 by Leave a Comment

No matter where your travels take you this season, we have some great options to keep you warm, dry, and comfortable.

Now that it’s Autumn (and it’s finally cooled off), you want to make sure you have some layers available. One of my current go-to’s has been Dare 2b‘s Women’s Loveline II Core Stretch, a pull over the head, half zip sweatshirt. It’s not your mom’s sweatshirt, however- soft, warm, lined inside with a quick drying/water repelling outside, it’s pretty tough as well as functional. It comes in several color options, and is easy to care for as well. The price is right at $22, and it’s easy to pair with your running gear or toss on with jeans etc. The more options, the better, and it’s just the right weight for the fall season or to layer under your clothing as it gets colder.

Craghoppers has comfortable clothing for the entire family that protects against UV rays, insect bites, and even digital theft. No matter if you are out in the woods, in a national park, or on the city streets, these clothes are easy to wear, match, and keep you protected on all sorts of levels.  The Nosilife Pro Trousers for women havd a slim fit, but not too slim, with several pockets that zip closed to keep your valuables safe. The fabric is soft and quick drying, so quick showers or muddy patches won’t be an issue. They are also generously cut around the ankle for boots should you want to wear them.  The long sleeve NosliLife Erin Long Sleeve Shirt is breathable and quick drying as well, and the entire NosiLife collection is also insect bite repellent. Who needs all the bites that so often accompany time in the great outdoors? Not you, that’s for sure. Prices vary, visit https://www.craghoppers.com/us/

Another option to layer while keeping warm and cuddly would be the Hazelton Half Zip. So soft, and available in three very pretty colors, it’s both lightweight and durable, so it’s great by itself or as a top or middle layer. It’s a great jogger, but I can see using it underneath a ski parka when it’s time to hit the slopes- I’m really loving the feel of this one. It’s easy to wash and wear, though I personally prefer to hang it to dry so it stays extra fluffy as long as possible.  Pick yours up at https://www.craghoppers.com/us/hazelton-half-zip-bluebell/

As for fall footwear, I’m loving the Icebug Metro BUGrip for hiking. They are very comfortable, and fantastic for all kinds of weather. They have amazing soles- they grip is fantastic, and will help keep you on whatever trail you find yourself on. The Icebugs are great for keeping your feet warm and dry as well- which is always a good thing, but especially now with the weather cooling down. Nothing like cold, wet feet to ruin a hike.  Easy pull on and off, comfortable and tough with studded running shoe soles, these boots have it all. I really enjoy them, and think you will as well. $189 and worth every cent.

 

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Dr. Brown’s Breast Pump Caryall Tote Review

September 22, 2017 by Leave a Comment

This breast pump tote is a great carryall for new moms.


Dr. Brown has hit the market with another new product to add to a mom’s arsenal. With a baby to carry or push and all the items we need to take care of our little one’s needs, hands are at a premium. Good storage and mobility is a must, both of which are provided by this Breast Pump Carryall.

The name says it, carryall. With a section sized to fit most electric breast pumps and a bottle cooler bag this tote is prepared to handle what you need to carry. There is plenty of room for other items too that you will need for a day out. The bag has a nice neutral gray color that matches most outfits or at least doesn’t stand out and scream diaper bag. It can easily be carried into any professional environment discreetly for moms that need to pump at work.

The tote has comfortable straps with a softer feel to keep them from digging into your shoulder. There is also a zippered compartment inside the bag so you can store smaller items while keeping them handy and easy to reach since the main section of the bag is large. It is well organized while still having the issue all sizable totes do, or mine anyway, which is items go in and then seem impossible to get back out. For me the internal pockets have made all the difference when I remember to use them! Even so most of my bags jingle with some loose change.


Dr. Brown’s Breast Pump Caryall Tote is a versatile piece that works to carry your breast pump, bottles, or any other baby item you want to store away and carry. You can find out more about this item or other baby products on their site, drbrownsbaby.com. You can also check them out on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

 

Filed Under: baby, review, Uncategorized

ciao! baby Portable High Chair Review

September 12, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Easy to Carry Baby Gear

Innovation has come to the table in the form of the exciting ciao! baby portable high chair. This product is as easy to carry as any collapsible pop chair with all the benefits of a traditional high chair making it a perfect package. The five point safety harness secures kids up to three years of age for a safe snack time and the chair comes all in one piece, no assembly required, which makes an instant set-up expert of anyone. Whether you are on the road traveling with your family or looking for an option suited to compact apartment living the ciao! baby portable high chair is a great match.

My favorite part about the high chair is the quick set-up and clean-up. With an easy to clean tray, cup holder, and ultimate transport capability the outdoors are an easy destination from the beach to camping trips or in my case just the back patio. For sunny spots there is even an umbrella that you can add on to protect against the afternoon rays.

There is a great selection of colors and patterns to choose from to match your home or any style you prefer. For hardcore sports fans you can show your team spirit wherever you go with the College logo design line. Collegiate logos are on the front headrest of chair and also on the carrying bag. Heading over to a friend’s place at meal time is drama free with the portability of the high chair. The major bonuses are mobility and the ability to store this chair away without any hassle. Light and compact gear does not always go hand in hand with baby packing so any versatile product like the ciao! baby portable high chair is a huge asset to parents on the go.

Find out more about ciao! baby and their portable high chair on their website: theportablehighchair.com or on Social Media with Twitter, Facebook or Instagram

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MyRxProfile – The App That Everyone Needs

August 21, 2017 by Leave a Comment

MyRxProfile has the potential to save lives. Studies show that 1.5 million Americans are hurt each year by preventable medicine errors. Many people are unaware that over-the-counter (OTC) analgesics can cause potentially serious adverse effects when used in combination with other common medications. Even commonly used over the counter children’s cold and allergy medications can have an adverse drug reaction when taken with another commonly used medication like Adderall. That is really a scary thought if you have a child who is on a regular medication and gets a cold or a fever and you don’t realize there are potentially lethal results to giving something as simple as Tylenol.

Pharmacist Robert Baker realized there was a problem with people obtaining overall drug information after conducting a lengthy amount of research. As a pharmacist, Robert has had extensive patient interaction for over the last 30 years. This gave him great insight into what patients need to have –useful at hand knowledge of their medications.  Some of the more important issues patients stressed were over the counter (OTC) interactions with their current medications, as well as interactions between their prescription medications. Patients also expressed the need to have an easily accessible list of all of their medications to present to their doctor – so they would know what their patient was taking and to have their own medication information on hand.

To fix the problem that so many of us have, Robert created MyRxProfile. The MyRxProfile app can alleviate the stress we go through as parents and caregivers by helping people manage over the counter and prescription medications and interactions with other medications by checking drug information and interactions with a simple scan of a barcode or typing your Rx prescription information.  MyRxProfile allows you to email your doctor this medication profile directly. This really simplifies things!

One brilliant feature that stood out to me – you can add multiple profiles so that you can keep track of your own prescriptions as well as your kid’s prescriptions. This is really helpful for those of us who are taking care of multiple children who might be taking regular medications – or even those who are prone to something as simple as yearly allergies. I also like the fact that there is a new feature that alerts you if you are combining “like” ingredients, such as acetaminophen. Did you know that there are over 600 prescription medications that contain acetaminophen?

MyRxProfile

The MyRxProfile app is simple and easy to use. You can check for drug interactions with a simple swipe of your phone and scan of a bar code. People shouldn’t have to second-guess whether or not they can take medications together. MyRxProfile has taken out the guesswork – and made it simple to potentially save a life!

The app is available for iOS and Android. For more information on MyRxProfile, visit MyRxProfile.com, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

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It’s Still Summer- Take Advantage With With These Fun Toys

August 9, 2017 by Leave a Comment

As we head into the last few weeks of summer, soak up ever last bit of fun.

Water balloon fights are awesome, but are not fun to clean up after, and a few people always get stuck making a ton of balloons (and those knots….blah).  An easy work around is the new Water Wubble.  The Water Wubble is a new water based Wubble (the latest toy in the Wubble family) which is able to be filled with water from the pool, faucet, ocean, or hose easily and quickly. It easily seals up after filling.  When it is thrown, it hits your target with a splash and can be refilled again and again for loads of fun. No knots required.

We have found the Water Wubble is easy to fill in the pool, at the beach and the hose all just the same.   These are a lot of fun, and who doesn’t love a water fight in the heat of the summer?  The coolest part of the Water Wubble is its re-usability.  Each Wubble can be filled hundreds of times and seal up easily and can be used again and again. The Water Wubble is available online directly from the Wubble website, Walmart, Target and ToysRUs.  The Water Wubble retails for $14.99.

Looking for some indoor/outdoor fun? WeCool’s Bobble Bitz™, aimed at girls ages five and up but would be fun for anyone who likes to create (don’t want to pigeonhole!)  is a squishy molding compound that lets kids create all sorts of unique items and designs that harden overnight jewelry they can wear or artwork they can show off on the mantle. There are four different Bobble Bitz sets to choose from. including the Bobble Bitz™ Creation Station  which is the largest and most complete set. It contains six different colored compounds and an assortment of molds, clips and art tools for designing jewelry, window clings, keychains, and anything else your little artist can dream up. $29.99 at https://www.buybobblebitz.com/

You can also get kits specific to your child’s favorite type of art or creativity medium- there are the Bobble Bitz™ Too Cool Window Clings kit, $14.99, a fashion kit for $14.99, and a Bobble Bitz™ Triple Creation Packs that has three containers of different colored crunchy molding compound for $9.99Pick what works for you and yours, see how it goes.

Looking to make a mess? We’ve got you covered. Compound Kings is all about the Slime- and I’ve got to say, there is something oddly satisfying about it. (Ages 4 and up)

Compound Kings™ Fluffy – Squishy like slime, but with a little poof, this fluffy stuff comes ready to be used and in a wide array of bright colors. It’s crazy stretchy . Prefer to make it? Get the powder version! All you need to do is add water and you will get a slime that is ready in just a few minutes. The container it comes in doubles as storage, so there isn’t a mess afterwards. Don’t leave it out, that gets all sorts of ew. You can also get a DIY kit that has 13 different packs of powder and “make your own color” compound. You can even do glitter, hey now- maybe they won’t want to tell their little sisters.  You can pick them up in single packs and 3 packs as well, and in all sorts of colors, including neon. Prices from $2.99 and up in stores like Michaels.

And for my fellow 80’s babies (and everyone else), this is more of a look ahead- but I’m excited. As you might remember from our Toy Fair shout outs, Teddy Ruxpin is soon to make a comeback, new and digitally remastered for the more technologically demanding child of today.  After his new hi-tech makeover (sorry, no more  cassette tapes in his back) and an LCD eyelift, he’s ready to go for the Fall season. I personally can’t wait, he was one of the most treasured toys of my childhood.

Coming at you from Wicked Cool Toys, who have been very into the “what’s old is new again” retro toys, Teddy Ruxpin will hit shelves in time for holidays (but I have to tell you I already saw them on Toys R Us and Walmart websites for $99 and $94, respectively).

Visit http://www.teddyruxpin.com/ to find out more and to get your hands on one. These are going to go fast, so if you want one, you are going to need to move fast.

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Must Have Toddler Shoes from Max & Ola

July 28, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Disclosure- We received the below in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are our own and honest.

Finding adorable and functional shoes for a just starting to walk toddler can be a little tricky. I must say that I absolutely love these adorable moccasins from Max & Ola.

About Max & Ola: 

“Just as we must protect and care for our earth, so we must protect and care for our children” 

At Max & Ola’s, they are dedicated to the safety and welfare of the planet, and the health and happiness of children.

They make baby shoes and baby apparel in the time-honored tradition; with their hands & their hearts, using only certified, non-toxic materials. We start with the finest materials they can find, and then they do their best to make sure these are processed as naturally as possible, without harsh chemicals, so they can keep our environment and our children healthy. They believe you should not put anything on your baby that the earth doesn’t know how to produce organically.

They are a business within a family, and when they say “our family” – they mean their family, your family, and the family of man, and so they honor the ideals of fair-trade and social responsibility. Fairness, honesty, and integrity are the paradigms of their company and their mission statement, and they prectice the principles they believe in.

“When we make shoes for your little ones – we make them the same way we make shoes for our little ones, for your children are our children, and our children are yours.”

About TOT Moccasins:

Sueded and ultra-soft baby moccasins! The plush “Tot Moccasins” are ultra-sturdy and ultra-easy to slip on and off chubby little feet – yet stay firmly in place when you want them to! An ideal lighter shoe for Pre-Walkers and First Walkers, thanks to the special rubberized “pebbles” inset in the soles. Max & Ola’s “Tot Moccasins” actually facilitate the “learning to walk” stage, giving your baby the traction they need to stand and toddle forward without slipping.

The inner and outer linings of the hand-stitched baby moccasins are made of fine Italian goat leather that’s been vegetable tanned (no chromium) – so that they’re hypo-allergenic and healthy for sensitive little feet, with or without socks. Rubberized pebbles also protect the bottom of the shoes from dirt and soil at the same time.

Features:

  • Suede leather & sole
  • Soft leather lining
  • Chromium free leather
  • Rubber grips
  • Slips on

My Thoughts:

I absolutely love these Moccasins. They are adorable and completely functional. My little girl actually has incredibly small feet so she’s just getting close to wearing them, but I do have a friend with a daughter that has a little bit bigger feet and she loved trying on the shoes and wearing them all around the house. Both of the girls loved the color of them and were constantly trying to put them on their own feet. I know these are just my first pair, but I definitely am wanting to get some of the boots of the other new adorable styles that they have to offer.

Purchase:

If you are interested in purchasing these adorable Tot Moccasins or any other great shoes that Max & Ola has to offer, head on over to their website and find some that are perfect for the Tot in your life :).

 

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