Hot Dots® Jr. Succeeding in School with Highlights™ Set - #hotdots Review and Giveaway

I received product for review.  The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

I mentioned a few days ago that my kids are older but there's no shortage of kids at my house.  I have an area in my guest bedroom that stores toys and learning activities.  Gotta keep the young'uns entertained when they're over!

Educational Insights, a manufacturer of educational toys and games, sent me the Hot Dots® Jr. Succeeding in School with Highlights™ Set for review.  Based in SoCal, Educational Insights are a team of experts who pour their passion for inspiring kids into playful products packed with serious educational value.

March into literacy with the Hot Dots® Jr. Succeeding in School with Highlights™ Set!  Designed for children in kindergarten and first grade, this set reinforces the fundamentals and prepares kids for success.  Included are 80 illustrated, double-sided cards with 160 lessons, an Activity Guide, and an Ollie—the Talking, Teaching Owl™ pen that provides silly sounds, lights, and encouraging feedback.

Before using this set, parents should first read the Activity Guide.  It demonstrates how to use the cards and pen, has a lesson guide on succeeding in school, and care instructions.  Ollie—the Talking, Teaching Owl™ pen requires 2 AAA batteries that are not included.  

The cards are grouped into different skills.

Set One - Sight Words

Set Two - Reading Comprehension

Set Three - Addition and Subtraction

Set Four - Time, Money, and More

Set Five - Science

How the cards work is that children use the pen to touch the dot next to a correct answer on a card.  For instance, a child would use the pen to mark the word "nap" as a similar word to "sleep".  If an answer is correct, Ollie's eyes will glow green and, if it's incorrect, Ollie's eyes will glow red.  Ollie plays 17 phrases and sounds, and there's a volume control on the pen.  Ollie should be held in a way that the pen is straight up and down on the answer dot.  The pen should not be tilted in a writing position.  Within the Activity Guide are enrichment activities, with instructions on how to work on other educational pursuits with your child.  For example, there's a lesson on Fun with Straws and a lesson on Watching a Seed Change.  This set is educational, interactive, and fun.

Win It!

One person will win a Hot Dots® Jr. Succeeding in School with Highlights™ Set.

*This is a Rafflecopter giveaway open to residents of the USA.*
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It's National Prom Day

Logan will be wearing the tux on his right

Prom is a big deal to most high schoolers.  It's a night of dancing and dressing up.  Today celebrates all the fun and excitement that Prom brings.

I actually went with Logan on Wednesday to rent his tux for Prom coming up in three weeks.  It's his last one.  He's been saving up his hard-earned money to make it a memorable night for him and his girlfriend.  (But not that memorable!!)  I saw a picture of the GF's dress and it's absolutely gorgeous (as it should be for $620!).  I'm almost as excited as them.  I can't wait to take pictures and see my boy look all grown up.  I'd like to say that Adam will be attending his last Prom as well but he wants nothing to do with it.

I did not go to prom my Junior year because I was too busy being pregnant.  But I threatened persuaded my ex to go with me my Senior year.  My mother forked over $330 for my Southern belle style dress.  It was light blue and white, super poofy, and had a beaded choker.  My sister wore the same dress in my first wedding to my first husband.

Logan's tux from last year

National Prom Day 2017 celebrates the efforts of SADD with a donation for every promgirl.com and promguy.com sale on March 31st. Additionally, all generations are encouraged to share prom photos from year’s past on social media using the hashtag #NationalPromDay with the tag @promgirlxo and @promguytux. Learn more by checking out the National Prom Day website.

Did you go to prom?  What kind of dress did you wear?  Any special memories about the event?
Do you have teens attending Prom this year?

Me and Jason attended an Adult Prom in 2014.  Gotta say, it was better than my H.S. Prom.

Power of Prayer Thursdays - Week 68

(photo credit: Unsplash)

I believe in a God that hears prayers and answers them. I've witnessed the miraculous gift of answered prayer. And, I want to pray for you. I've started weekly Power of Prayer post every Thursday. We are now on week 68. If you are needing prayer in an area of your life, please leave a comment and I'll commit to pray for your need or request. You can be as general or as specific as you like. Whether it be for healing, salvation, finances, emotions, or another area of life, I'd like to lift it up in prayer.

Living Well with Montel: 1200W Emulsifier Blender - Review

I received product for review.  The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

I can't honestly say I've completely jumped on the "healthy lifestyle" bandwagon.  I'm still a hot mess and make poor nutritional decisions.  But, I've been doing better than I ever did before and have been making conscience decisions to get myself on track by incorporating more fruits and veggies in my diet, and exercising at least twice a week.  Baby steps, baby steps!

I received the 1200W Emulsifier Blender from the Living Well with Montel line and have been using it as part of a healthier lifestyle.

personal cup

I don't get caught up in celebrity hoopla or buy certain products just because they have celebrity endorsements on them. With that said, I will buy merchandise that have celebrity backing if I think I'll like the products themselves.  I'm familiar with Montel Williams as a talk show host.  Living Well Products LLC promotes Montel Williams' message of living well spiritually, emotionally, and physically.  

The 1200W Emulsifier Blender from the Living Well with Montel product line is easy to assemble and use.  There are two different bases, a pitcher, a personal cup, and a plunger.  The pitcher is the average size of most other blenders.  It has its own base.  Then there's the personal cup, which I'm a big fan of.  If I want to only blend just enough for myself (i.e., a smoothie) all I need to do is insert the personal cup blade base and then fill the personal cup with desired ingredients.  Once that's done, I turn the cup upside down and secure it to the base.  Once everything is mixed, I turn the cup back over and have a cup full of whatever concoction I've created.  There's even a lid for the cup so I can take it anywhere without spills.

There is a Safety Lock that prevents the blender from functioning if it's not properly assembled.  The blender will also automatically turn off if it begins to overheat.

Several program settings are in place so you can get the proper blend.  The Single Serve button is used for the Personal Cup.  The Puree function blends ingredients into a thick, soup-like consistency.  The Crush button crushes ice and other frozen ingredients.  The Soup button (love it!) allows you to make your own soups from whatever ingredients you put in the blender.  It will run for seven minutes and heat the food.  The Smoothie/Clean button has two functions.  It will either make smoothies, or it can be used to clean the blender when needed.  Of course, there's also a Power button that turns the blender on and off.  There's also four manual buttons - Low, Medium, High, and Pulse.  This allows you to control the speed.  

push button controls

A plunger is included and its use is to circulate ingredients if they get stuck or don't want to blend very well.  I've had to use it once.  It should be common sense, but the blades are sharp so don't be sticking your hand down the blender and be careful if you need to handle the blades.

The 1200W Emulsifier Blender is priced a little higher than your normal, everyday blender.  But, you've got to keep in mind that it has a ton of functions.  I like how easy it is to use and make so many different things.

Playfoam® Shape & Learn Alphabet Set - Review and Giveaway

I received product for review from Educational Insights.  The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

Whether it be friends or family, there's no shortage of kids at my house.  Although my kids are probably too old to be officially called kids, I still have an area in my guest bedroom that stores toys and learning activities.  Gotta keep the young'uns entertained when they're over!

Educational Insights, a manufacturer of educational toys and games, sent me the Playfoam Shape & Learn Alphabet Set for review.  Educational Insights products include subject-specific classroom products, teacher resources, educational toys, and games. Their products are designed by seasoned educators and parents who know that, first and foremost, learning must be fun.

The Playfoam Shape & Learn Alphabet Set has gotten its fair share of use.  Even the kids who already know their alphabet enjoy using the Playfoam to trace over letters on the cards.  This set comes with eight colored Playfoam bricks and 13 double-sides cards with letters.  There are arrows with the letters to show which direction the child should move to make the letter properly.

What makes Playfoam® so innovative is that it never dries out and it doesn't stick to carpet or clothes.  Shapes and objects can be made using the little colorful balls.  Playfoam's texture is soft and squishy.  I admit, I've played with it too!  It's actually kind of stress-relieving.  There's no big mess to clean up, and I don't have to freak out if some does get on the table or floor.    

With the addition of Playfoam to the alphabet cards, kids are more apt to want to learn their letters.  Although Playfoam doesn't dry out, I have purchased little containers to put the separate colors in after use just so it can all be kept in one place.  The Playfoam® Shape & Learn Alphabet Set is both fun and educational.

Win It!

One person will win a Playfoam Shape & Learn Alphabet Set.

*This is a Rafflecopter giveaway open to residents of the USA.*
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Random Tuesday Thoughts - Birthdays and Breakfast Pizza

It's been a couple weeks since I've thrown out my randomness.  I'm linking up this week with Stacy Uncorked to talk all things random.
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I've been on a "thrift store" and "sale" kick lately.  If I see a sign that reads either of those words, it gets on like Donkey Kong.  I've been finding great deals.  Now I just need to find bigger closets.  I went to one thrift store and came out with nine shirts and one pair of pants for $34.  Score!

Jason could care less about shopping, but found camo on sale at Kmart.  His eyes lit up like a kid on Christmas day.  Now he's set to go hunting.
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This is what happens when you leave your sausage breakfast pizza on the island at work.  I come back to find it filled with M&Ms.  Sometimes, I can't even deal.

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I went to the movies with my son, Logan, to watch the movie, Logan.  I'm sure he only wanted to see it due to the title name.  I'm not much into Marvel or X-Men or whatever, but it wasn't a bad film.

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Speaking of Logan, that guy will pursue me relentlessly until I sit down to play a game of gin rummy.  He's a card-playing fool.  Guess he could have worse hobbies.  #PreparingForALifeOfGambling

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birthday hat or dunce cap?!

March has been the month of birthdays.  I've attended a fair number of parties.  My favorite was great-nephew, Harley's, party.  He turned one whole year old.  

Everybody's having babies, getting married, or getting older.  It's a busy year for festivities.

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Alaina and Chipmunk

My bestie was out of town for two weeks and I almost didn't survive.  I had time to actually clean my house and do all the adulting.  So glad she's back.

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workout wear

I've surprised myself - I'm still going strong with Nufit.  I'm not getting much skinnier but I'm getting stronger.  #StrongIsTheNewSkinny

I tried Pilates for the first time the other day.  I was rolling around on that medicine ball like a beached whale begging for water.  I think I'll stick to the other exercise classes.

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What's your randomness for the week?  

What's your favorite card game?

Find any good sales lately?

Tom's of Maine Toy Recycling Program - #LessWasteChallenge

I received no product or compensation for this post. This post is in partnership with PR firm. Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services. Your opinions and results may differ.

If your kids are anything like mine, they have more toys than they know what to do with.  And, some of them have lived past their life span.  There's dolls with one arm, trucks with no wheels, and teddy bears with no stuffing.

Tom's of Maine has a new toy recycling program that both parents and kids can get involved in. (Or just parents if your child is one that screams bloody murder if so much as a Lego is thrown away.)

During April, Tom's of Maine is working with TerraCycle on a new toy recycling program -- #LessWasteChallenge.  It’s an ideal solution to get rid of broken toys that don’t have to wind up in a landfill or take up needless space in your home.

It’s simple to get involved:
Visit www.tomsofmaine.com/lesswaste
Enter contact information to receive a free UPS shipping label via email
Fill an old box with up to ten pounds of broken toys
Attach the free shipping label to the box and drop it off at UPS

It couldn't be any easier - And it's free!  I've taken the #LessWasteChallenge pledge.  Have you?

Colgate Total Advanced Health Mouthwash - Review

I received product for review from Colgate-Palmolive Company.  The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

Spring cleaning isn't just about cleaning your home; it is also a great time to give your medicine cabinet a cleanse, including swapping out your oral care products with new items from Colgate.

Just as with other parts of our body, we only have one set of teeth.  Once they're gone, they're gone.  That's why it's important to have proper dental hygiene and use oral care products that are effective in protecting teeth.

Incorporate the new Colgate Total Advanced Health Mouthwash into your routine and simply –Shake, Clean, See –for a healthier mouth!

Colgate Total Advanced Health Mouthwash is proud to be the first oral care product to contain two-layer technology- combining the freshening power germ killing ingredients. This innovative dual-phase formula mouthwash is proven to remove 24x more bacteria.  You can visibly see the two-layer technology, with the top being green and the bottom being blue.  Shake the bottle each time to mix the two.  I like the minty taste and that it gets rid of food smells on my breath.

I'm already a fan of Colgate oral care goods and I'd say the new Colgate Total Advanced Health Mouthwash is worth buying if you want to fight gingivitis, reduce plaque, and have fresh breath (as you should!)

Basher Science Collaborated with Mattel for New Toy Line - Review and Giveaway

I received products for review.  The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

Science never has been my favorite subject.  I don't hate it, but I need time to comprehend it all.  Unbeknownst to me until recently, there's a line called Basher Science that has been helping kids with science for ten years.

Basher Science brought the Periodic Table to life through its amusing and informative characters, and now they're happy to announce that the Basher Universe has expanded from a popular book series to include a new line of science-themed character figurines, card games, and playsets

page from Simon Basher Rocks and Minerals book

Of the many books available, I received the Simon Basher Rocks and Minerals book.  It presents geology of fossils, minerals, crystals, and rocks in interesting form.  Each geological formation is made into a character and their story is told in autobiographical form.  For instance, Talc is illustrated to look like a white gingerbread man, and readers can learn about all its uses.  There's an index and a glossary at the back of the book.  This book puts geology into a more personable light, and I feel children will be more apt to want to read this than a dry words in a textbook.

The toy line includes Basher Science figurines, card games, collectable cards, play sets and experiment kits.  Children 6+ will now be able to collect and play with their favourite characters from Basher's Periodic Table, Physics, Biology and Rocks and Minerals books.  They are a nice addition to the books and children can learn about science in a way that's interesting and engaging.  For instance, the Biology Card Game teaches facts about aspects of science, while children are competing to win.  The card games include a mini-figure.

Win It!

One person will win a Basher Science Swag Pack that includes random assortment of books, card games, play sets, and figurines.

*This is a Rafflecopter giveaway open to residents of the USA.*
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Four More March Winners

A few of my giveaways have ended and the winners have been randomly drawn.

The winner of the Pretend & Play Teaching ATM Bank giveaway is #9, Mami2jcn.

The winner of the Really Woolly Easter Blessings book giveaway is #18, msrodeobrat.

The winner of the Miracle Mindset book giveaway is #14, polly.

The winner of the Playgro Bead Buddy Giraffe giveaway is #73, SexyBrat.

Congrats to the winners and thanks to all who entered.  Be sure to enter the currently active giveaways, listed at the top left hand side of my blog.  There's no limit to how many you can enter or how many you can win.

Weekend Savings at Precious Moments

This weekend, Precious Moments has five great promotional offers.  They're valid now through March 27th.

Get 1 cent Shipping on EVERYTHING at PreciousMoments.com! Offer valid March 24th-27th. Use Code: SHIP41CENT


Save 15% on any $150+ purchase at PreciousMoments.com! Offer valid March 24th-27th with code MARCH15


Save 20% on any $200+ purchase at PreciousMoments.com! Offer valid March 24th-27th with code MARCH20


Save 25% on any $250+ purchase at PreciousMoments.com! Offer valid March 24th-27th with code MARCH25


Save 30% on any $300+ purchase at PreciousMoments.com! Offer valid March 24th-27th with code MARCH30

This post contains an affiliate link.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

Spring Clean with Mean Green - Review

I received products for review, as part of being a Mean Green Ambassador.  The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

ugly green sink splattered with food and grease

My husband, bless his heart, is darn near perfect.  He treats me like a queen and helps with some of the chores.  He's generally the cook of the house and I'm the cleaner.  I don't normally mind picking up after him but, once in a while, he'll make a big ole' mess.  And, sometimes he won't tell me about said mess and I discover it on my own. 

Just the other day I went to do dishes and noticed a film of food and grease on one side of the sink.  Jason had drained grease into the sink and let it sit (big no, no!).  I took out my handy dandy bottle of Mean Green Super Strength Cleaner & Degreaser and sprayed the sink down.  In no time at all, my sink was clean again and I was able to carry on with doing the dishes.

Same ugly green sink, but clean

As a Mean Green Ambassador, I received cleaning products from the company.  I've used the Mean Green Super Strength Cleaner & Degreaser in the past but hadn't used the other products before.  Not only have I gotten my sink clean, I've also brought back shine and cleanliness to other areas of my house.  I've been on a Spring cleaning mission, and Mean Green makes it easy.

Launched in 1990 in Spartanburg, SC, Mean Green Super Strength is made with a unique blend of detergents and solvents that make one of the most powerful cleaners I've encountered.  Lab tests have shown it outperforms nearly every other cleaner on nearly every stain.  Mean Green is non-toxic, biodegradable and contains no acid, bleach or ammonia.  

Mean Green Orange Champ is another cleaner from the company.  It can be used on the same stuff as the Super Strength Cleaner & Degreaser, but it has a fresh citrus aroma.  

Like I mentioned before, my husband doesn't necessarily clean.  But, he tinkers with cars in his garage and has talked highly of Mean Green Auto & Garage.  It is formulated to remove and dissolve petroleum based grease, grime, and oil from engines, tools, and concrete.  I have to give Jason props; he actually tidied up his garage and tools using this cleaning product.  I guess since he was able to do it without overexerting himself and he was able to notice how well the cleaner worked, he didn't mind straightening out his "man space".  

We mustn't forget about the Mean Green Mildew Destroyer.  It's to be used in the nastiest of places, like the tub, toilet, trash cans, and sinks.  This particular cleaner does contain bleach, and it is pretty strong so be sure to keep the area you're cleaning well-ventilated.  

Mean Grean cleaning products make getting my house back in shape this Spring season so much easier.  I can see the gleam and shine.  As you begin your Spring cleaning, consider Mean Green for all your cleaning needs.  Your automobile, garage, and entire house will thank you.

Have you started Spring cleaning?
Is Mean Green on your list of cleaning products?

Going To See If the Hype Is Real

You know if something's on Facebook, it's got to be true!  

Actually, please don't think I'm dumb enough to fall for everything I see on the Internet.  I've read 'Gullible's Travels'.  

Any ole' how, I've been seeing where people are adding Apple Cider Vinegar to their water.  After doing some research and talking to people who swear by it, I purchased some Apple Vinegar Cider and a case of bottled water.  The gist is that you are to add 1-2 Tbsp. of the vinegar to a bottle of water and drink it.  If you want, you can add cinnamon or honey for taste.  

As for me, I just add the vinegar to the water and chug it like I'm doing a keg stand.  The stuff taste like dirty ass and doesn't smell much better.  

The supposed benefits of subjecting yourself to this torture is blood sugar control, weight loss, and lower cholesterol.  It's also supposed to help with digestion, which is my main reason for drinking it.  

I've only been going at it for three days now so I can't give you any pros or cons.  I'll keep you filled in.

What's your take on this?  Fad or For Real?  Do you down Apple Cider Vinegar?

It's National Chip and Dip Day

I received products in exchange for this post. Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services. Your opinions and results may differ.

Plant-based ingredients are one of the six key food and drink trends to watch for in 2017 according to Mintel. Keep up with the trends this National Chips & Dip Day by incorporating plant-based proteins into your favorite dip recipes to pair with Garden of Eatin’ Blue Corn Tortilla Chips.

Enhance your Guacamole this season with Spectrum® Vegan Eggless Light Canola Mayonnaise. It has all the rich flavor of regular mayonnaise with less than 1/3 fat and calories. Combine with avocado and store-bought salsa for an extra quick, extra creamy guacamole dip.

Swap out regular beans in your layered bean dip for Westbrae Natural® Organic Beans. They are versatile, convenient and nutritious. Don’t forget a great source of fiber and protein, and are cholesterol free.

Don’t forget about your vegetable dip! Substitute everyday vegetables with Westbrae Natural® Vegetables. They are not only ready to serve but are USDA organic and also grown, harvested and packed in the U.S.

Here is a recipe for a dip using the Spectrum Naturals Extra Virgin Olive Oil:

Curry-Orange Dipping Oil

Serve with toasted pita chips.

¼ cup Spectrum Naturals® Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 teaspoons finely grated orange zest
3 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice (from about ½ orange)
½ teaspoon curry powder
1 teaspoon peeled, minced ginger (or 3 drops ginger extract)
¼ teaspoon tumeric
½ teaspoon hot pepper sauce
¼ teaspoon coarse sea salt
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Measure the ingredients in a bowl. Whisk well to combine. Taste for seasonings.

What dips do you like to pair with your chips?

Swan Princess: Royally Undercover - DVD Giveaway

I received no product or compensation for this post.  This post is in partnership with PR firm.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.  This post contains embedded video.

A Spy Adventure Awaits in the Next Installment of the Beloved Swan Princess Franchise
THE SWAN PRINCESS: ROYALLY UNDERCOVER
Available on DVD March 28
Bonus Materials Include a Behind-the-Scenes Featurette with Macy Kate in the Recording Studio

The Swan Princess is back, with an all-new feature length movie! Get ready to go on an undercover detective adventure when THE SWAN PRINCESS: ROYALLY UNDERCOVER arrives for the first time on DVD March 28 from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. The newest installment of the beloved animated franchise follows the enchanting tale of young Princess Alise and her friends as they embark on a new adventure where they solve a royal mystery using their detective skills and spy gadgets. Featuring fan-favorite characters and all news faces, this next installment is the perfect fit for a new generation of Swan Princess fans, as well as nostalgic fans of the franchise. Join “The X Factor” star Macy Kate in the studio as she records the theme song for THE SWAN PRINCESS: ROYALLY UNDERCOVER, "Born to Be Me." Macy Kate also sang the theme song in the previous installment, THE SWAN PRINCESS: PRINCESS TOMORROW, PIRATE TODAY, which was titled "I'll Be Your Star."



Synopsis:

After mysterious visitors arrive in the Kingdom, Princess Alise, Lucas and their friends go undercover on a secret spy adventure to see if they can be trusted. They will need all of their superior detective skills as well as some super cool gadgets to solve the royal mystery and save the Kingdom. Directed by Richard Rich from a story by Richard Rich and Brian Nissen, and a screenplay by Brian Nissen, THE SWAN PRINCESS: ROYALLY UNDERCOVER was produced by Richard Rich, Seldon O. Young, and Jared F. Brown, with Seldon O. Young, serving as executive producer.

DVD Extras Include: In the Recording Studio with Macy Kate

 THE SWAN PRINCESS: ROYALLY UNDERCOVER has a run time of approximately 79 minutes and is rated G.

Win It!

One person will win The Swan Princess: Royally Undercover on DVD.

*This is a Rafflecopter giveaway open to residents of the USA.*
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Power of Prayer Thursdays - Week 67

(photo credit: Unsplash)

I believe in a God that hears prayers and answers them. I've witnessed the miraculous gift of answered prayer. And, I want to pray for you. I've started weekly Power of Prayer post every Thursday. We are now on week 67. If you are needing prayer in an area of your life, please leave a comment and I'll commit to pray for your need or request. You can be as general or as specific as you like. Whether it be for healing, salvation, finances, emotions, or another area of life, I'd like to lift it up in prayer.

100 First Words - Children's Board Book Review and Giveaway

I received book for review from DK.  The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

Book Overview:

Cleverly designed in a large trim size, 100 First Words (On-sale March 7, 2017; $9.99) is the start of baby’s learning adventure. Crystal-clear photos show the wonder of the real world, from baby’s body to baby’s food, while delightful illustrations tell simple stories that foster learning, from penguins playing in the snow to a mouse climbing a ladder.

My Review:

As parents, we take it upon ourselves to teach our children their first words.  We constantly point out objects while saying what they are out loud.  We get giddy when our children say their first words and can associate those words with the proper objects.

A board book with soft padded cover, 100 First Words helps promote word association.  Several different sections are covered within the book.  For instance, there's My Body (eyes, nose, etc.), My Clothes (hat, pants, etc.), Food (apple, broccoli), and more.  Some of the pictures are artistic illustrations and some are realistic.  The book has lots of bold and bright colors to make it appealing and to stimulate visual senses.

Win It!

One person will win 100 First Words board book.

*This is a Rafflecopter giveaway open to residents of the USA.*
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tidy Living: Vertical 6 Cube Organizer Now $22! (Reg. $35)

Tidy Living is the leading manufacturer and supplier of home storage, organization, garment care and laundry accessory products. Their high-quality products enable users to simplify and enhance their quality of life.


Save over 35% on a Vertical 6 Cube Organizer! Now $22 Reg. $35Offer expires 5/15/2017.

This post contains an affiliate link. Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services. Your opinions and results may differ.

smarttemp Bluetooth Thermometer - #infanttechmom Review

I received products for review from Infantech.  The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

I'm not pregnant and have no plans to be but I currently know several gals who are. My schedule of baby showers is pretty packed in the coming months. So, I am definitely on the lookout for baby merchandise that is high-quality and affordable. I also like to look for items that are different than the norm or unique.

Baby items sure have come a long way since I had wee ones.  Back then, there wasn't all this technology.  The smarttemp Bluetooth thermometer is an innovative way to take your baby's temperature, and it's done with technological advancement.  I have a nephew that's almost one-year old and I was given the go-ahead to use the thermometer on him a few times.

While this thermometer's primary use is for babies and children up to age seven, it can also be used on adults to measure armpit temperature.  Before you begin using the thermometer, you need to download and install the free software.  You'll then need to sync the thermometer to the app via Bluetooth.

After set-up is complete, you can start using the thermometer.  There are fifteen adhesive pads included and you'll need to place one on the sensor, then stick the blue thermometer onto the child's armpit area.  From there, temperature will be continuously monitored.

The thermometer itself has a plastic storage case and you'll need to place it back in that case after use.  If you don't, battery power will be drained quicker.  The thermometer starts up automatically when out of the case and shuts down automatically when in the case.  Although I haven't needed to use it yet, a travel lanyard is also included.

I had no problem with set-up or placement of the thermometer.  There was one time when my nephew was curious and tried to mess with the thermometer by his armpit but I quickly distracted him.

What I love about this particular thermometer is that it has so many cool features.  It's not a "one and done" tool.  Temperature can be tracked in real time through the app on the smartphone.  Color coded temp readings show what range temps are in.  For instance, a red color shows that child has a high fever.  You'll also receive an alert if that is the case.  If you're concerned about your child's temp and want a record of what it's been running over a course of seven days, a graphic will show you those readings.  You can take your smartphone to the pediatrician and show them exactly what temperature readings have been.  If your child is on medicine and you need to keep track of dosage, the app will provide you with medicine reminders.

It should be noted that smarttemp is not an instant read thermometer. It can take up to five minutes to receive correct temperature.  Once reached, it is accurate within 0.01 degrees.  The smarttemp Bluetooth Thermometer is useful and convenient.  It beats waking baby up several times in the middle of the night to stick a regular thermometer under their pit or up their bum.

Infanttech has partnered with CVS Health to bring their award-winning smarttemp technology to customers in stores and online at CVS for a new lower price.