American Greetings: Photoworks Studio Books Review

Photoworks is a free website where people can upload their digital photos and share them, buy individual copies, or make and buy a special photo book.  We don’t have a photo printer yet, so all of my digital pictures are stored on my computer.  I was excited to participate in a Mom Central review of Photoworks for this reason.  We were asked to create a baby book on their website. 

First, they ask you to sign up, which is free and short.  They have a big selection of baby albums, so it was fun to choose.  I immediately picked Noah’s Ark, because that is our baby’s name. ( JUST CLICK ON ALL OF THE PHOTOS BELOW FOR A CLOSER VIEW)

 

After choosing your album, I followed the instructions to upload pictures for it.  I am used to doing this every day, so for me it that is an easy process.  For newbies, there are directions that are easy to follow. 

Once your photos are loaded, they will show at the top of the screen for selection.  The next step is to choose which photo you want on each page and to add text.  This is easily done by clicking on the photo you want and dragging it into the empty box.  If it isn’t the correct size, a ! will appear and tell you to choose a picture that will fit.  For the text, just click on the text box and type it in.  This is the front cover picture I chose.

Here is another example of one of the other pages.  On each page it is the same proccess, click and drag. 

I was happy with the process.  It was easy to follow and user friendly.  The click and drag process is impressive.  This is a lot easier then scrapbooking, not to mention a time saver.  I don’t think I could afford to do this for every picure, but i would happily pay for an album for each child because their pictures are a treasured keepsake.

Disclosure:  I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of American Greetings PhotoWorks and received a free photo book to facilitate my review.”

Healthy Choice All Natural Entries

I am ready to lose the baby weight.   OK, the weight I already had even before I got pregnant.   That is one reason I chose to apply to review the new Healthy Choice meals.   I have liked some of their selections in the past, so I wanted to try their new meals. They sent me two of their meals from the All Natural Selections line, which features all natural ingredients and vegetarian choices.   I tried the Roasted Red Pepper Marinara, which I really liked and the Tortellini Primavera Parmesan, which I didn’t.   The Tortellini is made with whole wheat pasta, and I could tell the difference in taste.   Normally I don’t mind whole wheat, but for some reason this meal didn’t appeal to me.   I did really like the Red Pepper Marinara’s taste.   I think with their meals, once you find the ones you like, just stick with those.

I like to buy Healthy Choice for a couple of reasons.   They have a big selection and variety to choose from.   It is easy to keep track of calories, and fat and if you are on weight watcher’s they have the points on the box.   Their website http://www.healthychoice.com/ has a page with coupons and a newsletter where you can keep up with new products and future coupons.   There is a coupon for their new ice cream right now, so that is next on my grocery list.

“I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Healthy Choice and received a sample to facilitate my candid review. Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

Banquet Thanks A Million

 

I will admit that I don’t cook made from scratch meals every day. Okay, I don’t even cook four days a week.   We do eat a lot of frozen food because it is easy and fast in our hectic schedule. We will grab frozen dinners to eat once in a while and have bought Banquet meals for several reasons. They taste great and are a good price. Banquet offers a wide selection too.  Our family favorite is the chicken nuggets and the family size Lasagna.  I was happy when they started making bigger meals to serve the whole family.  I wanted to let you know that I learned Banquet is giving away one million dollars worth of cash prizes all of this month and through April.  Just look for the Instant Win Game logo on the top of the boxes.  I posted a picture below for you to see what it look like.  The packages will have a special game peice that will be worth anywhere from ten to one hundred thousand dollars.  How cool is that!  You may also win a coupon.  The program is called “Thanks a Million” and you can click here to find more details and and official rules.

  disclosure: I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Banquet and received a sample to facilitate my candid review. Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

Scene It Eighties Game Review

Scene It? 80s Deluxe Edition

Do you enjoy trivia games?  Scene It Movies is one of our favorite games. We have had hours of fun playing it, so when I found out Scene It had an eighties trivia version, I had to try it out. I grew up in the eighties so I knew I would have fun re-living them. The cover alone brings giggles, because it features Kirk Cameron. Who didn’t love him?   If you have played any of the other Scene It games, the Eighties trivia version has the same basic set up.

The game begins with players choosing one of four collectible tokens to represent their team. The game board is collapsible and features two sizes, giving you the option of playing a 15-minute quick game or a 40-minute extended game.  Teams advance around the board by answering two types of questions: traditional trivia cards and DVD-based puzzles. The trivia cards, which resemble what you might find in Trivial Pursuit, come in three different categories: green “Take Three” questions, orange “Songs, Slogans and Sayings” questions, and yellow “Pop Culture” questions. They vary in difficulty, and some of the tougher questions are challenging enough to stump even the most loyal ’80s enthusiasts.

The main attraction, however, is the interactive DVD game. Featuring hundreds of video clips, sound bites, and images from the ’80s, the DVD challenges players to solve brain-teasing puzzles. With a variety of different puzzle categories, the DVD puts your knowledge of ’80s to the test. Categories include “Distorted Reality,” where players must identify a character based on a distorted image, and “Spellbinders,” which challenges players to decode a secret message.

They cover the popular movies, tv shows,songs, fads and more from the eighties and it was so much fun to remember them. If you are a Scene It fan and know some eighties trivia, you would definitely enjoy this game. By the way, I did win against my husband.  Scene It games are available at Amazon and stores everywhere.  

 I received this review and game as a member of the Game Review Network.  Make sure you click over to see what new video game giveaway they have this month!

Fun and Function Sens-ational Tees Review

As a mom of a sweet boy who has some challenges because of Autism, I am always on the lookout for services and products to help him on his journey. Fun and Function is a wonderful resource for families who have children with special needs.   They not only sell great products, but offer resources, information and actually listen to us to help them decide what to offer.

They are now offering Sen sational Hug Tees that give children with sensory processing disorder, all-day sensory input by providing deep reassuring pressure that feels like a hug.  Every child is different, some children on the spectrum don’t like to be touched at all, while others, like our son Nolan, are just fine with hugs and touching.   Either way, children with sensory processing disorder can feel calmer by feeling that pressure(just like a hug).   This is obviously a challenge for those children who don’t like to be touched.   Temple Grandin was a pioneer in developing and advocating about this and developed a “hug” machine.   The movie about her on HBO told the story about how she came to develop it. If you haven’t watched it, I highly recommend it.   She is an inspiration.   Sensory shirts are supposed to give children that same feeling and it is a great idea.

We reviewed the blue dinosaur T shirt.   First, it passed the test from the washer and didn’t shrink.   It is a tighter fit shirt, obviously, and Nolan was happy to try it on.   No tags was another plus.   Nolan’s comments were” I’m like Spiderman” and when I asked him how it feels, he said “good, like fuzzy.”   He has worn the shirt around the house several times.   I asked him if it made him feel good, and his response was yes.   Because of the “tighter look”, I would have him wear it under another shirt if he were to wear it to school or somewhere else.   I am grateful for the innovative ideas and products that are developed to help children with sensory needs and I would definitely recommend these shirts.   I also wanted to share the latest research news about sensory processing disorder and Autism with this article.  Also, here is the link to advocate for getting sensory processing disorder added to the DSM-5.

About Sen Sational Hug Tees

Organic Cotton-spandex blend is seamless and tag less too! Wide neck for ultimate comfort. Can be worn as a tee or underneath a looser shirt as a tight undergarment. Machine washable. Sizes by age. You can purchase the tees for $19.99 at their website www.funandfunction.com.  I would recommend their facebook page and twitter, where you can interact with them and share your needs. 

Lou Lou’s Corner Online Toy Shop

 

Are you looking for good deals on children’s toys, clothes or accessories?   Lou Lou’s Corner is an online shop that has a wide selection.   They sell many brands of toys including Alex, Jellycat, Automoblox and Plan toys. We were able to review a Plan toy, the Animal Puzzle. Nolan and I had fun creating the patterns that the book suggested, and we also improvised and played with the animals on their own. The animals are cute and Plan Toys are well made.  I also like it is made with recycled wood and natural paint, so it’s safe.  The puzzles the book suggested may be difficult for some children.   Below is a detailed description of the Animal Puzzle. You can purchase it and other Plan Toys at their website http://www.loulouscorner.com/.   Currently they have a Red Tag Sale of a wide selection of clothing and toys at 20-75 percent off.  

Plan Toy Animal Puzzle 

Learning about shapes and patterns are essential to child development, and that’s what Plan Toys had in mind when they created this Animal Puzzle. Toy includes a 6″x6″ square natural wood board painted with grid lines and sixteen painted “animals.” The idea is to move the animals about the board organizing the animals in different patterns each time. Great for learning about animals, shapes, puzzles, and patterns, Plan’s Animal Puzzle is a perfect developmental toy! 

includes wooden board and 16 “animals” 

colored with natural dyes and paints 

perfect for children ages 3 and up 

made from recycled rubber wood 

 

Oreck Platinum Pilot Vacuum Review

  

 

I was absolutely beyond thrilled to review their new Platinum Pilot vacuum. They are stepping it up to compete with the other swivel vacuums and this makes me so happy! I took some pictures of the swivel so you can see just how far it will go. Here are my thoughtsI was in vacuum purgatory until I bought an Oreck two years ago. I can honestly say, I have purchased five vacuums in ten years and each one didn’t last much more than a year. The vacuum’s we bought were from Wal-Mart or Target, priced around $150.00 or less. We tried Dirt Devil, Eureka and Hoover. My wise mother, who has had the same Oreck for over fifteen years, suggested investing in one and we finally listened. We have had our Oreck for over two years now and haven’t had any problems. If we did, it is covered under a ten year warranty. I will never buy or use another brand! Why? Well, I’m so happy you asked! Oreck vacuums are solid, sturdy, cleaning machines. They are lightweight, have a ten year warranty, and LAST!! 

I was absolutely beyond thrilled to review their new Platinum Pilot vacuum   They are stepping it up to compete with the other swivel vacuums and this makes me so happy! I took some pictures of the swivel (above) so you can see just how far it will go. Here are my thoughts:   

 

    

Has big handle, easy to grip and use with the swivel   

 

Tracks around corners and under couches easily   

Two speeds   

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the self propelling motor, vacuum is so easy to push!   

Hepa filtration is awesome!   

Picks up dirt like a dream.   

LOVE,LOVE,LOVE the swivel!   

Lightweight, easy to carry room to room.   

Ten year warranty!   

Oreck has stores everywhere   

It’s pretty! LOL   

Need to buy bags for Oreck vacuums   

Right now Oreck.com has a special offer where you can buy three for one specials on many of their vacuums including the Platinum Pilot(free shipping). I highly recommend the investment! You won’t be disappointed!  Click here to get a tour of the Platinum Pilot to view the features up close.  You can also purchase Oreck vacuums at Oreck stores everywhere, there is a store locator on their website.

Oreck Platinum Pilot with 360° Glide:   

Unique ball-joint and pivot connection provide easy steering and greater maneuverability   

Advanced HEPA filtration and antimicrobial protection: The Pilot features IntellaShield Technology™. This is an anti-microbial agent built right into key points of the vacuum that inhibits the growth and reproduction of bacteria, mold and mildew – in and on the vacuum. It works even when the vacuum is turned off – which helps create a healthier clean.   

Two speed settings: The Pilot’s high speed helps it clean deep pile carpet, while its low speed is gentle enough to clean Oriental and Persian rugs. The two-speed switch in the handle makes it easy to start and stop the motor – with no stooping.   

Advanced sound-dampening technology   

Sleek, simple, modern design   

10 FREE annual tune-ups (a $400 value!) ( what other Vacuum does this!)   

10 year warranty ( THE BEST PART OF IT ALL THEY STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT)  

 

 

FedEx Office Blog Tour

Fedex Office now has their own blog because finding cool ideas for projects and entertaining can prove challenging even if you are the most creative of moms. Whether you want to plan a baby shower for a friend or colleague or find a fun rainy-day activity for your kids, the new Out of Office blog from FedEx Office will get you started with projects for everything from invitations and place cards to tips on how to turn your child’s artwork into a notebook, large poster, or thank you notes. In the future, the blog will feature contests and giveaways, themed series, how-to videos, and the creative insights of guest bloggers and customers. The blog has several sections of tips and articles including a home and business helper sections. The current topic is organizing for the new year and there are some good ideas. I plan to use several of the templates for chores and organization.  There are some great ones and they are free!  The Fedex Office blog would be a good website to check out and maybe add to your Google reader this year.

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of FedEx Office. In addition, Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

Holiday Gift Guide for Children

We love V Tech toys and have purchased several of their electronic educational toys for Christmas every year. Last year we bought the V Smile and it is one of Nolan’s favorite toys. It is like video game system, but educational and made for his age range (3-7). The V Motion is basically the same type of system, if fact the games are compatible with each other, but promises to make your child more active while playing the games.

First, it is very user friendly. Just install the batteries, then plug the console into the TV using three color-coded plugs. It’s also very easy to select your game and start playing. Nolan was able to master it quickly. He enjoyed the game that came with it, but loved the Disney UP game we bought even more. I have to say he didn’t work up a sweat or anything, I expected he would be jumping around. The movement is more about moving the controller with his arms. Maybe some of the other games have more active play.

Mom Likes:

Easy to connect and sturdy

Educational and active play

Compatible with V Smile cartridges

Variety of fun games and popular characters

Cons:

Limited age range

Product Description:

Don’t just park your child in front of the TV – put them in motion! The V.Smile Learning System gets kids moving while driving home lessons in math, reading, science, spelling and more. This brilliant breakthrough gaming console combines wireless, motion-activated play, Web connectivity and educational gaming into a system that plugs directly into your television. Get into the game with all your classic characters like Scooby-Doo, Thomas and Friends, and Spider-Man; plus some new ones like Kung Fu Panda, Wall.E, and Wonder Pets. Using the included controller, children can enjoy wireless action-packed play with animated friends that guide them through age-appropriate skill levels and developmental activities. Includes one controller and Action Mania software. Double the fun with an additional controller, sold separately. Additional software sold separately. Requires 4 “AA” batteries, not included. Measures 1.5″L x 3.25″W x 5″H.  You can purchase the V Motion at stores everywhere and online at Amazon. The VTech Kids website has great offers and a club to join for savings now and year round at www.vtechkids.com.

“I was given a V-Motion by VTech for my review. I was allowed to keep the product, but the opinion I am sharing remains my own.

Playskool is a leading and respected provider of classic and innovative children’s toys.  I wanted to let you know about a couple new toys that would make a perfect fit under the tree for little ones.

WHEEL PALS CLASSIC Assortment

Available this fall, the Wheel Pals Classic Assortment is designed for ages 12 and up with a very affordable suggested retail price of $3.99.

Soft and squeezable, tots will love to move these colorful roll-along friends across the floor.  The cute little WHEEL PALS CLASSIC critters are sized specially for inquisitive toddler hands.  Little ones can choose from an assortment of 12 different characters, each sold separately.  Available at most major toy retailers nationwide and on HasbroToyShop.com.

CLASSIC THEMED MR. POTATO HEAD Assortment

The classic themed Mr. Potato Head Assortment is another Playskool classic for ages two years and older.  Also available this fall, the retail price is just $9.99.

The newest members of the MR. POTATO HEAD family offer tons of imaginative fun for playful toddlers. The FRYER FIGHTER tater is ready to squelch flames with his handy fire extinguisher.  Swashbuckling spud CAPTAIN POTATO CHIPS figurine has a peg leg, eye patch, and hooked hand and is eager for action-packed expeditions.  Each figure sold separately.  Available at most major toy retailers nationwide and on HasbroToyShop.com.

What’s great about a reintroduction of the classic Mr. Potato Head is that its wonderful legacy continues.  Our five year old had so much fun with this set that it inspired him to want some similar types of build and block toys.

Tassimo T45 Review

Tassimo is a name that is fast-becoming synonymous with sophistication in Espresso machines.  This coffee maker-espresso machine is easy to use and is designed for home use by people who want quick coffee, but with the high quality taste you don’t always get from traditional canned coffees and coffee makers.

The machine is fairly compact with a sleek design. The front of the machine includes the cup base for individual cup making, the on/off switch, and a cycle button that is used to start the coffee making process and proceed through it in a few steps.  The top of the machine opens for placement of Tassimo “T-Discs”, which are the individual cup containers.  Some discs include coffee grounds, others are flavored creamers for various drinks.

The back portion of the machine contains the filtered water system that feeds the machine and merges with the coffee during brewing/frothing.  The machine comes with two filters, which each last around 6-8 weeks based on use.  The unit has a monitoring system that allows you to get a clear indication when it is time to change your water filter.  Adding water is easy.

Make sure when you begin to set up your Tassimo that you follow the directions to a “T”.  It can be a bit confusing and time consuming, but shouldn’t take too long.  The first step is to get things in place and run a few cleaning cycles to get the machine ready for use.

Making coffee begins when you turn the machine on and open the T-Disc compartment on the top.  The coffee and creamer discs amazingly have barcodes that are read by the machine for optimum brewing.  After you place the disc, the machine reads the code and signals it is ready when the green light comes on by the start button.  After you push the button, it may take a 30-60 seconds for initial brewing.  At that point, you the light moves on and you can opt to add more drink (which dilutes the strength of the coffee a bit as you add).  Once you get the amount you want, you depress the button and coffee stops.

Some drinks come with creamers that are run through the machine prior to adding the coffee.  This can make the entire coffee making process a bit longer (two-three minutes), but the quality of taste is worth it.  Other espresso drinks are made as is, which means you would add your own creamer should you desire.

The Tassimo is fun, sleek in design so it looks great on your counter, and after initial set up and use, is fairly simple to use.  The time involved in making one cup may seem a bit much, but you the quality of the drink you end up with is very much worth the wait compared to canned instant coffee.

What makes the Tassimo more fun is seleting from a growing range of coffee products (and accessories), including:

• Starbucks Verona
• Gevalia Signature Blend
• Milka Hot Chocolate
• Chai Tea Latte

Disclosure: Tassimo T45 received from company for review

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