Ashley — MomStart

The Neater Feeder AMAZING Pet Bowl – Lucy’s New Doggie Dinette

May 19, 2012 By Momstart 11 Comments

I’ve always had dogs… but it wasn’t until this week that I found an AMAZING pet bowl. – The Neater Feeder.

After growing up with dogs as pets, getting a dog with my husband years ago, and always having friends and family with dogs, one thing seems to be the same – dogs are messy eaters and drinkers. I remember my mom used to keep a towel under our dogs water bowls to soak up the splashing that inevitably seemed to happen every time they took a drink. With our own dog, we resorted to the placemat under the dishes… but still… it was gross. The smart design of the Neater Feeder has fixed all of those problems and more.

The first great thing about the Neater Feeder is the adjustable height. Larger dogs are supposed to have elevated food bowls, but that’s really tough. The Neater Feeder has various leg extenders and rubber stoppers on the bottom to prevent the bowls from sliding and sloshing around.

I also LOVE how the water bowl is deeper that the food bowl. That’s exactly what every dog needs… and the people at Neater Feeder finally got it right. You might now be thinking about the yucky factors that could come up from having food right next to water… but another act of design genius took care of that. The Neater Feeder has a two layer tray that lets any water that spills go down to the bottom level while sifting out any food that may get dropped. This keeps the mess off of your floors AND makes it easier to clean up.

I can honestly say that anyone who has pets… ESPECIALLY indoor pets, would find a lot of joy in owning the Neater Feeder. It makes the mealtime for our four-legged friends a little more enjoyable for everyone! You can even have a chance to win one for your favorite pet. Follow the directions in the Rafflecopter below! Good luck!

About Ashley: Ashley is a mom, wife, sister, daughter, friend, and former teacher working to navigate through the mysterious world of Mommyia. Read more about her adventures at http://www.momicles.com/and follow her @Momicles2010 .

Disclosure – A product was provided for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Filed Under: Ashley, review Tagged With: dog bowl, Neater Feeder, pets, review

Educational Software for Kids: A Great 3-D Learning System from Cypher

May 6, 2012 By Momstart 15 Comments

By: Ashley

The former teacher in me came out when I started playing with Cypher 3-D Learning System – Wild Animal Adventures. When Louise first showed me the box, I thought it was just some ordinary flash card set with some minor computer add on. Boy was I wrong! These flashcards are like nothing else I’ve seen.

At some point, we have all had some kind of experience with flash cards. You hold up a card, say the fact that goes along with it, then move on to the next card. Imagine this: the information on your card comes to life… in 3-D! That is exactly what Cypher Kids has created with their 3-D Learning System.

How does it work? After starting the software, you hold the card up and let your webcam read the 3-D marker on the back. Once the camera has caught the marker, a whole 3-D world comes to life. I had the Wild Animal Adventures set to test out, so each card brought with it a different animal start complete with habitat, wildlife sounds, and amazingly realistic animation. You can move the card around to see different angles of the image on the screen, and even use different key commands to control the actions of the animals.

As a teacher (and after asking some elementary teacher friends of mine), I think that this would be GREAT for school age kids. It really gives them an interactive tool to learn. It is a little tricky to figure out exactly how to hold the cards and maneuver things to get the best images on the screen, but after a little practice, kids will be working with the cards like pros. The facts that the program shares while the images are on screen are simple enough for younger kids to understand, but interesting enough to keep the attention of 2 graders and kids even older! I also LOVE that each card is made of sturdy cardboard to help them stand up to the wear and tear that kids always bring.

I was lucky enough to test out the Wild Animal Adventures set, but they have a whole line of 3-D learning cards.

· Wild Animal Adventures

· Colors and Shapes

· Things That Go

· Number

· Letters

There are definitely enough options to keep your kids (whether at home or in your classroom)busy and LEARNING for a long time!

About Ashley: Ashley is a mom, wife, sister, daughter, friend, and former teacher working to navigate through the mysterious world of Mommyia. Read more about her adventures at www.Momicles.com and follow her@Momicles2010 .

A product was provided for this review. No compensation was received for this post. All opinions expressed are my own.

Filed Under: Ashley, review Tagged With: 3D flash cards, cyber cards, cypher 3-d learning system, review

A Boy and His Trucks – Tonka Chuck and Friends DieCast Collectibles to the Rescue

April 21, 2012 By Momstart 16 Comments

By: Ashley

There is something about a boy and his trucks. Maybe in your house it’s not trucks… but there is probably some wheeled device that your son can’t really live without. It’s the toy that you know you need to have on hand to make it through the day, the restaurant, the doctor’s appointment… whatever is one hand for the day. Since most of Atticus’s toys have been packed away, he has been missing some of his favorite cars and trucks. That’s where Tonka Chuck and Friends DieCast Collectibles came to the rescue.

When I first got these cute little trucks, I thought I had done a good job of hiding them until I was ready to break them out… Atticus knew they were there though and kept digging them out asking if he could play with them. After a few days of this, I knew it was time. Neither one of us could resist their amazing colors and cute faces.

Once we opened up Tonka Chuck and all his friends, I was surprised by 2 things. First of all the study, high quality build of the trucks was really impressive. These trucks will definitely hold up to more of the typical toddler play than many other traditional toy cars.

I was even more surprised (and impressed) by the DVD that came in each box! Maybe I’ve been living under a rock somewhere, but I had no idea Tonka Chuck and Friends had a cartoon! The DVD comes with a short cartoon that is appropriate for kids of ALL ages. The cartoons we watched had good messages and were completely engaging. I was SO HAPPY to see the read along story book on the DVD too! This section of the DVD read a story with the characters and even had the words on the screen to follow along. Especially as Atticus gets older, this will be a GREAT thing. Having kids recognize that text carries meaning and tells stories is a huge part of learning to read.

Great toys, entertaining cartoons, and a learning tool? I’m in! Atticus is too. Days later and these little trucks haven’t lost their luster. He has even fallen asleep with one in his bed! There are seven characters available this spring and more coming this fall! I can’t wait to see what other cute characters they come out with next! If you’re interested, you should be able to find Chuck and his friends at most major toy retailers nationwide and on HasbroToyShop.com.

A product was provided for this review. No compensation was received for this post. All opinions expressed are my own.

Filed Under: Ashley, review Tagged With: Chuck The Truck, Hasbro, Tonka Chuck and Friends DieCast Collectibles, Tonka Chuck and Friends to the Rescue, toy review

Happy 60th Anniversary to One Spud-tacular Couple Mr & Mrs Potato Head

April 21, 2012 By Momstart 18 Comments

By: Ashley

Did you have a Potato Head when you were a kid? I did. I remember his little blue shoes, goofy nose, and the little flap that held it all it when I was done. It’s pretty amazing to see Atticus having the same silly fun with Mr. and Mrs. Potato head now, that I had when I was a kid.

Did you know that Mr. and Mrs. Potato head have been married for 60 years! That’s 60 years of looking into each other’s eyes (wherever they may have popped up). 60 years of parts moving around and loving each other all the same. 60 years of seeing new toys come and go and technology take over. One thing has remained the same – The Potato Head is still an incredibly engaging toy that kids and adults all have an amazing time with!

I can’t lie about how excited I was when I saw the 60th anniversary Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head all dressed up to celebrate their anniversary. There’s no doubt about it. They are not showing their age AT ALL. I hope that when my husband and I celebrate our 60^th anniversary we look half as young as sMASHing as this couple. Hasbro has a set showcasing the couple in all their marital splendor… and I LOVE it. How could such an iconic couple let their anniversary slip by without renewing their vows?

Atticus of course had a great time rearranging all of their parts. I personally fell in love with the adorable way their hands are joined … and they have on wedding rings! Again, not that I would expect any less from a couple with such strong roots.

All potato puns aside, there really is something timeless and so classic about Mr. and Mrs. Potato head. It’s one of those toys kids, parents, and grandparents all have such great memories attached to. They let you create, be silly, and just have fun. Sure, if you want to know what it can teach your child I understand. It focuses on body parts, reasoning, and problem solving. I really think the best part though, is imagination.

So… like I said… Happy Anniversary to one of the most Spudtacular couples I know. Here’s to you Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head… and all the years to come!

The 60^th Anniversary Ediction Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head is available at most major toy retailers nationwide and on HasbroToyShop.com.

I received a product to review for this post. All opinions expressed are my own.

Filed Under: Ashley, review Tagged With: 60th anniversary Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head, children's toy, Hasbro, Mr. Mrs. Potato head, spudtacular couple, toy review

Bring the Great Outdoors In With AirWick’s National Park Collection

April 18, 2012 By Momstart 15 Comments

By: Ashley

There is something so wonderful about walking into a house that smells good. When I travel back to VA, I sometimes stay with someone who has one of those really good smelling houses. It’s not overpowering… but just enough that you walk in and let out a pleasant sigh. With a dog, a little boy, and especially when we had a kitty, I was really missing that feeling in my own home. That was until I started using AirWick plug ins. AirWick has such a wide variety of scents and smells that don’t overwhelm. I’m definitely a person who doesn’t like those overpowering aromas. They end up giving me a headache. With AirWick plug ins, I had the awesome “my house smells good” pleasant sigh, without the overwhelming odor headache.

Recently, I had the chance to try out a new AirWick smell. Louise was heading out of town so I offered to swing by and pick up some more products to review. When she opened up a package from AirWick promoting their new National Park Collection, I was SO excited. AirWick has a new line of scents based on the National Parks! A portion of the proceeds from each purchase is donated to the National Park Foundation, the official charity of America’s national parks. These scents are amazing! I love natural scents the most and the National Parks Collection is a great way to bring the outdoors in. With four different scents allowing you to spruce up your home AND help support over 400 national parks across the country, the AirWick National Park Collection is a great addition to your home! What 4 scents are available?

· Glacier Bay Serene Waters

· Hawai’i Tropical Sunset

· Yellowstone Wildflower Valley

· Virgin Islands Paradise Flowers

You have to act fast though, because these air freshener scents are only available for a limited time.

After plugging in our AirWick and letting ourselves get swept away by the scent of the Yellowstone Wildflower Valley, I let Atticus take a peek in the viewfinder that came along with our special package. With so many pictures of our country’s amazing national parks, my travel bucket list just got a lot longer!

If you want to learn more about AirWick and their partnership with the National Park Foundation check out their website.

A product was provided for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Filed Under: Ashley, review Tagged With: air freshener, AirWick, AirWick Plug ins, AirWick’s National Park Collection, Ashley

We’re Going to Be on TV The Balancing Act on Lifetime! Thank You Sani-Brand

April 15, 2012 By Momstart 29 Comments

By: Ashley

Remember a while back, when Louise and I talked about our trip to Florida for the filming of The Balancing Act? Well our big debut is almost here. I have to say, I’m a little nervous about it! It’s been awhile since all of this started, so let me give you a quick refresher.

In December, we ran a giveaway sponsored by Sani-Brand. I had an AWESOME time reviewing their products and learned so much about staying healthy during cold and flu season. In fact, my family stayed pretty healthy all winter long! (I am currently knocking on wood… twice just to make sure.) I would like to think that had something to do with our commitment to keeping our hands clean and using our Sani-Brand wipes. I really did keep my Sani-Brand wipes handy pretty much all the time. I kept some by the table for quick pre-meal washes, some in the car, individual packet wipes in my purse/diaper bag for when we were on the go… you name the place, Sani-Brand wipes were there with me.

After the great entries we had on the December “This Calls for Sani” contest, Louise and I got to travel to the Balancing Act studio in Ft. Lauderdale, FL for a segment all about Sani-Brand. It was a great experience! Michael Ferrara of Sani-Brand was there with us supporting us every step of the way. (Thanks, Mike!) The people working on The Balancing Act were amazing too! Danielle Knox, the host, did a fantastic job leading us through the interview and making us feel comfortable.

Since then, I have learned SO much more about Sani-Brand… and I’ve continued to make the products part of our normal routine. I even went in search of Sani-Brand wipes at Wal-Mart when we were out of town… and luckily they were there waiting for me.

The countdown is officially on. Our segment from The Balancing Act will air on April 17. That’s just around the corner! So, make sure you check Louise and I out then… AND to celebrate, there might just be another Sani-Brand giveaway coming up. Stay tuned!

Here’s a teaser link… as soon as the video is ready, you’ll be able to see it here.

Thanks to Sani-Brand and The Balancing Act for their time. No compensation was received for this post. All opinions expressed are my own.

Filed Under: Ashley, personal Tagged With: Lifetime, personal, The Balancing Act

Peppa Pig – A Cute Little Friend with Fun Family and Friends

April 11, 2012 By Momstart 16 Comments

By: Ashley

With all of the cleaning, chaos, and clutter that comes with moving, I have let Atticus watch A LOT more TV than usual. I’ve learned (or maybe “accepted” is the better word) that TV is not the worst thing in the world… it really just matters what is being watched. That said, I have been really happy with Peppa Pig. At first I had never heard of the cute little pig who captivates audience with a perky little British accent. Why a British accent? Peppa Pig has been a favorite in the UK for quite some time. Last year, Peppa and her family made their way onto Nick, Jr. in the US and have been a hit!

I like Peppa Pig because, please forgive my candid comment, it isn’t annoying. Yep, I said it. Many children’s shows can have odd voices, or scenarios that simply don’t make sense. Peppa Pig does a great job of entertaining children. The animation is simple and moves fairly slowly. I think this is great as it doesn’t over stimulate younger viewers. There seems to be a little something for all younger children. There is clear descriptive language that helps little ones build their vocabulary, there are simple cause and effect situations (great for helping children understand causal relationships), and stories that focus on family, friendship… and FUN!

I have to admit that my FAVORITE thing about Peppa Pig is the humor. I am not kidding when I say that I chuckled more than once or twice over some of the silly situations that come up on Peppa Pig. I actually just finished watching an episode called Cleaning the Car with Atticus and couldn’t help but laugh when Peppa accidentally squirted her mother and little brother (George) with the water hose! It’s great to watch silly things that I can laugh about with Atticus and know that there is also a positive message. No, not squirting your family with a water hose! (Though there is a time and a place… ) The Pig family worked together to clean the car… and had a good time doing it. THAT is something that I want him to hold on to.

Great messages and great educational benefits are what make Peppa Pig something that I’m comfortable letting Atticus watch. Thanks to Peppa Pig and her family… they’ve helped our family have fun while working on our own adventure! You should check it out too! Don’t know where? Check your TV listings, order some DVDs online, or even go to Nick Jr. online to meet Peppa and her family. We’ve loved the DVD and goodies that we received for this review. Hopefully we’ll see some more of the Peppa goodies here in the US soon!

About Ashley: Ashley is a mom, wife, sister, daughter, friend, and former teacher working to navigate through the mysterious world of Mommyia. Read more about her adventures at www.Momicles.com.

Disclosure – A product was provided to me by the manufacturer or a representing PR firm. All opinions expressed were my own and not influenced by monetary compensation.

Filed Under: Ashley, book review, review Tagged With: Ashley, book review, Children's book, Muddy Puddles, Peppa Pig, review

Book Series: Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff for Moms

April 10, 2012 By Momstart 16 Comments

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff for Moms –Now Available Online!

By: Ashley

It has taken me almost 2 years, but I am FINALLY starting to realize how to let go of the little things that stress me out everyday in my job as a mom. I’m not gonna lie… I have really struggled with that. The good news is, almost every mom out there has some of those same issues. Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff for Moms is a brand new addition to the Don’t Sweat series that has a special message and meaning for moms. Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff for Moms is available online and in stores. Moms can purchase the book online at Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Want to know what the fuss is all about? Check out this book trailer.

I’ll be bringing you more from my own life as I work harder to be a Don’t Sweat Mom… I’m trying not to let the little things worry me so much… and focus on the greater joy in life. Keep an eye out for more from me as I go through my Don’t Sweat journey.

Disclosure – I am a Don’t Sweat Mom and part of the Don’t Sweat Moms national campaign. I receive compensation for participation in this program. All views and opinions expressed are my own and are not monetarily influenced.

Filed Under: Ashley Tagged With: don't sweat, Don't sweat the small stuff, Kristine Garlson

Yala Free Soul Collection: Jewelry for the Greater Good

April 9, 2012 By Momstart 7 Comments

Jewelry: A Gift for the Greater Good– Yala Free Soul Collection AND DISCOUNT CODE

By: Ashley

A couple months ago, I wrote about Yala, a company that keeps social good at the top of their list. I was so excited about this company, I have recommended them to my friends and family. In fact, Yala is going to play a big part in my sister’s special day!

Next month, my sister is going to be getting married. As her older (and wiser ) sister, I am the Maid of Honor. If you want to be all technical about it, I’m actually the “Matron” of honor… but that just sounds OLD. Nevertheless, I’ve been hard at work helping my sister plan out all the details of her special day. When she came to me asking about jewelry and gifts for her bridesmaids, I knew EXACTLY what to tell her. The Yala Free Soul Collection makes the perfect stop for gift shopping.

My sister knew that she wanted something special and meaningful for her nearest and dearest friends. She also knew that she wanted jewelry – affordable, stunning, jewelry. Most of all, she wanted something that had a purpose. Not just a shiny object… but something that was for the greater good. Yala jewelry is made by women around the world. Through a partnership with Nest, women in developing countries are able to make big changes in their lives. These pieces of jewelry help provide an income and a sense of stability to women, their families, and their communities. THAT is a gift that carries some meaning!

Who would like a gift from Yala’s Free Soul Collection? ANYONE! This is the season for graduations and weddings – both the perfect opportunity for a meaningful gift. They’re also the perfect opportunity for adding a little something special to your own look. I know that my jewelry collection has definitely improved since I was first introduced to Yala.

To get your collection started, you can use this discount code set up especially for MomStart readers. Your coupon code is SOUL20 for 20% off and it’s good from April 9^th – April 23^rd. That’s plenty of time to stock up on some great jewelry or even some AMAZINGLY soft clothing from their Bamboo Dreams collection.

More About Yala Jewelry on MomStart

I have not received any compensation for this post. The opinions and views expressed are that of my own.

Filed Under: Ashley, review Tagged With: Discount Code, jewelry, review, Soul Collection AND DISCOUNT CODE, Yala

A Cute Felt Easter Basket Filled With Fun Items

April 6, 2012 By Momstart 3 Comments

Baskets from the Bunny – How to Avoid the Sugar Rush… and CRASH!

By: Ashley

I have great memories of Easter as a child… and one of those memories truly is begging for candy from my Easter basket. Unfortunately, I also remember nearly getting sick one Easter because I kept sneaking candy without my parents knowing! I was a child who loved to share though… and I shared with the dog. Poor dog. She ended up sicker than I did. She liked Peeps… I didn’t.

ANYWAY… now that I have a little one of my own… a little one who doesn’t really know the wonders of candy and chocolate… I’ve had to make a few decisions. The first was whether or not we were even going to do an Easter basket. My husband and I decided that done within reason (no crazy elaborate baskets filled with 80 pounds of candy and 32 new toys), an Easter basket was an okay thing to do. It’s a great time to help little ones realize how happy they can be with simple things and a great way to welcome in spring!

That said, here are some ideas on how to keep an Easter basket low in sugar, calories, and cost.

- $1 Toys – We stopped in the handy dollar section at Target and picked up 1 (yes O-N-E) toy to add to the basket. It’s a little zippy car. No logos, no characters… just a car. They also had toys geared towards little girls, but the point is, one and done! Both one dollar and one toy. =)

- Bubbles! – Bubbles are the toy that everyone loves. Big and small, bubbles are a great way to get outdoors and have some fun!

- Multi-purpose “Basket” – First of all, don’t feel the need to spend money on an elaborate basket. Look for a multi-purpose, inexpensive goody holder. We actually found a cute frog bucket made out of felt. It says “spring” but also says $1.50 on the price tag. Even better is that once Easter is over, it still looks cute out holding toys during the spring and summer.

- Non-Candy Treats – Yes, there will be a few sweet treats in the Easter basket, but there will also be Rainbow Goldfish! It’s something he loves… and they’re not too bad for you! Pirate booty, cute shaped pretzels, dried fruit… whatever floats your non-candy boat.

- Plastic Eggs – USE THEM! Instead of putting an entire anything of food in the basket, put 2 or 3 of something in each egg. This limits how much candy you need to buy and limits how much will get eaten. =) This year, I heard the Easter Bunny is going to put a few M&Ms in 5 or 6 plastic eggs for Atticus. In the others, there is going to be a few colorful Goldfish crackers. (At least that’s what I’ve heard! )

Do you have any good ideas for Easter baskets that you’d like to share? Leave a comment. We’d love to hear what you have to say!

Happy Easter!

About Ashley: Ashley is a mom, wife, sister, daughter, friend, and former teacher working to navigate through the mysterious world of Mommyia. Read more about her adventures at www.Momicles.com.

Filed Under: Ashley, crafts Tagged With: Easter, Easter Basket, easter treats, felt easter basket, what's in your easter basket