Category Archives: Product Reviews

Product review of family, living, cooking, fashion,kids,toys, healthy including Photography and honest reviews.

Fennel Recipe and Menu Plan Monday June 17

June 17, 2013 superexhausted 1 Comment

So I have been looking at Fennel for a long time avoiding it because I was told it taste like anise and I hate hate hate Black Liquorish (which is an anise flavor) So on my quest to try new things I walked into Traders Joes and tried it. So did my daughter. We both liked it, it did not taste like liquorish . So I bought it. The nice lady behind the counter gave me a a recipe sheet.

Easy Fennel Recipe

2 fennel
garlic minced
2 tbl of olive oil
salt

chop the fennel into bite size pieces
add garlic oil and salt, mix.
Microwaved covered for 5-7 minutes till tender enjoy. makes 6-7 servings.

This weeks Menu plan:

Monday: Easy pasta dish, with sausage

Tuesday: chicken thighs cooked with peaches on the grill

Wednesday: Black bean soup with white

What are you making this week?

I am linking up as always with Organizing Junkies Menu Planning

Parenting, Product Reviews

Prepaid Full Data Phone Great Option for a Teen- Nokia 521 Lumia

June 17, 2013 superexhausted

I have loved using the windows phone in the past, because it sincs up with all my other devices. So when the Microsoft team wanted to tell me about them bringing a affordable prepaid 4g phone to the market I was like… Let me check it out. Nokia Lumia 521 Windows Phone. Now I know most people shy away from a prepaid phone. But as a parent I am not so quick to judge. A pre-paid phone is actually a great option. I personally use tech as a form of getting things done around my home. No TV, no computer, or no Phone till this is done? So think about it what if the child loses his or her phone for a week.. If you are paying a data package on that Phone .. that is 12.50 a week.. they loose the phone for a month(I am not saying mine or your kids would ever doing something wrong)… Hello $50 gone. If you use a prepaid phone nothing lost. Just Saying.

Also the phone is 4g so no missed or dropped call your will be able to always locate your child. Also Phone tracking apps

What a great entry for your kids.

Also Did I mentions that this Nokia Lumia 521 windows Phone has all the capabilities of other data phones so it does not skim or miss things. You can also use parental controls.

Nokia Lumia 521 Windows Phone

Windows Phone recently launched its first pre-paid, no-contract phone, the Nokia Lumia 521 that runs on T-Mobile. It makes a great gift for Grads on a budget or first-time smartphone users, such as teens. The phone is already at Microsoft Stores for $149.00. Of note, it’s also available at WalMart for $129.00 and at T-Mobile.

· The Nokia Lumia 521 Windows Phone is priced under $150 and it’s a T-Mobile exclusive, which means you don’t have to commit to a contract.

· A great value phone that gives you the ability to determine how much you want to spend on your smartphone bill each month.
· Comes with Windows Phone 8, so there’s no compromising of smartphone features because it offers a built-in digital camera, voice-guided navigation, Windows Phone top apps and more.
· The Nokia Lumia 521 is perfect for first-time smartphone users and teens that are testing the water with smartphones, or even as a gift for grads who are trying to stay on a budget.
· This recent Reuters article also provides some additional details about the phone.

I just want to let you know about an other options as a parent. My son is new to the world of phones. We will b e making a phone purchase for my shortly and I am am loving the options with the the Nokia Prepaid.

Disclosure – I did have lunch with Microsoft Representative to learn about the 521, which I paid for my own transport and parking. The opinions are my own.

Product Reviews

D6Skimmer Twitter Party June 3rd 9-10est

June 3, 2013 superexhausted

So join me and 40 of my friends to discuss the Jersey shore and wins some great summer prizes. How. A twitter party 9-10 est / 6-9 pst Today!

@d6surfskimmer. We are launching this new product!

Please be sure to follow the @D6SurfSkimmer @SMMoms @DawnSandomeno@hollywoodhotmom@njdigitalmoms during the event and RT their tweets.

You can follow all the fun using this Tweet Grid

url: http://bit.ly/1163gqw

you must sign up using the below for in order to win

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Philadelphia, Product Reviews, Travel

Bird In the Hand Inn: Review

May 31, 2013 superexhausted

Disclosure : I received a nights stay and 2 meals in exchange for this post the opinions are my own.

Recently I was visiting Lancaster and I had the opportunity to stay at Bird in the Hand Inn. The Bird in Hand Inn and entire facility is own by the Smuckers family and has been run for 3 generations. The inn is a great place for kids. My kids are all about the overnight at a Hotel. We never stay at a hotel unless there is a pool. Good thing that Bird in Hand has 3 pools (2 indoors and 1 outdoor). They also have a jacuzzi for adults, and yes I sat in it for quite a while. So a great activity year round. Yes they did provide towels so just bring your suit and sunscreen.

The bird in the hand has a mini golf course, an ice cream polar, playground and also a animal area where you can feed ducks and goats. The grounds of the inn are lovely and spacious. I really hope to return so I can enjoy the grounds more.

The rooms are clean, and great accommodations, They have mini fridge, coffee maker, shampoo/conditioner, and blow dryer in the rooms. Out room had 2 queen beds. The lovely thing that Bird In Hand Inn has many different accommodations: From Hotel, to suites, to a Campground.

The in has a restaurant on the premise the Bird in the Hand Smorgasbord or an alcart menu has great variety of Country Amish food and also the traditional favorites for the entire family. The fried chicken was a big hit wit my family. The desert area was great loved the Amish pies and sweets. In the morning they offer a buffet for the guests of the hotel. I really enjoyed the biscuits and gravy and the sausage.

Here is a video of what to expect at the Bird In Hand Inn and Smorgasbord:

I can recommend the Bird and the Hand as a great place to visit with the family. I wish I had 2 nights because there was much more we wanted to see. Be sure to check out the Bird in Hand deals and vacation packages. They even have packages that are with Strasburg train.

Want to know what to do while in Lancaster here is a link to My Favorite things to do while in Lancaster

Product Reviews

My Favorite Places in Lancaster

May 28, 2013 superexhausted 4 Comments

Disclosure: The companies in this post did pay my way for entry in to locations but the opinions are all my own.

Lancaster on of my favorite spots as i have discussed many time on my blog. Recently we were given the opportunity to visit again. As Usually we had a lovely time and my kids did not want to leave the Lancaster Area. As I told you about in an earlier post we were to visit The Amish Village, Strasburg Rail Road and Choo Choo Barn.

Here are all the pictures I took during my trip to Lancaster 2013

We started at the Amish Village. I love it here because it has something for everyone . Not only do you learn about Amish Culture but the kids get to see the animals. Here are some quick vine video so you can see the baby animals.

Also My daughter loved the school house she sat at the teachers desk and read the paperwork. Not that she is reading she reads everything she love the experience.
Here is a video of our last trip to the Amish Village

They have add a great play area since our last trip.

This weekend we also went to the Strasburg Rail Road. We love the relaxing trip on the railroad. During our ride they allowed you to get off and see a vintage Ball Game, not normally on the ride but a great treat.

It is a great relaxing ride on the 100+ fully restored train. They have some lovely events coming up in the next few months Check them out Strasburg Train Schedule .
Day Out With Thomas – June 15-23, 2013

“Fun extras” including the Pint-Sized Pufferbelly miniature steam train

Steampunk – Nov. 16-17

Check out My past video Review of the Strasburg Rail Road

Our Next Stop was the Choo Choo Barn was is so much fun they have a large inside train set of most of Lancaster county. The Choo Choo Barn has added more since our last visit. It is so much fun for the kids to walk through and explore the miniature sets of the farms and villages allover Lancaster county. Here is a taste of the Chooo Choo Barn

I love Lancaster there is so Much to see while there. I really think if you have not visited it is well worth the stop.

LIfe, Product Reviews, sponsored posts

May Is Maytag Month Want to win a Washer & Dryer from HH Gregg

May 24, 2013 superexhausted 3 Comments

(Disclosure this was a Blogger Maytag event I was not Paid for the event, the opinions are my own)

This Past week, I was introduced in to the Maytag new line of appliances at HHGregg this week. Like the new Maytag washers the front loading washers have a fan to dry the inside of the washer so you don’t have the must smell. Want to win a laundry set check out the end of my post to how you can win one of 31 sets of washers from HHGregg that is one for every day in May.

Maytag is a US company that Mainly made here for the US consumer.

Also The new Aqua Tech technology that can clean a oven at 200 degrees in 40 minutes including cool down time. How the oven uses a little water to get under the backed on particles the forces them up. So cool you don’t have to vacate the house when you clean your oven. I also learned about induction cook tops which is a metallic heating system that works be tween the heating element and the pan the class never get s hot but it can heat water in 90 seconds.

We also learned also learned about the great accessories you can buy for your appliances. The Produce Preservation kit $12.99 which will keep our produce fresher 4 days longer. by absorbing the Produce Preserver absorbs the ethylene. Such a cool way to save your food. We also received samples of Affresh Cleaners which I love the stainless steel wipes because they keep my Refrigerator looking shiny and fingerprint fee longer than reg cleaners. I use Affresh Cleaners normally so i was happy to try out the dish washer cleaner and washing machine cleaners to care for the inside of my washers.

So this month May 2013 you can Save at HHGregg Maytag products.. up to $250 off laundry or up to 15% on kitchen. check out Maytag for more info.

So you want to win one a Washer dyer pair from HHGregg and Maytag? Enter on HHGreggs Facebook page, You can enter 3 times a Day . Also Check out the Maytag Fun videos.

Disclosure: I attend this Maytag event I was not paid to attend. I provided my own transportation. I was provided a sandwich and swag bag same as the other bloggers.

Cooking, Giveaways, Product Reviews

Taco Lasagna #McCormicksTacoNight Sponsored

May 10, 2013 superexhausted 9 Comments

I was asked by McCormick to create a recipe with 5 ingredients for Taco night. I was compensated to create this recipe, the spices we provided by McCormicks, and the opinions in this post are all mine. So it was a challenge to reinvent what Taco night and to make it with limited ingredients was even harder. I wanted to make an easy recipe that could be prepped ahead, quickly assembled, and heated up on taco night.

I love taco night but sometimes the prep is a ton of work. What I like to do is make dbl batches of Taco meat then freeze 1/2 for later use. Long as you freeze the meat once it is cool, in freeze bag, flat on a tray, and make sure it is loose(crumbly) then it is easy to reheat. So avoid the solid block of meat when freeze cooked taco meat. The McCormick taco season freeze great when make larger batches of meat be sure to use more then one package of McCormick seasoning.

Taco Lasagna :

5 Soft Flour Large Tortillas (to fit your saute pan so 10″)
4 cups of cheddar cheese
McCormick Taco Beef : made with 1 lb of beef and McCormick Taco Season Packet
(1lb of beef if you missed it above–ok so I had 6 ingredients)
1- 14 oz can of black beans
1- 16oz jar Salsa (you can also make your own)

Brown your meat and Drain grease (place a colander in a large bowl and pour meat in to drain grease completely- I place a paper towel under it)
Add taco mix and 3/4 water to make Taco Mix
Open can the of black beans drain off liquid
In a blender or small food processor put beans, 2 tbl of salsa, and 2-3 tbl spoons of McCormicks season taco meat broth(yep right from the pan
Blend to a smooth paste (add McCormick Sicilian Sea Salt and McCormicks Anco Chilli Powered for more of a kick)
Preheat oven to 375
Once meat is thicken up slightly remove from heat.

Taco Lasagna Assembly:

Use clean large saute pan (oven ready) spray with non stick spay
Lay 1st in saute pan Tortilla Cover with McCormick meat and cheese
Next tortilla , cover with salsa and cheese
Next tortilla cover with black beans paste and cheese
Next tortilla cover more McCormick meat and cheese
Next tortilla cover with salsa and cheese
Place in oven for 20-30 min, till top is golden and bubbly
Allow to cool slightly before cutting

McCormick Pin Giveaway Contest:

Now here is the fun:

Want to win one of 30 McCormick Spice sets? Like the one I got, Here is how

Pin any taco recipe with the hashtag #McCormicksTacoNight and me @babypop, you just have to pin once to win:

Check out the McCormicks Taco Night Pinterest Board for Inspiration

Also check out McCormicks Pintrest Page for more great Recipe Ideas

Please note Superexhausted/babypop do not pick the winners of the contest, The Contest ends May 31, 2013. Prizes will be sent direct from McCormick. Babypop/superexhausted is not responsible for the prizes. This was a sponsored post.

Crafting, Product Reviews

How to Apply Glitter Tattoos

April 18, 2013 superexhausted 8 Comments

My daughter had some friends over and we did Glitter tattoos body art. I love glitter tattoos stay on for a week, even with regulars baths. The girls loved them and once you know how to properly apply the glitter Tattoos.. they are fun to do. They all had fun choosing glitter Tattoo designs stencils.

We did do The glitter Tattoo Body art outside because you do use a brush to remove the excess glitter, it tends to get every where. But you can use a towel to catch the tattoo glitter, if the weather questionable.

I purchased a full Glitter Tattoo kit from which included the Brushes adhesive, tattoo, and Glimmer Body Art Tattoos from ThePartyworks.com it was 18.99. which was reasonable since I found them for over $25 at a local store.

How to apply Glitter Tattoo Body Art

You have to peel off backing and apply self adhesive tattoo stencil to clean skin.
Then apply adhesive over the skin over lapping on to the tattoo (allow the adhesive to dry, it will be tacky
Apply the glitter to the adhesive with the small brush.. a little goes a long way so do over load brush with glitter, because it will get wasted
Apply other colors if doing 2 tone
Using large brush, dust away loose glitter
Slowly removed tattoo stencil peeling back from a corner.

I did about 24 Body Art Glitter tattoos and still have a ton of glitter yet. I did purchase extra adhesive body glue just in case.

I love this idea and so did the girls great idea for a girls birthday party. Be sure to have extra helpers.

Be sure to check out ThePartyWorks.com shipping offers for free shipping.

Disclosure: This post contains Affiliate Links to help the cost associated with running this blog.

Giveaways, Product Reviews

Johnson & Johnson Healthy Essentials Donate a Photo App and Giveaway

April 17, 2013 superexhausted 17 Comments

This is a Sponsored Post

This giveaway is over Winner is latanya

So how many photos do you take a week? For me is well hundreds. So when I found out all the photos I take with my phone can do some good for others. I was like sign me up ! Johnson & Johnson Healthy Essentials team to spread the word about a really wonderful initiative: Donate a Photo, the app that turns photos into a way to do good. For every photo shared through the app, J&J will donate $1 to a cause that people care about*. All donations are measured in actions, from planting trees to feeding families to providing medicine for children in need.

Donating is simple: Just download the free Donate a Photo app and register to get started, then choose a cause, upload a photo and share it on Facebook and Twitter to let friends and followers know how they can help, too. You can share one photo a day, every day, to contribute to the causes* that matter most to you.

My Nephew helped restore a public park.. my most recent Donate a photo.

J&J’s Healthy Essentials offers coupons and other tools to help families stock up on the products they depend on and use every day.
J&J has currently three charitable partners* to choose from on the Donate a Photo App:
- Keep America Beautiful: One photo helps restore a community park.
- Save the Children: One photo helps a newborn get medicine to thrive.
- Safe Kids: One photo protects seven children from a preventable sports injury.

Also J&J Shared so great Products with me!

Would you like to win the same stash of J&J products because they are giving them to one of My readers! $100 value products may vary Giveaway ends April 28th midnight (US residents only):

GIVEAWAY !!

Leave a comment below Telling me what picture you will be submitted to Donate a Photo.

Additional entries can be earned by:

(leave comment below you did so)

By Tweeting : Want to Donate and photo and change a life with http://healthyessentials.com/
Or follow me on Pintrest (leave comment below you did so.)

Thanks for reading and donate your photos

No purchase necessary. Open to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States and District of Columbia, Eighteen (18) years of age or older. Sweepstakes end 4/28 , 2013. Prize(s) provided by Johnson & Johnson Consumer Products Company Division of Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies, Inc. Void where prohibited.

*Johnson & Johnson has curated a list of trusted causes, and you can donate a photo to one cause, once a day. Each cause will appear in the app until it reaches its goal, or the donation period ends. If the goal isn’t reached, the cause will still get a minimum donation.
Disclosure : This post on making a difference in the world through your own photography is brought to you by Johnson & Johnson and The Motherhood, who sent me a box of products and compensated me for my time. Opinions, experiences and photos shared here are all my own, and I hope you enjoy them.

Fashion, Product Reviews

Stella Cove #fashionfriday

April 12, 2013 superexhausted 14 Comments

I was asked if I would like to review the Stella Cove for my daughter. Hello speaking my language: beautiful, fashionable, high quality, bathing suit for my daughter, who happens to swim almost every week day? I am so in. As you know I am a former Fashion designer, so I love love.. to dress my doll .. I mean Daughter. She is a ton of fun to dress. This Stella Cove suit did not disappoint.

When the Stella Cove suit arrived I showed it to my daughter, as she squealed in delight. She could not wait to wear it and was excited to try it out in the pool. The Style is Salvatore swimsuit it is a covered it shoes ..can it be any more fabulous for a little girl.

The white suit is lined, and the printed fabric is The fabric is a 50+ SPF rating. The Stella Coves Swim suits body openings elastic is covered in fabric so it never touches your little princesses body. I see no elastic rashes in sight, because of the beautiful care taken in manufacturing.

The stapes are encased / tunneled , (aka there is not visible stitch on the strap) making it smooth and round, so it does not leave nasty elastic marks on her shoulders. The strap is also adjustable, the looper for the straps which make it adjustable are powder coated metal (aluminum) So it will not rust and will not brake like plastic. Love the high end quality!

About the The fabric from Stella Cove: All of our fabrics have the European Oekotex Standard 100 certification. Click here for some more information on the vigilant testing procedure that all of our fabric passes in order to guarantee not only style but comfort and safety for you and those you love. In addition, as of September 2009, the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) has announced that children’s textiles and textile-based products that have been certified according to the Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 comply with the lead content limits stated in the US’s Consumer Products Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA).

The fit on these suit are a smaller European fit. Stella and Cove recommends going up a size. My daughter is wear 10/11 we opted for a size 12 which will fit her great all summer. She has worn the suit several times and it washes up great. We have been rinsing the suit out with clean water, and hand washing when needed.

The full Stella Cove Salvatore Summer 2013 Line has great sundresses and rash guards. All with the same pattern of shoes. I am also a huge fan of many of the other Summer styles,

The Stella Cove Summer Swim Line ranges from $30 for accessories , dresses $40- $95’s and Swimwear $95 + They can be found at high end retailer, boutiques and resort boutiques. Also available at StellaCove.com

Stella Cove also have a Women’s and Boys lines available.

This suit was lovely I think I took about 30 pictures because it looked so lovely on her. She was having a great time swimming in it! I can recommend Stella Cove suit worth every penny.

I am linking this Post up with Fashion Friday Post at All Thing Chic

Disclosure: I received Stella Cove swimwear for the purpose of review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Easy Fennel Recipe

McCormick Pin Giveaway Contest:

How to apply Glitter Tattoo Body Art

GIVEAWAY !!

Leave a comment below Telling me what picture you will be submitted to Donate a Photo.

Additional entries can be earned by:

(leave comment below you did so)

By Tweeting : Want to Donate and photo and change a life with http://healthyessentials.com/

Or follow me on Pintrest (leave comment below you did so.)

This is my super life uncensored