gift idea Archives

How I Get Shiny Hair

May 7, 2018 by Momstart 4 Comments

This was a sponsored post but our opinions are our own.

My beauty routine doesn’t include make up every day but with my new hair style I have to wash it every day. That or I need to use some dry shampoo, which is an amazing product by the way. I love to dye my hair, so the ends are very blond and my roots are coming in much darker and I really don’t like how dark they look when they are dirty. I have found that my bangs look much better when they are freshly washed. Not only freshly washed but also blow dried. They look amazing when they shine. See….

Panasonic sent us the nanoe™ Moisture Infusion Hair Dryer EH-NA65-K and it’s fabulous. The nanoe™hair dryer uses nanoe technology to draw moisture from the air to gently infuse 1000x more moisture particles into hair than typical ion hair dryers. And this hair dryer has three very easy to attach attachments for different drying purposes. These three attachments include a dual airflow Quick-Dry Nozzle that is designed to dry hair faster, a Concentrator Nozzle that provides focused airflow for precise styling, and a full-sized Diffuser that adds volume while combating frizz. I used to use a diffuser whenever I would get a perm. I don’t really perm my hair anymore but my mom does. SHE loves having curly hair and with curly hair comes frizz. So it’s a great attachment. And it makes a fantastic gift for Mother’s Day. I know I would love to get this as a Mather’s Day gift, and I know my mom would love it as well. There’s still time to order it and get it before Mother’s Day.

I do however often use the Concentrator Nozzle. That is my favorite attachment on any hair dryer. I love to brush it with a round brush and use the Concentrator Nozzle to give my hair a little soft curl under to shape my face. This particular hair dryer, the nanoe™ Hair Dryer is shown to reduce damage caused by everyday brushing and it enhances hair’s smoothness and shine.

When I turned on the hair dryer, I turned it on high and high heat. The Panasonic hair dryer provides 2 speeds and 3 temperature settings for different styles and drying times, plus hot, warm and cool settings for different hair types. It’s also great for different temperaments. For example, my kids hate hot blow dryers, so it’s great to be able to use the cool setting on them and still have high air flow.

The hair dryer Panasonic nanoe™ hair dryer also features 1875 Watt power, cool-shot button, removable, easy-clean filter and professional-length 9-foot rotating power cord with convenient hanging loop

Interested in purchasing the Panasonic nanoe™ Moisture Infusion Hair Dryer EH-NA65-K for mom this Mother’s Day? Find it at BestBuy.com for only $89.99 + free shipping.

The Gift That Makes Dad Say: AWESOME Philips Norelco BeardTrimmer 9100 & Giveaway

June 9, 2014 by Momstart 94 Comments

I gave my husband his father’s day present last night because I had to review it so you guys would want to go out and buy one for the dad, father of your own children before father’s day. We received the Philips Norelco BeardTrimmer 9100 and my husband said, what, really, a LASER, this is awesome! Then later he said, you know, the people at Norelco must have been sitting around the table throwing around, we’ve already given dad’s the best razor out there, what can we possibly do to excite them now? Then they decided we should just find a way to include a laser, because what guy doesn’t like something flashy?

Experience ultimate control with an exclusive laser guide, allowing you to create the exact look you want with total confidence

And it’s so true. He was like a kid and he couldn’t wait for me to be ready to review it. He asked me two days in a row, starting with the day we received it if I was ready to review it. Last night we went upstairs and he got to play with his brand new toy and I have to say, his beard hasn’t looked so trimmed in quite a while. I think his old razor probably needed a new blade because WOW! Of course it could have a little to do with how precise you can get with the Philips Norelco BeardTrimmer 9100.

The Philips Norelco BeardTrimmer 9100 (Model # BT9285/41) provides you with perfect precision for any look. And he had the perfect look when he was done.

While I was watching him, I was at first not impressed, I didn’t see a laser, he told me he was first trimming his beard and then he was going to do the “precision” trimming.

The built-in laser guide allows you to create the precise and symmetric style you want with confidence, by projecting a trimming line on your face so you can pre-align the trimmer. The dual-sided reversible trimmer delivers ultimate versatility with a high-performance trimmer on one end and a detail trimmer on the other. The 17 built-in length settings deliver a precise and customizable trimming experience without the need for multiple attachments for less hassle. It was a straight result. SO NICE.

The LED display clearly indicates your chosen length setting. The self-sharpening blades made of finely ground Chromium steel prevents stubborn irritation. The high-performance Lithium-ion battery provides up to 60 minutes of cordless use after a 1 hour charge. The device is fully washable, simply rinse the device under the faucet for easy cleaning. BeardTrimmer 9100 comes with a 45 day risk-free trial and a full 2-year warranty. Packaging includes: electric trimmer, contour-following comb, stubble comb, power cord, cleaning brush.

He’s very satisfied with his new razor and I’m satisfied with his new clean shaven look.

Enter to Win:

Philips Norelco Shaver 8800 (for the clean shaven Dad) or Philips Norelco BeardTrimmer 9100 (for the Dad with a rockin’ beard!)

To Enter:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tell me what kind of guy you have, clean shaven or bearded

Extra Entries
Use the rafflecopter

Cracker Barrel Butterflies Doll Collection Review

October 23, 2011 by Momstart 311 Comments

Review By Emily:

When it comes to finding the perfect toy for a little girl, it’s no doubt that dolls are your best bet. But if you’ve walked the doll aisle of any big box store, you can immediately become overwhelmed with the assortment of dolls available. There is a doll that does just about everything these days! Seriously, it’s a doll, why does it need all the fancy, expensive (and usually breakable) bells and whistles? And then there are the batteries…had I known how many batteries I’d be going through when I had my first child, I would have put them at the top of my baby registry! Add the price of batteries to that $30 burping doll and that becomes one pricey toy. I find the simple, classic toys far more valuable in the long run since they help stimulate my child’s imagination and enhance their creativity.

Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores hold this same belief and has created a new line of dolls, the Butterflies Doll Collection, which are the latest in interactive toys. Not interactive in a high tech way, but interactive because of all the things can do with them. The Butterflies are rag dolls reminiscent of days gone but with a twist, featuring the interests of modern day kids.

Available November 1 exclusively in over 600 Cracker Barrel Old Country Store locations, these eight different huggable dolls come complete with their own story, a unique outfit and an embroidered butterfly on the heart. There is definitely a doll (or two!) that would be a perfect fit for any little girl:

ELIZABETH loves helping mom.

MADISON enjoys being a cheerleader

JASMINE loves being a ballerina

ISABELLA believes she is a princess

HANNAH dreams of a slumber party

MARIA loves taking care of horses

GRACE likes feeding farm animals

SAVANNAH enjoys going to school

Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores kindly provided me with two different dolls for my daughters to try out. We received the Isabella and Hannah dolls. When I opened the boxes, the girls squealed about how beautiful they were. I was happy that I didn’t have to unwrap or put together a bunch of accessories. Plus, there are no batteries to install or directions to read before playing. It’s just straight from the box fun!

The girls immediately began swapping the clothing, dressing and undressing them for some time. Afterwards, they decided to raid our craft cupboard and make their own jewelry for them. Using pipe cleaners, our dolls became adorned with new necklaces, bracelets, belts and crowns! All the while, I made dinner without the annoying sounds of beeps and whirls and computerized “mama” sounds. My daughters didn’t need me to press any buttons or help them with the settings on their toys. They just enjoyed good old fashioned pretend play with a simple, charming toy.

At bedtime, the girls wanted to sleep with their Butterflies dolls since they are so soft and cuddly. It’s been a week now that they have snuggled with their dolls each night. My oldest has enjoyed reading books to Isabella and my youngest rocks Hannah to sleep. Both dolls have been joining us daily at the breakfast table as well.

The dolls are not machine-washable, but just need a hand washing now and then. We have plenty of baby wipes around the house that do the trick for some of the lighter spots. I am truly pleased with the quality material and sewing construction of these dolls. They really are just too cute!

Each doll is priced at an affordable $19.99. Additional clothes and accessories for both dolls a girls age two to six will be available for purchase at all Cracker Barrel Old Country Store locations as well.

For more information on Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores, including their restaurants and unique gifts visit: Cracker Barrel.

This giveaway has ended. Congratulations to the winner, Kristi C.

Disclosure – These products were provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the writing of this review; however, opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation.

All rules can be found under giveaway rules.

About Emily:

Emily is also very active in the local MOMS CLUB. She raises chickens and has 2 shih tzus. Her daughter Caitlyn attends Montessori school and she hates housecleaning, loves wine and enjoys dining out. She would love to find a cure for the depression and anxiety she has dealt with on and off over the past 10 years, just like me. She is an amazing mom and friend.

Misikko Ceramic Flat Iron Review and #giveaway

December 27, 2009 by Momstart 1,172 Comments

Misikko sent me one of their professional flat irons to review. I opened it up and was quite impressed with the quality. In fact after reviewing it, I thought it would make the perfect Christmas present. It is probably the best flat iron I have ever seen.

misikko_2046_1089445

Picture of the Happy Recipient on Christmas Day:

About ceramic flat irons:

True ceramic flat irons are difficult to find. Solid ceramic is expensive & easily broken during manufacturing. FHI & Hana are two of the world’s only makers of true ceramic plates. The benefits of real ceramic plates are: superior infrared heat and negative ion output (providing smoother unbroken hair); plate surfaces that won’t chip, peel, or wear; and lifelong superior performance.

What does all that mean? I look at the prices of these professional flat irons and I can hardly understand it, but then I look at the description, the quality, the fact that my hair is going to be straight as a board and not rip in the process, or be burned and over processed in the procedure. I can rest assured that the price is worth the quality. Also, I can be assured that it’s going to last. The product is going to continue to service me and keep up with time as the years go by.

About Chi flat iron:

Professional salon model
Moist ceramic heat with ceramic plates and coils
Ceramic produces negative ions (ionic) far infrared heat and will maintain even temperature all the time, seal the hair cuticle, repel humidity and lock in hair color.
Doesn’t damage or dry hair like traditional copper coils
On-Off switch located inside flat iron to prevent accidental shut off
Lightweight design
Fits in a standard curling iron station
Flash quick heating
Saves energy – CHI only uses 20-25 watts of electricity
Versatile "all in one" ergonomic design: create sleek, straight locks, flips or curls
360 degree swivel cord to prevent tangling

About FHI flat iron:

Adjustable Temperature: 140 to 450 Degrees F
Ceramic Plate Size: 90mm x 26mm (3 1/2" x 1")
Automatic Sense Recovery System: Quickly recovers heat to the ceramic plates
Multi Functional Hair Styling Iron: Straightens, Curls, Flips, and capable of creating many different styles
ON/OFF Switch with LED light
Heat up time in seconds
Efficient and cost effective to operate
Swivel power cord: will never tangle
Power Consumption only 58 Watts
Self adjusting plate system
Seals cuticle to lock in moisture and repel humidity with negative ions from Tourmaline
Protects color and retards fading
Eliminates Frizz
Nano Silver, Nano Titanium, and Nano Titanium Oxide technology removes chemicals, bacteria and adds shine!
Made in Korea
1 Year manufacturers warranty

Enter to win one Hana Elite Flat Iron from Misikko.

To Enter:

Visit misikko and tell me what other product you would love to try, be specific please (required)

Follow misikko on twitter. (3 extra entries)

Extra Entries:

Advertise this giveaway on any giveaway site and tell me where you advertised it. 10 Extra Entries
Follow me on twitter tell me your twitter ID
Blog or facebook about the giveaway include a link to me and to the sponsor for 10 extra entries
Tweet this:

@momstart and @misikko are giving away a professional ceramic flat iron http://bit.ly/5RyqS3

The contest will run until January 11th 11:59 pm Pacific. The winner will be selected by www.random.org. All rules can be found under giveaway rules.