VLog Archives - MomStart

Shark Rocket Video Review – The One Vacuum That Does It All

December 3, 2013 by Momstart Leave a Comment

Shark Rocket Video Review – The One Vacuum That Does It All

By: Ashley

I am already a true fan of Shark products. A Shark Navigator was one of the first purchases I made after we moved into our new house. When I found out I was going to get to review a new Shark Rocket, I was thrilled! Shark provided the product for this review, but all of the opinions are my own.

Shopping for a vacuum is tough. You want to find the one product that can do it all: carpets, area rugs, tight spaces, stairs, bare floors… and you want that vacuum without having to skip your mortgage or rent payment for the month. With a MSRP of $179.99, the Rocket is an affordable (yes, expensive, but not ridiculous) vacuum that handles any job in your home with ease. Check out this video review to see the Shark Rocket in action, find out how to use the attachments, and see how to store your vacuum.

The Shark Rocket has some serious deep cleaning powers when it comes to carpet. After just vacuuming our living room the day before, the Rocket was able to pull up all kinds of dirt, dust and general yuck. (Check out the before and after pictures below.) It never has any problems cleaning up pet hair and the canister is super easy to empty.

I absolutely love how well it cleans bare floor. I noticed that the hardwoods seemed super clean when I used the special bare floor attachment, but even I was surprised at how well the Rocket passed the oatmeal test in the video! I also love how the Rocket makes vacuuming stairs as easy as it can be. It’s one of my least favorite chores, but the self propelled action and the light, easy to maneuver vacuum make it so much better.

The Shark Rocket is available at most major retailers. I know most people would tell you that getting someone a vacuum as a gift is a horrible idea, but I completely disagree. This is a tool that will make your day to day life a little easier… and a lot cleaner!

Here’s the product description from Shark:

ROCKET TECHNOLOGY – Shark re-engineered the full-size vacuum, focusing on the high-performance essentials and trimming away every unnecessary ounce to give you the ultimate in vacuuming versatility without sacrificing performance.
ERGONOMIC HANDLE – Comfort handle with rubberized grip provides more control and prevents slipping.
TWO SPEED BRUSH ROLL – Two powerful settings for all your floor needs. Deep cleaning carpets by removing embedded dirt, and gentle on bare floors and delicate area rugs.
EASY TO EMPTY DUST CUP – Hold the dust cup over the trash and press the bottom door release button on the front to empty.
CLEANING WAND – Quick release wand for extra reach when cleaning above floors.
WASHABLE FILTERS – High quality filters require minimal maintenance and never need replacing.
STORAGE HOOKS – Slot on the bottom of the dust cup that hooks on to the bottom of the wand or onto a wall with the wall mount.
WALL MOUNT – Wall Mount for unit storage without taking up closet space. Great for hanging the accessory bag too!

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 @Momicles2010.

Wiggle and Giggle with Radio Flyer’s Ziggle With Miles

October 26, 2013 by Momstart Leave a Comment

Sample received.

I was watching as Miles figured out how to use the Radio Flyer Ziggle. I actually thought it worked a different way but once he was on it he figured out how o use it. Kids just DO…

I actually really like the Radio Flyer Ziggle. It separates the legs better than the Plasma Car does. I think the only difference is the Plasma Car holds up to 150 pounds and the Radio Flyer only goes up to 81 pounds. Here is our video of Miles doing his ride on review of the Radio Flyer Ziggle.

It seems to me that the positioning is better on the Ziggle as well, plus it has an adjustable seat making it easier for kids to use for a longer period of time. We currently have the chair all the way in the back position. The handlebars are soft and it really is creatively put together. The neighbor kids already came into my garage once and ran across the street with it. One kids sitting on it and the other kid pushing.

So the key to using the Radio Flyer Ziggle is to twist the handle bars back and fourth from side to side. It will make a great Christmas gift this year. Plus as far as ride on toys go the price is just right. I think anything over 50.00 for a ride on toy is just too much, so at 49.99 it’s a great price.

The Ziggle™ from Radio Flyer

Equipped with four caster wheels for a fun, fast ride, Ziggle allows kids to glide forward or tap into the unique twisting motion for drifts and 360⁰ spin out action. An adjustable seat and padded hand grips are designed for kids 3 – 8 years old, allowing for years of twists, giggles and fun!

To give you a better idea of how Ziggle works, check out this video you know, just in case Miles didn’t do a good job for you!t http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVq758Vpsfo

Available now at Target, Walmart, Toys ‘R Us and on RadioFlyer.com
MSRP: $49.99
Ages 3-8 years old

Wild Ophelia Chocolate: Connecting American Farmers with Chocolate Taste Testing

October 18, 2013 by Momstart Leave a Comment

I’m a Wild Ophelia Chocolate Ambassador and receive samples.

I’ve tried the Peanut Butter Banana

this is a great tasting chocolate bar, the peanut butter mixes quite well with the bananas in the bar

I’ve tried the New Orleans Chili

this is another great flavor, the chili is slow to come out in your taste buds but it does emerge as your already enjoying the dark chocolate bar

I’ve tried the Southern Hibiscus Peach

this is not my favorite flavor, I do like the taste of the chocolate and the peach, but the hibiscus didn’t do it for me

I’ve tried the Beef Jerky

my favorite flavor by far is the Wild Ophelia Beef Jerky chocolate. YUM

About Wild Ophelia:

Wild Ophelia is a uniquely American brand featuring all-natural and often organic ingredients sourced from small farms and food artisans. Their chocolate bars tell an American story, and bridge the divide between the local, American farmer’s movement and chocolate. Flavor combinations, such as BBQ Potato Chips, Beef Jerky and Peanut Butter Banana are unexpected, yet approachable. I’m willing to try every flavor and I can’t wait to get my hands on a BBQ Potato Chips bar. I’m going to head on over to Walgreens to see if I can find it because I’m too impatient to wait for them to send it to me.

Wild Ophelia is the latest creation from Katrina Markoff, founder of Vosges Haut-Chocolat and recognized "chocolate revolutionary". Markoff is widely credited with igniting the chocolate industry with innovation by fusing high-quality chocolate and exotic ingredients (such as curry and bacon) in avant-garde ways. She launched Wild Ophelia to bring unconventional chocolate creations mainstream and Americanize the local chocolate aisle. Curry, now that’s another flavor I’m looking forward to trying.

On the back of each chocolate bar, you’ll find the story and origin of each ingredient. All Wild Ophelia products are made with 100% renewable energy and packaged in 100% recycled board.

Making Your Own Commercial is EASY & Fun with The Give ‘Em Ragu App #Giveaway

December 18, 2012 by Momstart 292 Comments

Make Your Own Commercial! I Did…And it Was Fun! – Ragu App and #Giveaway

By: Ashley

I guess I should start out by explaining this whole commercial thing. The first thing I’d like you to do though, is take a look…

I think that is pretty hilarious. First of all, we have all heard that phrase “like a kid at Christmas” a million times. My son is definitely bringing that phrase to life this year… and I love it. This is the first year that he’s really been into the whole Christmas season. He is full of Christmas spirit, Christmas joy, Christmas love, and very obviously, Christmas energy.

So how did we make our own Ragu commercial? We did that with the new ‘Give Em Ragú’ App. This is an app that lets parents act as commercial directors and filmmakers during the holidays this year. I definitely wouldn’t be able to use this app if I didn’t actually like Ragu… but we do! I love making my own sauce, but sometimes that just isn’t possible. There’s also a dish that my mother in law makes that calls for Ragu. I tried it once with a different sauce, and it just wasn’t the same. So, Ragu is really a product that we keep in our home.

So what’s the app all about? “Give Em Ragu” lets you take a picture or video of your own family moment and turn it into a Ragu commercial. All you do is select the media you want to use, give a brief description, and it does the rest. You then have the option to share it to Facebook, Twitter, or email it. Making this video was actually a lot of fun. My son does so many silly things that it’s neat to have a different way to share it.

Head into the app store ( For iOS visit the ITunes APP store or to download the app for Android, visit the Google Play store) and try out the “Give Em Ragu” app with some of your own holiday memories. It’s always fun to play with pictures and videos. We’d love to see what you come up with! Our friends at Ragu are even letting us giveaway a month’s supply (4 product coupons) or Ragu! When you’re tired of cooking holiday dinners, you can let Ragu do the work for you! Follow the directions below.

Enter to Win:

A month’s Supply of Ragu

To Enter:

Tell us what you like to make with Ragu

Extra Entries:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway ends January 1st. Please see the giveaway rules.

About Ashley (Managing Editor at MomStart): 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 Momicles and follow her @Momicles2010

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

Maclaren Globetrotter Video – The Latest and Greatest Maclaren Lightweight Stroller

May 26, 2012 by Momstart 9 Comments

By: Ashley

With a toddler who would rather be toddling than riding, finding the perfect stroller is a tough battle. Maclaren has always delivered a winning stroller for both me and my little guy – and still does! In the past, we were big fans of the Maclaren Quest Sport, but that was before I took the NEW Maclaren Globetrotter out for a stroll.

The Maclaren Globetrotter has all of the perks that you would expect from a Maclaren: lightweight, easy to fold, durable frame, and a secure 5 point harness. The Globetrotter also brings with it an even lighter design along with a reclining seat! In fact, the Maclaren Globetrotter is the lightest stroller in its class.

With all of the traveling our family does (especially lately!), lightweight is the number one priority in choosing a stroller. When I found out that the Maclaren Globetrotter was only 10.6 pounds, I knew it would be a great match for us. The great carry strap on the back of the Maclaren Globetrotter stroller is a fantastic addition that works great with the lightness of the stroller. You can quickly fold the stroller down. Then, throw the strap on your shoulder for getting around and carrying whatever else you need to be carrying.

In addition to the durable lightweight construction, I am always shocked and amazed at the maneuverability of ANY Maclaren – and the Globetrotter does no t disappoint. Several different people in my family, including Atticus, have used it and everyone is always amazed at how easy it handles. You can even push and steer with one hand in those crazy mommy, multitasking, hands full moments in life.

If you are looking for a user friendly, kid friendly, great all around stroller, the Maclaren Globetrotter could be EXACTLY what you’re looking for.

Want to know more about the Maclaren Globetrotter?

Check out more of my new favorite stroller in my Maclaren Globetrotter Demonstration video… and stay tuned in on MomStart to see where we’ve trotted in our Globetrotter.

MomStart is an Ambassador for Maclaren and received products for review.

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 .

VTech Catch-Me-Kitty What a-Me-WOWsome Good Time

November 20, 2011 by Momstart 147 Comments

By Ashley

VTech has such a great reputation for delivering educational, interactive, and durable toys. The new VTech Catch-Me-Kitty delivers all of that and more! I have to say, as a parent, I was even impressed with all that the Catch-Me-Kitty does!

The VTech Catch-Me-Kitty is a small orange kitten that “runs” (or more accurately rolls) around as your busy little walker tries to catch him! Seriously, genius! The kitten comes complete with sensors on both the back and front. The front sensors help the kitten know when to turn around to avoid hitting walls, cabinets, and furniture while the sensors on the back let the kitten know when your little one is close. This lets the kitten speed away so that your little walker (or runner) will chase him!

The Catch-Me-Kitty is an interactive toy that keeps kids active! How awesome is that? There is also an educational setting on the kitty which allows your child to begin working on shapes through the buttons on the kitty.

Between the singing, whimsical sounds, flashing lights, rolling around, spins on the floor, and buttons to push, this toy is AWESOME! It was so good that pictures along just couldn’t do it justice. Here is Atticus enjoying his test of VTech’s Catch-Me-Kitty.

Are you interested? Well, good! You should be! Is there a little one that you think would love chasing around a little orange kitty? Good news… MomStart has teamed up with VTech for a giveaway!

Enter to Win:

A VTech Catch-Me-Kitty

To Enter:

Tell us some of your favorite VTech toys!

Extra Entries:

tweet:

This giveaway has ended. Congratulations to the winner, Shannon Thompson.

All rules can be found under giveaway rules.

Disclosure – A product was 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.

About Ashley:

Ashley has a background in teaching Kindergarten and working with children K through 8th grade. She is now a SAHM and President of our local MOMS Club chapter. She writes her own blog at Momicles.

Vlogging From The Shower: Kodak Playsport Waterproof HD Video Camera

May 2, 2011 by Momstart 7 Comments

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….

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

March 29, 2011 by Momstart 2 Comments

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.

What Would You Do Without The Internet or TV? Vlog

March 21, 2011 by Momstart 6 Comments

Welcome to Monday Mingle!

This week’s questions:

Current questions {week of 3/21/11}:

1. What would you do for fun if you had to give up TV and internet?
2. What is your favorite breed of dog?

3. What is under your bed right now?

My answers:

If I had to give up internet and TV then I would go back to painting. I used to paint a lot before I had kids. I have tons of artwork under my bed, which happens to be question number thee. Of course if you really wanted to get down to what’s under my bed, we also have cracker packages, my iPad is under my bed along with a package of chocolate that I’ve been slowly working on since Valentine’s Day. I think in the video I said Mother’s Day but that’s not until May and rest assured the package of chocolate is not THAT old.

My favorite breed of dog is yes, chocolate labs, my dream dog that we recently decided we were not able to keep. Having a dog, a blog, traveling and two kids makes taking care of a puppy exhausting. So she’s living with a new family now that can care for her better than I could.

I look forward to reading everyone else’s answers this week.

Remember, Monday Mingle is a chance to 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. However, if you aren’t ready to do video, just post the questions on your site and answer them. Then link up and we’ll still come and visit you leaving the answers.

Another Krispy Kreme Not So Wordless Wednesday BANANAS

March 15, 2011 by Momstart 42 Comments

Miles and I had another great visit to Krispy Kreme Doughnuts and enjoyed some of their banana flavors.

Now through April 24th if you visit Krispy Kreme, Miles says you should try the Banana Kreme Pie Doughnut with Banana Kreme filling dipped in white icing and topped with Nilla wafer pieces. He also suggests that you try the Banana Caramel Cake doughnut made with real bananas and glazed and if that wasn’t enough it is drizzled with caramel icing. I thought the Banana Caramel Cake doughnut was a little too sweet. I’m very sad to say that we missed out on the opportunity to try the Chocolate Krispy Kreme Chiller^®and I was really looking forward to trying it, it’s described as “a chocolate lover’s dream” having a rich and creamy texture and topped with whipped cream. Oh yum!

Join “Friends of Krispy Kreme” or interact with Krispy Kreme on Facebook and www.twitter.com/krispy_kreme for updates on special promotions, exclusive offers and local events.

We received samples from Krispy Kreme to facilitate this Wordless Wednesday!