review Archives - MomStart

Ferocious Friday with WowWee’s Untamed T-Rex

August 4, 2018 by Momstart Leave a Comment

We received a sample.

Yesterday was Ferocious Friday, but we think you can be Ferocious any day with WowWee’s new toy Untamed T-Rex.

UNTAMED® T-REX

Meet the Untamed T-Rex from WowWee! These finger-gripping “King of the Dinos” creatures are fierce and unpredictable, and know friends vs. foes! In Untamed mode, they roar, hiss and chomp! In Tame mode they nuzzle, purr and love to be near you. Complete with snapping jaws and gripping claws, these interactive dinos react to touch, motion, and sound with over 40 different sounds and animations. There are 4 different T-Rexes to tame and collect!

5+; MSRP $14.99; launches on Ferocious Friday 8/3 at retailers nationwide

Miles did a video review and before we opened the toy we decided we were going to give the toy to his cousin. Then after he opened it, he enjoyed playing with it so much it made it difficult for him to want to give it away. The same thing happened when Zoe tried another new toy that is coming out later this month also by WowWee Toys. Seems they know how to make a toy last through the ages.

Check Out Miles’ Video review:

AirFree Onix 3000

August 4, 2018 by Jessie Leave a Comment

Sample provided.

I am a chronic allergy sufferer. I have had allergies as long as I remember. When I moved to South Korea in 2008, my allergies peaked and never really went back to normal. I was in a specialists office 3 times a week having my sinuses cleaned out and was frequently prescribed antibiotics just so I could breathe normally and keep illness and infections at bay. When I was finally tested for allergens, my dust mite allergy was so high it wasn’t even countable. What this means for me is that carpets and bedding make me feel ill like you can’t believe. Because of my allergies, I almost never sleep in a bed, preferring a less cushioned, less linen infused area such as my living/dining area.

When I received the Airfree Onix 3000, I received the possibility of an allergen-free bedroom.

So, what is in my bedroom that makes it a bio-hazard? 3 hairy, stinky cats that spray, a cat box, and the beginnings of mildew in my bathroom. Not to mention… DUSTMITES! Lucky for me, the Airfree Onix 3000 promises to eliminate all of the above!

I have been using the Airfree Onix 3000 on and off for several months, testing it in different weather and seasons. It definitely helped with the pet odor and cut down on dust motes in the air. Paired with frequent washings of my bed linens, and vacuuming of the carpet in my bedroom, it has definitely left the room feeling more fresh and breathable. I actually am able to sleep in my room for consecutive nights now!

My Dustmite Farm

I personally have more trouble with allergies in spring and summer and this is when I have found the Airfree Onix 3000 to help me the most. Because the Airfree Onix 3000 does purify the air through use of a heat source, I found that it pretty drastically dries out the air. For me, dryness exacerbates some of my symptoms, so during the dry winter I had to stow away the Airfree Onix 3000. However, when I pulled it out in spring and summer I found it was much more helpful due to the increased moisture in the air. I am able to leave it running and enjoy a less smelly, less dusty, and less dustmite-y bedroom during these more humid months.

I would recommend the Airfree Onix 3000 to chronic allergy sufferers who are not sensitive to arid climates. Airfree Onix 3000 coupled with clean bed linens definitely improves the environment and makes everyday life a little more bearable in the bedroom for the chronically congested.

Go check out the AirFree Website and take a look at the Onyx 3000!

Try an Anxiety Blanket: Weighted Blanket

July 19, 2018 by Momstart 2 Comments

We received a sample.

My entire family struggles with some form of anxiety. My husband and son experience it to the point where it affects their sleep. My son, well at night he gets upset about what happened during the day and then compounds all of it and will cry. He just has so much trouble shutting his mind down and not worrying himself into a frenzy. So we were really excited when we were offered the review of the Weighted blanket that is supposed to help with anxiety. And It seems to be helping him some. Mostly I would say, he gets into a funk and doesn’t want to be alone. He does love his new weighted blanket though.

Weighted Blanket Benefits:

Reduces anxiety

Feels like you’re being hugged or held gently

Helps you relax

Improves your sleep

Video Thumbnail

If you are wondering what size to choose Weighting Comforts has a size chart to help you pick the right size. The ideal blanket weight is 10% of your body weight. When in between sizes, we recommend going down. Many of their customers find the 15 lb blanket to be the right weight.

How is a blanket made and what is it made of?

Each Weighting Comforts blanket is handmade by a refugee woman in Nashville, Tennessee, creating income for her family. They use high quality 100% cotton fabric and 100% polyester thread for added strength and durability. The weighted beads inside each 5” pocket are made from an FDA-approved, non-irritating PVC compound.

How and why does an a weighted blanket help?

This weighted blanket is designed to improve your sleep and reduce your anxiety for year-round comfort. Many people experience a deeper and more restful sleep on the first night. Others find the blanket’s weight restrictive at first, but after several nights grow to love the effect of the weight.

Miles found it to be very odd at first. But he loved that I got it for him. It was special to him and when we went on vacation he wanted to bring it with him. I just didn’t need that extra weight in the suitcase, but I was tempted to let him since he has identified with it.

It works like a deep tissue massage, similar to the effect of a dentist’s lead blanket, releasing serotonin throughout your body to help you calm down and relax.

Epson Expression Premium XP-6000: Video Review

May 26, 2018 by Beeb 4 Comments

Sample provided.We’re a big fan of Epson printers in our household, so we were eager to check out the new Expression Premium XP-6000 that debuted last month. This is a great follow-up to the XP-640 that we reviewed in 2016 – learn more about the features in Epson’s latest and greatest Small-in-One® printer in our video review:

For reference, the color charts we printed as a test are available here and here.

These are the personal photos that we printed:

The Expression Premium XP-6000 retails for $149.99 – learn more at Epson.com.

Fingerlings Mini #FingerlingsFriday Giveaway

May 25, 2018 by Momstart 9 Comments

Today is Fingerlings Friday. I remember, it wasn’t that long ago with Fingerlings made their debut. They were a pretty hot toy last year and we even partnered with another blog to give some away, we did one in April, and one in August. Today we will be giving away our own in honor of Fingerlings Friday, but wait, this are a little bit different. These are Fingerlings Minis.

FINGERLINGS MINIS are brand new Fingerlings friends that will be hitting store shelves across the country soon. The cute collectibles come in blind bags featuring one mini character, a bracelet and a charm. The mini monkeys, sloths, unicorns, and glitter monkeys double as pencil toppers. Open the bag to reveal your surprise — your character could be popular, rare, exotic, or ultra-rare!

Zoe will be doing a video opening the ones we received as soon as she gets her school work done. I’ll be adding it to this post shortly so keep an eye out. But for now while you are waiting on her video, I want to let you know about the new Fingerlings YouTube channel that just launched. Fans can watch 3 fun and wacky shows featuring their favorite Fingerlings characters. New episodes air every week! Check it out here.

Enter to Win:

3 Fingerlings Minis

To Enter:

Tell us which character you think is the cutest

Extra Entries:

Use the rafflecopter

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Baby STEM: Infantino Sit, Spin & Entertainer 360 Seat & Activity Table

May 22, 2018 by Momstart 3 Comments

We receive a sample so we could include the Infantino’s Sit, Spin & Entertainer 360 Seat and Activity Table in our STEM Gift Guide coming out later this year.

Infantino’s Sit, Spin & Entertainer 360 Seat & Activity Table is the perfect example of a toy that will keep your little one busy while also providing sensory stimulation for optimal intellectual growth. With 6 engaging toys, light up buttons and music, it’s a fantastic playtime set for babies all the way to toddlers!

What I loved about the Infantino Sit Spin & Entertainer 360 was there was no assembly needed. We opened up the box and this thing just popped out together. We were also able to easily fold it back down and it fit perfectly back into the box. It’s great for storage. When not in use it’s flat and could go under the bed.

I also really like how light and simple it is. As far as sensory goes I think some baby toys are over the top and just have too much. This activity table has three different activities making it a great choice. It can have up to six different activities though. And the legs are adjustable as your child grows the table will grow.

Age grade 4 months to 5 years
Entertainer transforms into a stand-and-play activity table
Three height positions grow with baby.
Includes 6 engaging toys with lights up buttons and musical effects
For the seat position, children should be under 25 pounds and/or 30 inches tall. Must be able to sit upright unassisted. Once children can walk independently, discontinue using this product as a seat and switch to table mode.

We would use ours to keep the kids where I needed them to be. If I needed to work then I put the activity table so I could work. If I needed to cook or garden then that’s where I would put the kids so I could get what I needed done and they were in a safe spot and able to entertain themselves.

Cookies & Treats Delivered Monthly: Gramma In A Box

May 21, 2018 by Momstart Leave a Comment

We received a sample so we could share with you, Gramma In A Box.

GOT COOKIES?

Check out the website at: www.grammainabox.com

Gramma In A Box is a new subscription box that brings you already made cookies and treats with everything you need to make dessert magic. It’s like having Gramma there with you to bake but you get to do the fun part, decorate. We created two videos for you guys to enjoy. One is the Gramma In A Box unboxing video you can see above. Two Zoe made one video of her decorating some of the treats.

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grammatlc/

If you sign up for the auto debit of $20 each month. No special code required; just select the auto debit option at check out.

Please visit the website at www.grammainabox.com for photos and more information,

For a Discount:

Use discount code 1Ooff To receive $10 off your purchase. If you select the auto debit option then you do not need to put any code in as the first box will only cost $10. You only need to use the discount code if you are purchasing any of the other options on the website.

Treat Mom To Bubble time With Mr. Bubbles

May 1, 2018 by Momstart Leave a Comment

We received samples.

Mother’s day is quickly approaching and I’m not even sure my kids realize my birthday is on Sunday. So I’m wondering what we will be doing this weekend and how we are going to get everything we need to get done done. But one thing I know is that Mr. Bubbles is making it easy for last minute bath time elagance because their products are more than just bubbles. Mr. Bubbles has extended their line to extravagence in the tub with bath bombs and bath melts perfect for any budget and moms like me.

They still have their full line of bath products and fun products for little girls and boys that still play in the tub. For Example, They have Mr. Bubble Magic Bath Crackles and the foam soap and the foam soap smells amazing.

Be sure to also check out our video of Mr. Bubbles Bath Products on youtube:

The Art of Bath Time Fun

Yum! Spa bath and body products debuted last year to cheering little girls everywhere and the fun continues to grow just in time for Easter. The tutti-frutti sensation is perfect for girls, ages 5-11 that love to mimic their mom or older sister’s beauty routine.

The new Yum! Spa Paint-sicle Face Paint Spa Clay Mask comes packaged in a fun two-toned popsicle design to make cleansing fun and colorful. Made with nourishing Vitamin E, the face mask set contains a coconut oil-infused pink mask for epic hydration and a chamomile-enhanced blue mask for deep cleansing. Paint your face with fun designs and watch the colors combine to create a beautiful purple mask that will leave skin feeling fresh and ultra-moisturized. The single-use mask retails for $1.49 and will be available at Walmart and online at Walmart.com starting Feb. 28.

Bath bombs have quickly become everyone’s favorite bath time treat, and Yum! Spa’s newest varieties in Fortune Cookie and Gumball designs are no exception. Both varieties float, bubble, mix amazing colors and contain a VIP Pass inside for special online perks. Retailing each for $1.69, the Yum! Spa bath bombs will be available at Walmart and online at Walmart.com starting Feb. 28.

Yum! Spa also makes haircare a snap with the Yum! Spa 2 in 1 Shampoo and Conditioner, which gently shampoos and conditions in one speedy step. And if brushing through damp or dry locks is a literal pain, the new Yum! Spa Smooth & Shiny Detangler Spray will leave hair manageable, soft and snarl-free. Both products are paraben-free and are available now for $3.39 at Target and on Target.com.

Special Edition Mr. Bubble Foam Soap, Bubble Bath and Bath Crackles

America’s favorite bath-time buddy, Mr. Bubble, is joining the Eastertime fun with special edition single cans of Foam Soap in Peach Sorbet and Birthday Cake. Mr. Bubble Foam Soap has always been a tub-time favorite for kids to spray and play, but just in time for the holiday, it now features a silly spray nozzle making it even easier to write, sculpt and create all while getting clean. Moms love it as it’s safe, gentle and washes thoroughly to leave skin soft and smooth. Perfect for the shower, sink and tub, the Foam Soap cans retail for $3 and are available now at Walmart stores.

For more bath time entertainment, try Mr. Bubble Magic Bath Crackles and Mr. Bubble Bubble Bath Minis in limited-edition Easter Egg holiday designs. Listen to the Bath Crackles POP! and SNAP! when you pour them into the water and feel them tingle and fizz in your hands. For an even bigger show, swirl them around in the water to make them crackle even louder. And who doesn’t love Mr. Bubble Bubble Bath? Kids will enjoy big, long-lasting bubbles in Mr. Bubble’s signature bubble bath scent in a convenient 2.5-ounce travel size, making on-the-go bathing just as fun as getting dirty. The Easter Egg Magic Bath Crackles and Mr. Bubble Bubble Bath Minis are available at Walmart stores now and retail for $1.

Bath Time Fun, Naturally

Fruits and veggies are not only good for our tummies, but also help to nourish and protect children’s skin. Featuring Apples, Blueberries and Carrots – the ABC’s of skin health – the Nourishing Naturals bath time collection is paraben-, phthalate- and sulfate-free.

Nourishing Naturals Foaming 3-in-1 is an easy and fun to use foaming formula that gently combines shampoo, conditioner and body wash to help clean and detangle hair while leaving skin smooth and soft. Made with 98 percent naturally-derived, plant-based ingredients to help repair, hydrate and protect skin, it also contains shea butter and aloe for extra moisturizing benefits. The Nourishing Naturals Foaming 3-in-1 are available now in the kids’ bath section at Target and on Target.com and retail for $5.99.

About The Village Company

The Village Company (TVC) has a long and rich heritage in personal care products. Originally known as Minnetonka, Inc., TVC markets some of the country’s most endearing and enduring heritage brands including Mr. Bubble®, the #1 bubble bath brand in children’s bath; Sesame Street® Bath Products; Nourishing Naturals®; Yum! Spa®; Village Naturals Therapy™ and Village Naturals Aromatherapy bath products; Soft & Dri®deodorant; Dep® hair gels; and La Bella® hair and skincare products. The Village Company’s brands are widely distributed through leading retailers in the food, drug, mass and beauty channels. Visit thevillagecompany.com to learn more.

Subscription Box: Brickloot A Monthly Brick Building Box @Brickloot

April 18, 2018 by Momstart Leave a Comment

We received a sample Brickloot to include in our subscription box round up we have coming up in a few weeks. And we LOVE it. It’s such a cute idea for anyone that loves brick building like we do. And of course even during our Brickloot unboxing video the kids had to start building.

This is the kind of gift that would be perfect for my son, or any brick loving kid. My kid loves to build and I feel like I’m stepping on bricks all the time because that’s how much he loves them. He is always playing with his brick collection, aka his LEGOs.

Steve, Erin and Parker Krex, a family of entrepreneurs. Parker, a 9-year-old toy lover, is the creator behind Brick Loot and with the help of his parents he has been able to make his toy dream come true.

Brick Loot is a new box subscription company geared towards brick and Lego fans. This fun box that can be delivered monthly to customers of all ages and is filled to the brim with the latest and greatest brick compatible products. Each month, the contents of the box are a total surprise to subscribers. The contents will include unique items that cannot be purchased at your average toy store around the corner. Brick Loot’s partners are among some of the biggest names in the toy industry such as: OYO Sports, Nano Blocks and Brick Forge. The box subscription starts as low as $23.00 a month and varies depending on your subscription selection.

We highly recommend this box as a great gift for kids age 7-14 or to 99. I mean my husband might actually like a subscription box like this one.

To Learn more about Brickloot:

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/brickloot

Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/brickloot

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrickLoot

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brickloot/

STEM Kit: Makeblock Neuron Review

April 18, 2018 by Momstart Leave a Comment

We received a sample from Makeblock and my daughter opened it up right away. She was super excited to try her hand at building something and programming it herself. The thing about Makeblock Neuron, which is the exact kit we received is that it can be put together and taken apart and used to create quite a few different projects. She’s 11 and she didn’t need any help at all. The blocks go together quite easily and the app she downloaded to her phone made programming a breeze. It’s a great way to get a kid started on their STEM journey.

About the Makeblock Neuron Kit

Makeblock Neuron is a programmable electronic building block platform for STEM education. It contains over 30 kinds of blocks with different functions, so creators can build a variety of innovative gadgets.

Craft a new invention in just 5 minutes: Building blocks are connected in a snap with magnetic Pogo Pins. Users can simply assemble the blocks to make creative gadgets without needing to write any code.
No Coding Experience Required: The graphical programming interface in the Neuron app enables beginners to easily create Neuron applications and add basic or advanced functionality (e.g. IoT) into their inventions.
Continuously Updated Invention Guides: The Neuron app comes with Invention Guides and video tutorials to show you how to get started building with the Inventor Kit. Follow, then lead with your own creative ideas.
mBlock Support: Neuron gadgets can be controlled and programmed using mBlock on desktop and the Neuron app on mobile devices. All blocks can be compatible with the mechanical parts of Makeblock via Neuron board.

Zoe easily made the cat and loved making the cat’s tail wag. She also made a little keyboard and light up connections based on touch.

Makeblock also makes Codey Rocky.

There is no doubt that our kids are growing up with coding and programing as their version of a “universal language.”

With Makeblock’s Codey Rocky – a brand new, entry-level coding robot geared toward children 6+ and the recipient of the CES 2018 Innovation Award, children will not only enjoy toy time but will simultaneously be learning as well.

Carefully crafted by ed tech robotics provider Makeblock, the goal is to make playtime both fun and educational, therefore Codey Rocky introduces children to the basics of programming like Scratch 3.0 and Python at a young age, proven to improve creativity, computational thinking and problem solving skills.

We are huge fans of Makeblock’s products and will include them in our STEM round up that we are currently working on.