The Loft Outlet Clothing & Jewelry Shopping Haul

Of course I should be working on reviews and giveaways and the list goes on and on. But I had to put everything off for quite a few reasons, today was the first day of school for my kids and I wanted to spend time with them. We had family visit and that kept me very very busy. Then the final reason, the reason that really killed my work, was the flash on my camera was broken. AHHHHH. Ok, I have a new flash it arrived last night thanks to Amazon’s quick free delivery. I love being an Amazon Prime member. Anyways, enough rambling, back to the post at hand…..

I went shopping at the Loft Outlet last week. I was supposed to be doing some back to school shopping but I didn’t find anything for the kids then. Instead, I found lost of jewelry for me and one cute little cotton dress to wear on my upcoming trips. Here are some photos of the jewelry.

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I’m going to LA with Disney and DreamWorks to meet the Muppets and Hugh Jackman for Real Steel. Can I say that again, I’m going to meet Hugh Jackman. Squee! So, I wanted to get a new dress and I had a gift card from the LOFT. I adore the Loft but most of the time I find their clothes are way too expensive because I’m quite frugal. I was shocked at how low the prices were in the Loft outlet. It’s good that I set a limit on myself before I went into the store because I almost went way overboard picking up dresses left and right. I purchased two necklaces and a pair of earings and a dress for 28.00. Here is a video of my Loft Outlet Shopping Haul.

 

 

 

I received the gift card from The Loft quite a while ago as part of a campaign and I never had a chance to spend it until now. LOVE IT!

Neutrogena’s New Wet Skin Sunblock Spray Video

Thanks to Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Neutrogena, we received a sample of four different types of Neutrogena’s New Wet Skin Sunblock. Luckily, the sun finally showed itself in our lovely state of Washington. I was beginning to wonder if it would ever come out this Spring, it’s been such a cold year. Even though the sun wasn’t out full blast, it’s still important to be wearing sunblock everyday. I forget that sometimes. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, up to 80 percent of the sun’s UV rays can pass through clouds on a cloudy day. Which is why my own doctor tells me to lather it on every single day.

 

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Using the Neutrogena Wet Skin spray makes 20 minutes of my life turn into 5. The kids, Miles especially hates having sunscreen put on. He screams, he kicks, he yells, it’s awful. I hate holding the kids down for anything, but as a mom I do what I have to do. Which is why, I really like using the spray sun blocks.

Not only does it make the initial application easier, but reapplication too, even in the middle of playing at the water park.  The new Neutrogena Wet Skin Sunblock Sprays for adults and kids are specifically designed to apply and adhere directly to wet skin.  Now you can apply sunblock without having to towel off your kids (from sweat or water), making the reapplication process that much easier on mom and kid! Remember it’s very important to reapply throughout the day. The Skin Cancer Foundation states "reapplication of sunscreen is just as important as putting it on in the first place" and advises to "reapply the same amount every two hours." 

I’ve asked my kids doctors about the different kinds of sunblock and the concern of one sunblock over the other, and she told me, the most important thing is to make sure they have sun block on them. PERIOD. I trust my doctor, and I trust Neutrogena. You should do your own research and determine what’s best for your family.

Available in SPF options of 30, 50, 85 and an SPF 70 for kids, the Neutrogena Wet Skin Sunblock sprays will have your entire family covered.  Using Neutrogena’s patented Helioplex Technology, in combination with unique waterproof technologies, the Wet Skin product cuts through water, forming a protective barrier on skin and provides superior sun protection from damaging UVA/UVB rays.

Save $2 on all Neutrogena sunscreen products.

 

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Neutrogena and received sunscreen and other Neutrogena products as a thank you for my participation.

Vlogging From The Shower: Kodak Playsport Waterproof HD Video Camera

 

Are you ready for another Monday Mingle? I sure am, I missed last week. I was behind on reviews, umm, yeah, I’m always behind. So I decided to combine this week’s Monday Mingle with a product review. It is quite fitting. The Kodak PlaySport HD Waterproof Pocket Video Camera is a video camera and since this week was freestyle I thought I would have a little bit of fun with it. I’m in the shower!! Oh wait, do you even know what Monday Mingle is? Just in case this is your first time to see it….

mondaymingle

This is where we answer three questions every week over at Eighty MPH Mom on video or not you can just write them down in the comments section or on your own blog. Then we go link up and visit each other and learn about each other.  This weeks’ questions: Freestyle!

 

The Kodak PlaySport HD Waterproof Pocket Video Camera works underwater. Oh there’s a shocker right? This waterproof camera works up to a depth of 10 ft. (3m) with 1080p HD video quality and electronic image stabilization.

Kodak Playsport Waterproof HD Video Camera Comes With:

Kodak Playsport Zx3 Video Camera in quite a few different colors (purple is our favorite)
Rechargeable Battery 
USB Cable
Adapter for battery charging
HDMI and AV cables
ArcSoft MediaImpresson Software for Kodak
User Guide
Wrist Strap (for those water parks)

Kodak Playsport Waterproof HD Video Camera  Features:

Don’t let sun glare ruin your recording and have smooth stable video

  • Simply use your camera settings to turn on the LCD Glare Shield feature
  • LCD Glare Shield feature gives you two filters to choose from that help you see your subject on the display screen in reflective outdoor situations
  • These filters are only applied to your display screen, not your footage—so everything you record will look as great as the moment you shot it
  • Get sharper videos and less blur thanks to built-in electronic image stabilization
  • Accidents happen—luckily the PLAYSPORT isn’t afraid of a little fall, it can take it
  • Capture your friends in all their glory with smart face tracking technology
  • See more details and accurate colors with incredible low-light performance

Be creative with great video software and easy upload

  • Edit and trim videos
  • Add a voice-over to narrate your footage when editing on a PC
  • Add pictures and music to your videos to make cool mash-ups
  • Grab and edit still images from video frames to get that perfect shot
  • Share on Facebook, and YouTube and Twitter sites with ease—built-in software and USB cable make editing, uploading, and sending e-mails simple
  • Debut videos in the palm of your hand with the vivid, high-contrast 2.0 in. color LCD
  • There’s always room for more—record up to 10 hours of HD video with expandable SD/SDHC card slot (up to 32 GB)1
  • Catch the highlights with slow motion playback right in the palm of your hand

The Kodak PlaySport (Zx3) HD Waterproof Pocket Video Camera retails for 149.00. It’s a video camera that inspires Fun.

 

What’s going on with you this week?

Disclosure: This camera was loaned out to us for two weeks to facilitate this review from the PR Company representing Kodak.

Bausch + Lomb Biotrue Multipurpose Contact Solution Review

I have been wearing contact lenses for years, thinking about how long makes me realize just how old I am and how long I’ve been out of high school. I’ve worn hard contacts and soft contacts and have had lots of issues with contact solution brands. My eyes either burn or itch depending on the brand I tried using. You might ask, whey I even put up with all the solution issues, well, in the Spring, I get eye allergies and contacts actually provide me with a barrier between my eyes and the pollen. Now, I’m not making any medical claims, ok, it’s just the impression that contacts give me so I wear them during the Spring and Summer. Even if it’s in my head at least it’s a relief from my eye allergies. So I had to find something to use to keep my contact clean. What I was using, in simple terms, was a pain in the butt. Even though, my eyes weren’t itching or burning from the contact solution at the end of the day my eyes were very dry and I would have to take out my contacts and put my glasses on. My eyes sometimes get so dry that I fear that I would blink out my contact lenses and lose them.

So I was happy when Bausch + Lomb sent me a sample of Biotrue Multipurpose contact solution to review in a campaign with Mom Central Consulting. I started using the Bausch + Lomb Biotrue multi-purpose solution  and have felt quite a bit of relief in my eyes in the late hours of the day. I’m going to continue using it for the rest of the month to see if it really holds up to the test, but my eyes feel great right now, like I’m not even wearing contacts.

Three Key Features to Remember:

  • Has a lubricant found naturally in your eyes
  • Matches the pH of healthy tears
  • Keeps certain beneficial tear proteins active

 

I conducted this review while participating in a Mom Central Consulting blog tour on behalf of Bausch + Lomb Biotrue. I received a Biotrue sample and a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.

See My Spring Flowers Monday Mingle Vlog

mondaymingleWelcome to Monday Mingle, where we chat over video answering questions. It’s fun and the more video you do on your blog the more comfortable you will be in front of the camera. Want to participate? Monday Mingle is a Meme over at Eighty MPH Mom. Go over to her site, find the questions, take a video of the answers and post them to share. Then visit everyone that linked up and have fun getting to know each other.

Current questions {week of 2/28/11}:

1. Do you have Spring flowers (or any flowers) blooming in your yard right now? Show us!
2. Are you watching American Idol this season? What do you think about the new judges?

3. Tell us something that happened to you last week!

 

1) Yes I have lots of flowers coming up in the yard but I was too lazy to show you them on the video. So you really didn’t miss much if you didn’t watch the video. I do have some planters, and we’re growing some flowers from seeds but we have to wait until the weather warms up some before we transplant them outside.

2) I don’t have cable and we don’t and have never ever watched American Idol. I have watched it while visiting family but it’s not my thing.

3) It snowed last week and my husband pelted me right on the head.

What happened to you last week?

Monday Mingle Roller Coasters, Valentine’s Day and More

Welcome to Monday Mingle, where we chat over video answering questions. It’s fun and the more video you do on your blog the more comfortable you will be in front of the camera. Want to participate? Monday Mingle is a Meme over at Eighty MPH Mom. Go over to her site, find the questions, take a video of the answers and post them to share. Then visit everyone that linked up and have fun getting to know each other.

Current questions {week of 2/14/11}:

1. What is your favorite ride at an amusement park?
2. Whats the nicest thing you have ever done for someone?

3. What do you like best and least about your life?

My answers this week:

 

I love roller coasters. The faster the better as long as they are made out of metal. Wooden roller coasters always give me a headache.

I’m not sure about what the nicest thing is that I’ve done.

I love my kids and family and my neighborhood. We live in the nicest neighborhood possible. Least, the rain!

What about you?

Mr. Beams Indoor and Outdoor Ceiling Light Review Vlog and Giveaway

I know I know 3 videos in one day, how can I expect anyone to watch them, well I expect you to watch this video because Mr. Beams Indoor/Outdoor ceiling light is a super cool product and I found even more about it as I was making the vide.

Mr. Beams Indoor or Outdoor use ceiling light is easy to install. To take it apart all you need to do is twist it. Then you take the top piece and screw it into the ceiling, or wall, wherever you choose to place it. Mr Beams comes with all of the hardware you need for installation.

Mr Beams Product FeaturesProduct Features of the Mr. Beams Ceiling Light presented themselves as I was making my video. One, it comes on in the dark. When Miles turned the light off the light came on. Then It took me a minute to realize that it shuts off after 30 seconds. Mr. Beams makes installation a snap, with all of the simple twists and turns. It is made from UV-Resistant Plastic that prevents it from yellowing over the years. Turns on for 3200 activations before you need to change your 4 C batteries. It activates when someone enters the area.

More Product Features and Descriptions:

Ceiling Light Features
• Bright Nichia Warm-White LED
• 100 Lumens
• No Wires—Attach Anywhere
• Motion Sensor & Auto Shut-Off
• Thin Profile – Diameter < DVD
• Weatherproof Design
• 1 Year+ Battery Life

Details
• Motion Sensor
• 4 C Batteries (not included)

Ceiling Light Applications
• Large Closets
• Pantry Lights
• Shower Lights
• Porch Lights
• Gazebo Lights

Right now, it’s in Zoe’s room and she can use it as a night light. I know it won’t stay on long but all she has to do is wave her hand and she can have more light, so when she falls asleep it will be off. It’s a lot brighter than her other night lights so she can see to color.

Enter to Win:

Mr. Beams Ceiling Light (retail 39.99)

To enter:

Leave a comment telling me which room you would put it in.

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Leave a comment for every entry, This giveaway ends January 24th. I received the samples listed above for review purposes. All rules can be found under giveaway rules.

A Mom’s Story, The Creation of The Real Tooth Fairies

As part of Mom Start’s beginning, I used to share birth stories. It was very short lived as I didn’t take very much time networking when I first started out. But I would love to start sharing mother’s stories all over again, and not just birth stories, but how moms started their home based business, blogs and about becoming a mother. To start,  Marilyn Bollinger, the Founder of TheRealToothFairies.com has a special story about the creation and inspiration that lead to her business The Real Tooth Fairies. This is her story:

My first daughter, Shannon, was 5 when she discovered a loose tooth. This was a real event for her, with daily announcements about how much looser it was getting and questions like, “When will it come out?” or “Do you think the tooth fairy will bring me a surprise?” Not leaving it to chance, she wrote a letter to the tooth fairy one night when the tooth was very loose and placed the note under her pillow. That’s when a most magical and life-changing friendship began.

Shannon’s Real Tooth Fairy, Twinkle LaWinkle, wrote her back!

What began that day, as a magical meeting of an Earthy girl (that’s what they call us in Real Fairyland) and her fairy, grew into a dear IMG_7361friendship. Twinkle was  like a loving big sister and mentor to Shannon. Shannon was absolutely intrigued by the idea of knowing a fairy and being able to find out secrets of the magical happenings in Real Fairyland. She asked for Twinkle’s picture, made countless homemade creations for Twinkle, and wrote her many letters telling of her triumphs and her worries. And she shared all of that magic and excitement with me, her mother.

Twinkle, through these magic letters, gave Shannon a powerful message to believe in herself and her dreams. She made Shannon feel she was the most precious being on Earth. Shannon could feel Twinkle’s love in every letter. Twinkle gave her laughter and giggles about the funny adventures in Real Fairyland. Twinkle gave Shannon wisdom in girl size doses. She taught her to think about goals in small parts and map her way with determination. She made kindness, virtues, and dreams important. She made all things seem possible. She showed Shannon that her Love is Magic.

Shannon inspired her friends to write to their tooth fairies and discover who they were too. Many parents learned about the tooth fairies from Shannon! Shannon kept all her letters from Twinkle and would read them over and over again like treasures from another world. And when a friend asked Shannon if she was worried that Twinkle wouldn’t know where to visit her when she went away on a trip, Shannon said, “Oh, Twinkle says, ‘love follows you wherever you go!’ So of course she’ll find me!”

Shannon passed on the magical stories to her younger sister, who found her own unique friendship with Twinkle. Rachel loved the letters and stories Twinkle shared and she did creative writing and pretending herself, all about Real Fairyland. She especially liked the stories Twinkle told of pranky, cranky Stepella, so Rachel staged fairy plays, royal balls, fairy contests, and fairy TV shows, all with Stepella’s mischievous antics woven through.

Both of these girls moved on to older girl things, with the treasured tooth fairy letters gathering dust, covered over by first car keys, prom corsages and college applications. Twinkle delivered sweet letters to her Earthiy friends at high school graduation and college graduations, and on the eve of Shannon’s wedding. Even a new baby letter appeared on the hospital stand – always the devoted friend that Twinkle is.

And I know that the magic of Twinkle still lives on deep in their hearts. Twinkle celebrated the free spirit that is childhood. She was kindness and love in action. She showed the girls in so many small lessons that Love is the most  powerful Magic of all. She nurtured seeds of leadership, confidence, goal-setting and virtues that both girls built on to achieve challenging goals and dreams, while spreading kindness in their worlds.

I also know that, because of Twinkle, Shannon will always find the magic in the life even though she is a Washington, DC lawyer litigating contentious legal cases. I know that because of Twinkle, Rachel had the conviction to follow (at the last minute) the path that was true to her heart – to pursue a PhD at Columbia University to become an English professor inspiring young writers and critical thinkers. They both followed Twinkle’s star steps to reach their goals, believing in their dreams, working through obstacles – always remembering what’s most important – that Love is Magic and Every Kindness Counts.

Every girl deserves to know she’s a precious gift to our world – with a very important purpose meant just for her. She needs to hear it from more sources than her parents.

Every girl needs to set claim to The 20 virtues as she follows her star steps and maps the plans to her goals. She needs to know she’s meant to soar – following her own Heart with Wings.

Every girl needs to experience at a young age the power of kindness in action – to grow the habit of “making the kind choice” every day.

I know that you are your girl’s devoted hero and champion. Just know that your wise, loving helpers, the Real Tooth Fairies, are here to support your efforts as you raise your precious girl.

Truly, every girl deserves the magical friendship of her Real Tooth Fairy. It’s a beautiful childhood experience that you as a parent share WITH your girl – making together time moments that you’ll treasure for a lifetime – just like those sweet memories I share with my girls.

Copyrighted by The RealToothFairies.com Royal Council of the Real Fairyland, LLC

Marilyn Bollinger also sent me a Real Tooth Fairy Kit, which is a very cute set. It appeals greatly to Zoe because of the girlyness to it. There are purple ribbons to use as awards, and little sparkly pieces for her to use. I had to take a video just to show you everything.

So on the video I didn’t mention that this is about more than rewards for losing teeth. Your child can form a great adventure with Twinkle herself with the stories, projects, and on-line world. There are quite a few things she can do and learn among those lessons being confidence, organization (I wish I had picked that  up somewhere), kindness and charity. All great virtues you should be teaching your children!

Enter to Win you very own The Real Tooth Fairies Kit, a gift basket to offer as a corresponding giveaway to one of your lucky readers (value $75!)

To Enter:

Visit The Real Tooth Fairies and tell me what you think of the on-line world

Extra Entries:

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Leave a comment for every entry, This giveaway ends January 3. I received products mentioned above facilitate this review. All rules can be found under giveaway rules.

Miles Stars in Little Boy Lightning – Personalized Storybook by Little Wonder

Little Wonder Company gave me a unique opportunity of reviewing their personalized storybooks. I love the idea of making a book that will appeal to my son because I want to feed is new interest in reading books. Zoe has always loved reading, probably because I read to her from the day she was born and Miles, well, he didn’t get read to as much. But, it could also just be that my two children are and always will be different from each other.

Since reading is so very important though, I jumped at this chance to create a special story just for Miles! Here is a quick peak into the story with my Little Boy Lightning Video Review, but I didn’t want to give too much away so it’s very short!

For many children, illustrations are what bring a story to life and keep them interested. Now for the very first time, children no longer need to imagine themselves in their favorite book. Little Wonder Company allows them to actually see themselves illustrated right into the pages of its personalized storybooks!

Little Boy Lightning Book CoverThe Book Little Boy Lightning is so colorful and the story is just what Miles loves, so it must be appealing to most boys. It’s a story that transforms him into a superhero, which he loves to pretend he is one anyways. So does Zoe for that matter, so I’m sure that LIttlle Girl Wonder would appeal to little girls just as Little Boy Lightning will to boys. There are rainbows, and dragons, and quite an adventure for Miles to listen to and watch his character go through! Customizing a Little Wonder book is as simple as a few clicks of the mouse! Using a Flash application on www.LittleWonderCompany.com, friends and relatives can choose the physical characteristics that resemble the book’s recipient. The book is then put together to reflect those choices on every page, culminating in a one-of-a-kind, truly customized book. Of course I chose Miles and gave him his adorable red hair.

Enter to Win a Little Wonder Company Book for yourself!

To Enter:

Leave a comment here telling me what you like about reading a personalized story to your kids?

Extra Entries:

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Leave a comment for every entry, This giveaway ends December 27th. I received the samples mentioned above free to me in exchange for my unbiased opinion. All rules can be found under giveaway rules.

Lacing Tips by my daughter Zoe

 

My daughter was giving out lessons on how to lace. It’s her first every video log. You might have to turn the volume up but she is adorable. Of course her directions were much clearer before we got the camera up. I was trying to help her give the same quality directions she was before but we had to share her sound advice with everyone learning how to lace. 

About Zoe:

Zoe is three years old and knows what she wants. She is very opinionated, and strong. She likes playing with Play-doh and coloring. Her favorite food is peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and bananas.