MomStart

Forget the Mommy Guilt, it's a new day

You are here: Home / Archives for 2014 Gift Guide

Give Your Dog a Holiday Feast!

by 17 Comments

A Holiday Feast

Samples provided.

The holidays are a time of year that we closely associate with special food. So don’t leave Fido out of the fun! Today I’m suggesting several delicious doggie food brands perfect for giving your dog a Christmas dinner to remember:

Caru treats

Caru stew

Caru Stew & Treats: Grandma has been putting a little bit of this beef stew on her dog Bob’s dry food every night for a little yummy something extra. Bob loves it, and it he also loves getting their treats to chew on!

Bravo

Bravo Pet Foods: This one is really unique because it’s a freeze-dried pet food that you add water to. The mix itself looks like turkey stuffing, which is so fitting for a true holiday doggie feast! When I mixed this up with 1 cup of water as directed, I noticed that the consistency was very watery – we ended up having to pour off some of the water. Maybe I measured it wrong, although I checked the package several times. It was very different than any dog food I’ve prepared before, but Bob seemed to enjoy this as a topping on his regular dry food as he followed me so he could lick the spoon I stirred it with, so it went over well, anyway! 😉

Spring Naturals

Spring Naturals: These beefy chews were a bit hit with Bob!

Look Who's Happy

Look Who’s Happy: Bob enjoyed these too, but you don’t have to take my word for it – watch him take his first bite on camera in my video review:

Enter To Win:

3 MomStart readers will win one of each treat featured in this post!

To Enter:

Entry is via the Rafflecopter widget below – please see widget for full eligibility details. Click here to read our giveaway rules. Giveaway closes on December 31st, 2014 at 11:00 PM PST and is open to residents of the continental US, 18+, no PO boxes. Winners will be drawn January 5th.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

How to Make a Shelf: Rockwell Tools Giveaway

by 98 Comments

How to Make a Shelf

Samples provided.

If you’re still trying to puzzle out a holiday gift for the hard-to-shop-for man on your list, a new tool could be just the thing that keeps on giving all year long. Jai is one of the handiest guys around, so I knew right away that anything from Rockwell Tools would be on the top of his holiday list. When we had the chance to try a tool out for MomStart, he decided that a BladeRunner X2 Portable Tabletop Saw would be just the thing for his many furniture projects. Over the last few years, Jai has built several pieces of furniture from scratch, including our entertainment center, end table, and shelving; so he decided to use his new saw to create an extra shelf for our living room!

BladeRunner X2 Portable Tabletop Saw

The BladeRunner X2 is impressive for a number of reasons. Not only was it the ideal thing for Jai’s furniture crafting project, but it’s so lightweight and easy to move that it makes it feasible for a home like ours, which doesn’t have a garage and is limited in workshop space.

Making a Shelf With The BladeRunner X2

By Jai

We have a corner in our living room that I’ve always wanted to make shelves for but just didn’t have the time, materials, and tools in one place to get started. When I found out that I was going to try out a Rockwell BladeRunner X2, I knew that this was the first project I wanted to tackle. I’ve made a few of the pieces of furniture we have in our living room and I wanted to match the basic style so I used some 1×10″ and 1×12″ scraps which were left over from an earlier cabinet project.

Saw and scrap wood

I wanted to make the shelves rounded, rather than just straight and diagonal, to have a softer look and to offer a little more room. The width of the boards wasn’t quite enough to make a full quarter circle so Beeb and I used a makeshift compass to get the ideal curve that would fit the corner, but still use the full width of the boards. It just takes some trial and error adjusting the length of the string (dental floss in this case) and the placement of the tack.

Dental floss and tack compass

Adjusting the compass

Cutting the arc

Once we traced, cut, and sanded the first board, I used it as the template to trace the second board.

Pre Sanded Cut

Trimming the second arc

I wanted to make the shelf two boards thick and rounded underneath to match the other shelf so I offset the lower board back a little and glued them together making just enough room to wrap a 1/4″ round strip of trim in the space between them. I used small sections of the quarter round trim to find the right spacing.

Spacers

I’m glad the curve of the arc ended up being a little shallow because it took some effort to wrap the rounded trim without breaking it. My first attempt snapped so I had to wet the trim to soften it for the second attempt to work. If you have a router, it would certainly be easier to use that to make the same rounded edge effect.

Supports

I used some other pieces of trim as the supports for the shelf. I used the Bladerunner X2 to make a diagonal cut along the front, just for looks, and sanded them.
After applying the stain (Watco Danish Oil Dark Walnut) and several coats of varnish (Varithane clear, gloss, water-based polyurethane) the shelf was complete.”

Finished shelf

Hear more from Jai on what makes this saw awesome in his video review:

15% Off Coupon Code

Through December 31st, 2014, MomStart readers can save 15% off the entire store at RockwellTools.com! Just enter coupon code MOMSTART15 at checkout.

“Give One, Get one” Sweepstakes: Tools For People That Rock!

Rockwell Tools is hosting a huge “Give One, Get one” sweepstakes through January 31st, 2015. One winner will receive two ultimate sets of tools – one for themselves, and one for a friend or family member! 10 runners up will receive a two Sonicrafter F50s for themselves and a loved one. What are you waiting for? Click here to enter now!

Get more on Rockwell tools by following them on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube and Instagram!

Enter To Win:

One MomStart reader will win a Rockwell Tools BladeRunner X2 Portable Tabletop Saw!

To Enter:

Giveaway is open to residents of the continental US, 18+ and ends on December 31st, 2014 at 11:00 PM PST. Winner will be drawn on January 5th, 2015. Please see Rafflecopter widget for full eligibility details and click here to read our giveaway rules.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

SOL REPUBLIC PUNK: Give The Gift of Music This Christmas!

by 33 Comments

SOL REPUBLIC Punk

Review sample provided.

You may recall that last year, I reviewed the SOL REPUBLIC DECK wireless speaker. This was one of Jai’s Christmas presents, and it’s been one of those gifts that keeps on giving all year long. We seem to use this speaker almost every day – Jai takes it along in the car with him to listen to audiobooks, while I like to use it to listen to my Pandora radio stations. We’re both impressed with it!

That’s why I knew the SOL REPUBLIC PUNK would be the perfect gift for one of my friends. Earlier this summer, I visited a dear friend and we had a blast watching Keanu Reeves movies on Netflix while eating strange potato chips. It was a total blast – but one problem we encountered was that the sound on her laptop isn’t particularly loud. We had to turn the subtitles on during Johnny Mnemonic, which actually added to the experience in that instance, but I could see how this would be a hassle most of the time as we strained to listen. I knew then that a wireless speaker would be the perfect gift for her, and I can’t think of a better one than the SOL REPUBLIC PUNK!

The PUNK is small and compact, meaning it won’t take up a lot of space in her apartment and will be inexpensive for me to ship. But the sound is anything but compact – it booms out, loud and clear, and will be the ideal thing to use for watching movies and listening to music. Furthermore, it is effortless to set up, with the Bluetooth syncing to my iPhone during a test instantly. Learn more and get a demo of the PUNK in action below:

The SOL REPUBLIC PUNK is available at retailers like Best Buy and makes a perfect addition to your “Super Saturday” shopping list. For more on SOL REPUBLIC, visit them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Enter To Win:

One reader will win a SOL REPUBLIC PUNK!

To Enter:

This giveaway is open to residents of the continental US and Canada, 18+, and ends on December 31st 2014 at 11:00 PM. Winner will be drawn on January 5th, 2015. See Rafflecopter widget below for complete eligibility details. Click here to read our giveaway rules.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good Times Had by All! Girlmazing!

by 1 Comment

Girlmazing

The sample we received was the 4×4 Jeep that holds an 11-inch fashion doll. Our sample was provided by Jada Toys.

Most of the times, when you think of remote controlled cars you picture boys and racing and 4x4ing. Rarely do we think pink when it comes to R/Cs. Girlmazing R/C vehicles from Jada Toys are here to change that and this time the girls left the boys in the dust!

Jada Toys

Jada Toys has hit the nail on the head with this one in every way. The Girlmazing R/C vehicles are available in 4 styles that you can customize to fit your personal style. Included are accessory sticker decals that give your amazing girl the ability to show her personality and customize just as she would any great outfit. Styles: Lamborghini, Mustang or Camaro ($19.99) and 4×4 Jeep ($24.99).

Thrilled to have a purple Jeep, my daughter got it out of the package with lightening speed. As if instinctive, the accessory stickers were found and placed in the perfect spots, then off we went. The Jeep requires 4AA batteries; the remote controller requires a 9v. The batteries last a good while if you remember to flip the switches to off when not in use.

This Girlmazing Jeep did circles around brother’s R/C car. She was up and over curbs, whizzing around corners and even got some good air off our stairs. My daughter laughed and laughed watching it buzz around. Her words of review to you are, “I LOVE THIS CAR!” and that says it all.

Playing with Girlmazing

Right on Jada Toys, you really are Girlmazing!

Oh My Pinkie Pie!

by Leave a Comment

Pinkie Pie

Sample was provided.

My Little Pony is one of the most adored, talked about, played with, played as, and hugged character toys that we have in our home. Like most young ladies my daughter’s age, she has the ability to name them all and tell me what their cutie marks are and what special characteristics that the MLPs have. Pinkie Pie happens to be her favorite with Rainbow Dash running a very close second. It doesn’t matter who is in the room or who is over to play, whatever the case My Little Ponies are destined to make an appearance at some time.

Pinkie Pie Styling Pony is 10” tall and comes with 16 accessories to play interactively with. It includes and styling brush and many accessories for Pinkie Pie to strut her stuff in. My favorite accessories are the necklace/bracelet and the hair extension. Both of these things can be worn by Pinkie Pie or the one playing with her.

For some reason it is important that if that doll or in this case Pony has hair, it has to have good hair. She loves to brush and style and brush some more. This is going to be a huge hit and well played with toy. I can’t wait to see the crazy dos she will come up with.

Things I liked: Great Hair! Accessories to share, clean-ability and the price is very reasonable.
Things I didn’t like: Nothing! I love it from head to hoof!
Pinkie Pie Styling Pony is definitely a MomStart mom recommended toy and was obviously at the top of my own little pony’s Christmas List.

Pinkie Pie Styling Pony is available at Toys-R-Us and other major retail stores.

Cuteness Overload! Hello Kitty Kitchen Café

by Leave a Comment

Hello Kitty Kitchen Café

Sample provided by Cartwheel Kids.

Pretty in pink is what this little Hello Kitty Kitchen CafĂ© is all about. Powered with Duracell batteries for light up stovetop “Burners”, coffee pot and faucet that bubble and sizzle with interactive play. 13 piece set comes with a pot and spoon, coffee pot with swishy coffee, cupcakes, ice and a glass. That is really all you need for hours of play. My little toy tester played cafĂ© for hours and I loved every minute of those hours (If ya know what I mean).

Playing with Hello Kitty Kitchen Café

Recommended for ages 3+. I would say that a 3 year old would get a little frustrated with how the oven closes. It takes a bit of dexterity and I imagine could break pretty quickly. 4 and up would be fitting for great interactive play.

Likes: The sounds, imaginative play at its best! I loved the sizzle and bubbling and cooking sounds. The icemaker is a cute thought to add and the fabric awning is adorable!!
Dislikes: The fridge had no extra room for additional play food and the oven door will likely not last long because of the way it closes.

Hello Kitty Kitchen Café Box

Overall the Hello Kitty Kitchen Café by Cartwheel Kids is a MomStart mom recommended toy.

Product available major retail stores.

Encyclopaedia Britannica Interactive Animal Library

by Leave a Comment

We received samples

Encyclopaedia Britannica Kids is a long time favorite of education and entertainment in our house and they just sent us a new sample! They just launched the Britannica Interactive Animal Library an 8-book boxed set, complete with an interactive touch pen. I opened it and Zoe took right to it.

WP_20141216_16_51_12_Pro

She quickly figured out how to best use the books and found how to answer questions. It was also very easy for her to identify when she got something correct or wrong and then within minutes she started telling me all kinds of animal facts. Each title is made up of a captivating group of animals, including Hoof & Horn, Reptiles, Extinct Animals, Sea Animals, Tooth & Claw, Mammals, Birds, and Bugs. Each book has interesting facts and questions on every page and includes vivid photos and illustrations. It’s perfect for young readers ages 6 and older, Zoe is 7.

Adding to the fun and helping to create an even more engaging experience for little learners, the interactive pen lights up and provides audio answers, so each page comes alive. With over 1001 questions and answers and covering more than 256 animals, the Britannica Interactive Animal Library is a great addition to any young reader’s collection.  It’s a perfect holiday gift!

 WP_20141216_16_51_39_Pro

The Britannica Interactive Animal Library sells between $24.99-$34.99 and is now available at Costco, Costco Canada, and Toys ‘R’ Us.

Fur Real Friends: Get Up & GoGo My Walkin’ Pet.

by Leave a Comment

Fur Real Friends

Sample was provided by Toys R Us. Batteries provided by Duracell.

My daughter LOVES this toy! She has her own puppy to take on a walk and talk to and play with. It’s a great toy!

One of the great things about GoGo is, she appeals to a broad audience of ages. GoGO is an interactive toy that you can play with. She has soft, white, fluffy fur that all little girls love to pet. She walks, sits, ruffs and plays with you. The voice recognition allows GoGo to hear commands like sit and talk (There is a little bit of a delay). GoGo maneuvers very well on the carpet or hard floor and she is just the perfect size not to be in the way.

The Fur Real Friends have an app available for Apple Devices and select Android devices. The Fur Real Friends app allows you to play interactively with your pet. The app has games that you can play with your pet like “Scrub ‘n’ Style” for bath time fun or Hide ‘n’ Seek. There is even photo booth to take pictures with your favorite friend.

Get up and GoGo My Walkin’ Pup Fur Real Friend is available at Toys R Us on sale for $49.99. Don’t forget the Duracell batteries!

Stomp & Chomp Grimlock Transformer is a Roaring Good Gift!

by 2 Comments

Stomp & Chomp Grimlock Transformer

Sample provided.

Stomp & Chomp Grimlock Transformer from Hasbro available at Toys R Us is a pretty cool toy! It is recommended for ages 5+. I would recommend a little more + than 5. Grimlock has lights and sounds so don’t forget your Duracell batteries. Grimlock transforms from T-Rex type robo-dino to an armed and ready for battle Autobot that stands 20+ inches tall with a simple pull of the trigger.

Pretty light weight and easy to maneuver with movable arms for battle. Be careful to remove his sword and fold his arms back down before transforming him to robo-dino. Comes complete with an Optimus Prime figure which is always a bonus in battle!

Very small amount of assembly required. 2 clicks and you’re done. Stomp & Chomp Grimlock is sure to be a Holiday Hit!

On Sale now at Toys R Us  $69.99

Raaaar!