Category Archives: Product Reviews

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

Parenting, Product Reviews

Pony Royale Party

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This post is sponsored by Pony Royale. I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective, and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

pictures of the pony

Last Friday I had a Pony Royale party.  I invited 10 girls to my house for the party.  What are the Pony Royale a fun toy line of ponies that are blended with a love of fashion.  Each pony comes with inter changeable tails, manes, and out fits so you child can be creative with how her pony looks. The ponies are based around birthstones.  The girls at the party had a fun time learning about the ponies and find they horse that goes with there birth stone.

We had the girls pick out their horses, decorative them. We then made picture frames with glittery stones just like the horses.  We also did glitter tattoo so the girls sparkled like the horses.   When both girl and pony were fashion ready, we had a fashion show with the horses.pictures of the pony party

Then each girl had there own photo shoot with their horse s we took pictures of them and their horses for the wonderfully birthstone frames.

The girls loved the ponies which Pony Royale combines favorite play patterns – hair play, fashion play and nurturing play. Check out the video of the girls playing and sharing about the ponys.

My daughter played all day then woke up the next morning and played.  We even ended up bring the ponies to her brothers swim meet.  She loved brushing and styling the horse.  She is a Horse girl and add the glittery and glam of  the Pony Royale horses she was thrilled.  I have seen many of the moms, since the party,  and all of them were telling me how much the girls love them and played with the hours of independent play.   The girls love knowing that they could add to the collection and loved the story of the horses.

The full collection, featuring 12 Princess Ponies, all with the ability to mix-and-match their manes, tails and fashion pieces, will hit store shelves in late July at Toys R Us.  Price $15.00 perfect birthday gift price.

Visit the Pony Royale website for more information. Pony Royale will be available starting in late August, exclusively at Toys R Us. Meanwhile, be sure to check out Pony Royale’s Facebook page and follow them on Twitter!

 

Parenting, Product Reviews

Wiggles 3d Game review

army vs alliens gameWiggles 3d was nice enough to send me 2 games to Review.  I has a guest writer review the games and let me know what she thought of the 2 games. Army vs. Aliens and Space Checkers.  Enjoy the Review of wiggles newest games.

Army vs. Aliens Game   Review:

Army vs. Aliens is made by Wiggles 3D. Army vs. Aliens is a game of luck and strategy.

–          2 players, ages 8+

–          SRP: $15.99

It is for two people to and one person is the Army and the other is the Aliens. There are two strategy cards. Each person rolls their dice at the same time and whoever army or alien is stronger, wins the battle. There a four different game play zones. There are attack, rally, winning and draw. There are different variation in play, my son (who has Aspergers) had decided to have his sister play with him. They each rolled the dice and separate them into different categories and used the card to determine which dice they could eliminate.

It is a challenging fame to play. But my children had a blast playing it.kids playing a board game

Space Checkers Game Review:

Space Checkers is made by Wiggles 3D. It is for 2-4 players.

–          2-4 players, ages 6+

–          SRP: $15.99

The object of the game is to collect 10 opponents’ pawns, before any other person. Players pick which space alien they want to be Ixithan Empire- green, Kanaloan Alliance-yellow, Mechanoid Armada- blue, or Formic Coomcine- red. It is played just like checkers. There is a “moving in the wild area”. Where a pawn can come any direction no matter what the dice says. When your pawn is at the end of a playing area  and has more spaces to move you can “wrap” to the opposite side to finish their moves up. So you win the game by being the first to collect ten pawns from your opponents.

Disclosure:  The games were provided for review by Wiggles 3d .  The opinions in these post are true and honest.

Written By Bonita at Fame Fortune Four Kids. Bonita is a review blogger located in the Philadelphia suburbs. You can follow her on twitter at FameFortuneFour

Product Reviews, Travel

Making Sand Castles & Blogger Beach Bash

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a sand castleMy Family attended the Blogger Beach Bash at the Golden Inn in Avalon NJ hosted by Real Mom Media.  We also learned how to make sand castles from Travel Channels own Sand Master Matt.  It was amazing I learned so much and I can’t wait to play in the sand again using the techniques Matt show us.

Matt’s main Sand Carving points:

  • build the structure front the bottom up and
  • let the water act as a glue to hold the sand together.
  • Use a form – For get the flipping of the bucket method from when you were a kids.  Matt company You can dig it Sand Tools  Has a hit and video you can buy.  It is all about using the right tools for the job.    He provided us with the kits and boy did they make the job easier.

Here is a short video of Matt teaching us how to make bricks and an aged effect.

Here is  a mention of some of the other days sponsors

  • Visit Ac  if you have not been to Ac be sure to go and check out the duality 3d video on boardwalk hall you can read my post Duality
  • The Paint Home  who did some amazing centerpieces for the event just using every day items you have in your home.  The table I sat out had an frame on the table with no glass and a great Victorian feel flower arrangement.
  • I also got to meet  Jordan Schneider – Insurance and Financial Services  planning great guy.
  • Suddenly Safe   which is a company that provide detector for knowing when it is too hat to leave your child in the car.
  • Stacy form Truly Custom Cakes was present and brought us some of her amazing cupcakes.  She also made a lovely cake for the day.cake that look like a sand pail
  • Also during the day we got to experience my favorite Ice Tea   Honest Tea not to sweet and taste refreshing Honest tea.honest tea bottles

The Golden Inn is was a great to  to host the event. Be sure to check out my review of out stay in the Golden Inn. beach at golden inn beach cahirs with umbrellas

Disclosure: I did receive product and meals during the event.  The opinion written in this post are all my own.

Product Reviews, Travel

Golden Inn Review

golden InnThe Golden Inn is was a fabulous to host the BLogger Beach Bash  event.  We were at the hotel middle of the week and it was a great family atmosphere.  The hotel is located so close to the beach walk over the dune and they beach was  there.  Not to mention the beach chair and umbrellas if you are a hotel guest.

Then after the lovely day on the beach we came in for lunch pool side. My kids loved the pool.  I was happy to because the had a shallow area in the pool 3 feet and the pool went  to 8 feet deep. My daughter loved diving and jumping in. My son as you know is a pool rat.. (swims a lot) so he stayed in the water.

The rooms were clean, and well furnished.  But I have to mention the bed.  I have slept in a lot of hotels but these beds where  one of the best mattress I EVERY slept on.  My husband thought the same.  They were Sertas and then a pillow top then great sheets.   Also the little containers of shampoo and conditioner i forgot my conditioner so i used the ones provided,  it was great my hair felt soft and flowing when I stepped out of the shower.

Also I mush mention the buffet breakfast was lovely my husband had the scrambled eggs and he said they were amazing light fluffy and creamy not what you would expect from a buffet.   The hotels restaurant also has nightly dinner specials.. the night we were leaving it was a lobster bake.. made me wish I could stay another night. The owners of the Golden Inn are affiliated with the Omni hotel but the Golden Inn is a private hotel,  so great quality.

Avalon NJ is very easy to get too it took us about 2 hours from my home in north Philly. The Hotel is also about a mile front he center of Stone Harbor which has a movie theater, eateries and great  fashion shopping

.golden logo out of sand

Disclosure: I did receive product and meals during the event.  The opinion written in this post are all my own.

Product Reviews, Travel

Tips for Parking at BlogHer12

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a car with blogher or bust written on back windowWhere to Parking for BlogHer.  There is a little blogging conference for women in NYC this week.  BlogHer12.  4500 women converge on the Hilton in New York City to connect with learn, meet brands and most important connect with other blogger.  Where as many bloggers fly to New York.  Many of us will drive.  I come in from Philadelphia for this event and will be parking my car as I normally do when I go to New York City.

I drive into New York City and park about 1 to 2 times a month.  My car is a SUV and most park garages are not fond of the large gas guzzlers.   I found one garage to always be accommodating, clean, safe,  and professional is Icon Parking.   Icon parking are well lit professional garages with one of the best web sites to help you navigate to where to park when in NYC.

Icon is also open 24 hours a day.

The Icon website also features a picture of the outside of the different garages making it easier to locate, once you arrive.  Even to make it better there is a free Icon Parking for your  Iphone.   How simple is that!!!

Icon Park also offers Deals and discounts for parking through their site,  so nothing like saving a little money on parking so you can buy more shoes.  Check out the deals Page. These  locations are few minutes walk to the conference,  offering some great deals.

TIP:  Be sure to print out coupon prior to leaving or down load the app! click below

Icon Parking Deals

Using the Icon Parking site I located the best garages to park at for the conference in the city. I also spoke with Icon Parking they recommended the following locations as well.

Where to Park While at the Conference:

These are the closest garages to the Hilton the 1st being the closest but all are 1-4 min walk to the conference:

  1. 1350 SIXTH PARKING LLC  1350 Sixth Avenue (Enter 47 West 54th St 62 W 55th St, South side, between 5th & 6th Avenues ;Between 5th & 6th Avenues )
  2. 1330 SIXTH PARKING LLC   1330 Avenue of the Americas (Enter 51 W 53rd St. or 54th Street between 5th & 6th Avenues;Between 5th & 6th Aves, near 6th )
  3. PARK-SERV LLC   140-166 West 53rd Street (Enter 140 West 53rd St. 139 West 52nd St;Between 6th & 7th Avenues )
  4. MODERN PARKING LLC  666 Fifth Avenue (Enter 20 West 53rd St ;Between 5th & 6th Avenues )
  5. COMMAND PARKING LLC. 1700 Broadway (Enter 216 W 54th St.;Between Broadway & 7th Avenue )
  6. MATINEE 52 LLC1680-1688 Broadway (Enter 207 W 52nd St 1676 Broadway;Between Broadway & 7th Ave )

Look for the Icon Parking Logo!

Disclosure: I have received complementary parking from Icon exchange for this post.  Please note that I my opinion is honest and I really truly trust my car to Icon when in NYC.

Giveaways, Product Reviews

Honest Tea Review and #Giveaway

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women with a bottle of honest teaSeveral weeks ago when I went camping with my church 16 family 61 kids.    Honest tea was nice enough to provide me 4 cases of there product to share with my friends.    The result of my friends tasting Honest?  They loved it!  It was very hot when were camping,  the great thing about the Honest Tea was it was not too sweet.  The teas were so refreshing and we were able to drink them the entire time.  I love the fact that the teas were not going to sabotage my weight loss efforts.

Honey Green Tea This tea was amazing I love it will only 70 calories per bottle it was just what I was looking for in tea.

Half and Half   Lemon aid and Tea 100 calories per bottle it is light and refreshing.  I have to say it was the 1st to go during out camping trip.

Mango Orange  Caffeine free and perfect for the morning  Also 100 calories per bottle, we had a hard time keeping the kids out of this drink.

Super Fruit Punch   Caffeine free.  Also 100 calories per bottle  My son really enjoyed the tea after his swim.boy drinking honest fruit drink
A little history of Honest Tea:

Honest tea is a company that was found by  2 college friends Seth Goldman and Barry Nalebuff  who took there idea great tea in small batches and brought it to the masses.  The 1st sold there tea to Whole Food, then expanded to other sellers.   The philosophy is Real Tea, Real taste and Honest.

Companies interest in creating not only a better tea but a better world.

  • In 2011, we converted all of our green, black, oolong, and white teas over to Fair Trade Certified™ which ensures that workers on tea gardens receive a fair share of profits, and that the tea gardens comply with specific workplace criteria for equality and fairness.
  • Honest Tea has had a relationship with Green America  who’s mission to harness economic power to create an environmentally and socially sustainable society.  Since 2005, Honest Tea has supported their annual Green Festivals across the U.S. through financial and in-kind donations.
  • When Honest Kids launched in 2007, they were faced with a packaging dilemma – widely recyclable aseptic drink pouches did not exist and still do not. Honest partnered with TerraCycle to launch the Honest Kids Drink Pouch Brigade as a way to divert drink pouches from landfills. For each pouch collected, schools receive $0.02 and the pouches are upcycled into bags and school supplies.women holding honest tea

Honest Tea Giveaway !

So Honest Tea has offer to Sample Bag of Honest Tea to one of my readers. So you can try the Honest goodness.  Please leave a blog comment below about which Honest Tea you would like to try? then fill out the rafflecopter form saying you did so.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received samples of this product from Honest Tea but the opinions of this product are true and honest.  I really love the tea.

Giveaways, Product Reviews

Out of this World Dolls Review and Giveaway

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girl holding an out of this world dollOut Of this World Dolls or O.O.T.W. dolls,  we recently received a Zizi doll to review.  The O.O.T.W. dolls are small colorful collective dolls.   The dolls combined Technology and Astrology together.  Each doll has a unique feature,  the one we received Zizi tells the future.. think magic 8 ball.

When we first got the Vivi doll,  my daughter could not wait to open it.  She loved the bright funky colors. Then Vivi the magic 8 ball feature,  she keeps walking around and asking the doll questions. She brings the doll to the pool (not in the water) but her friends ask it questions.

What do I like about this dolls .. the size. Many girls toys are small and get sucked up in my vacume.  These dolls are larger not easy to loose and great for playing.  There is no mom can you help me. To me a toy that allows self play is great!

What is to come. O.O.T.W. dolls are launch late this month with a 5 dolls and 2 pets.  There will also be a 2 battery operated play sets  that will include games and other interactive features.  Every package has a QR code that you can scan for more info and a video on the dolls  check out the OOTW dolls website . The dolls will be at all major retailers including Target , Walmart, Toys R us and Amazon.  picture of the out of the world doll in a box

So now here is your turn to own these unique dolls.  Blip Toys the makers of O.O.T.W. dolls.  Is offering 3 dolls to one of my lucky readers.   Please leave a comment below what was your favorite doll as a kid.  Then let raffle copter know your did so for your chance to win.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received the out of this world doll from Blip toys .  all the opinions in this post are mine

Giveaways, Parenting, Philadelphia, Product Reviews

Sesame Place Great for older Kids- Review and Giveaway

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kids at sesame placeSesame Place Is not just a place for little kids.  This year we attended opening day at Sesame place. I attended with my son(age 11) , my sons close friend (age12) , my daughter (age 7), and UpperCase women’s Daughter (age 5).  We love Sesame Place. Even as my children get older,  it is always a fun day for all.  We normally bring a big kid for my son to enjoy the day with, so he can ride the rides.  Every time  the friend,  is not sure because Sesame evokes a feeling from there early childhood.  But once they arrive and see how amazing Sesame Place is for all ages they relax and have a wonderful time.

Sesame Place Review

This trip, My sons friend never has ridden  a roller coaster,  the Vapor Trail was just the right size for a 1st time coaster.  My daughter choose to ride with him.. here is the before and after shot.   He loved it and could not wait to ride again.kids ready yo ride a roller coaster

Sesame Place has just as many dry rides as they do wet. So anytime of year is a great time to go.  My  kids also love climbing Nets and Climbs is always a fun place for the kids to climb and get lost in a safe way 30ft off the ground.  It is a wonderful workout.kids in a climbing net

Another big hit was the Elmos World – Free fall ride check out the faces.kids on a free fall ride

There are also some amazing shows and performances this year.  We did not attend because the age of my kids are all about the rides but they did spend a few moments posing with the various Sesame Street props.

We arrived at 10 and spent about 6 hours it was a fun action packed day.

My summer tip if you are close by is to go later in the day arrive around 3- 3:30 you save money on a twilight pass and the park is less crowded. We will stay till the park closes and the kids just go around and around on the rides because the lines are shorter.

Sesame Place Deals and Coupon Codes

Also between now and the end of June.   Sesame Place is offering a Special deals all summer check them out: Sesame Place Promotions

Also Visit Philly Let me know of this special offer

Be a Kid Again Getaway Package:

Hotels: More than 20 participating hotels

Package Overview: Guests who book a two-night hotel stay and buy at least two Elmo’s ANY 2-Day Tickets get front-of-line Abby’s Magic Queue passes for their party.

Other Perks: Free family photo at 1-2-3 Smile With Me!; two preferred parking passes for two days

Available: Book by June 28, and departure date must be July 2 or earlier.

Book: sesameplace.com

Sesame Place Giveaway

Sesame Place  has offer a two single day tickets for one of my readers.  Please enter the mandatory comment Of “What amusement ride makes you smile?”  The confirm entry in RaffleCopter form to win.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: My friends at Sesame Place did invited them to join them free of charge.  But all the fun and opinions stated in this post are honest and true.

 

Photography, Product Reviews

Making Pictures to Art

girl in a feild with the wind blowingI wanted to share my favorite gift to give the grandparents. A while ago was my in laws 50th.  So as my gift I got a picture that we took done in a canvas print from CafePress.  There were awesome and I don’t normally give props but they have amazing customer service.   I bought the canvas as a Groupon.  I could not order it till Aug 11th .. the party was the Aug 20.  So I called the day after I order and asked is there anyway  they could do to get me the canvas on time. CafePress Customer Service said she will get it there for the party.  It was there the day before and my In Laws loved it.  Thanks for the great job..

picture of a canvas of a famliy on an easel on a table

So my husband order prints about a week earlier from Canvas on Demand (apparently same manufacture/company as cafepress) again it was purchased  with a groupon and they were about to expire.  I wanted picture of the kids done into art.

  1. So I took the pictures..

girl in feild wind blowing her hairboy on a boat in a river

  1. I then played with the several  pictures in PicMonkey to determine which picture I like the best then I posterized it.
  2. Save File as “Russell” from PicMonkey which is the larges picture file to your computer
  3. Then up load the new posterized version to canvas maker and order canvas

girl with wind blowingboy with river behind him

This is what we got back.. everyone thinks they are paintings.

picture of kids on a wall done on canvas

Spend the time taking pitures this summer and find a picture that would be great to turn into art.

Product Reviews

9 Last minute Gift Ideas for Dad w/ Reviews

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The following are great Last Minute Gift Ideas for Dad!  I have reviewed all these gift a and would not recommend them if I did not think they are a great addition to any household and a Proven Dad winner.

Dad Father Gifts Under $10

Op Water Shoes- $8.95 Available at Walmartwater shoes

  • These are a gift dad did not know he needs but will use when playing with the kids  whether it is in the back yard for sprinkler fun, at the beach, or in a stream flipping rocks.
  • gripping bottoms
  • pull elastic fasteners with toggle
  • easy slip
  • great price so they can be tossed at the end of the season when they get well lets say not so fresh

Review: My husband loves them he already used them at the local creek looking for frogs!

Rayovac LED Flashlight  $4.48 at walmart

flashlight

  • Flashlights are great gifts to give dad from kids
  • Fashlights are affordable and you are always looking for one
  • The convenient small size of this flashlight is a welcome addition to any home.. lets hope the kids dont steel it.

Fathers Dad Gifts under $40

CamelBak® eddy™ Water Bottle $15.99at REIwater bottle

  • Spill proof bottle
  • bite water tip faster flow
  • dish washer safe
  • CamelBak® Got Your Bak Lifetime Guarantee

Review: I have been using this water bottle and the CamelBak insulated Grove bottle $30  for over a month , at first it was odd almost like a sippy cup for adults  but now I am addicted to it I cant leave home without the water bottle. It is convenient and easy carry.  You can hook it to a carabiner hook and to a belt buckle great gift for anyone.

Rayovac Rechargeable Charger with Batteries: 13.99usb chargers and batteries

We are always looking for chargers and batteries.

Review: This is a much needed gift for the Dad who has everything,  My husband loves his xbox but the chargers and remotes eat battieres great to have some rechargables on hand.

Rayovac USB Wall and Car Charger Combo Pack walmart

The power converters also a great dad gift in fact. The second he saw the package he said I needed one of these and took it (I have not seen it since I assume it is in his car.. I am glad I got a picture.

SportLine Pocket Snapshot Pedometer $29.99 amazonpedometer

This is a great gift for the Dad who want to know how active he is.  He can put it in his pocket every day and forget it.

  • monitors speed
  • amount of steps
  • calculates calories burned
  • tracks time spent moving every day
  • simple easy to use
  • everything is on one screen
  • great entry pedometer
  • This is a pocket version so bulky no clip

Review:  I have placed this Pedometer in my pocket,  I like how simple it is to use but very accurate unlike less expensive ones I know this pedometer is tell me real info I want to know.  It is small non cumbersome.  I know my husband is going to love using it.

Mens health Turn key resistance bands 29.99

  •  Resistance band you’ll ever need to build learner, tighter muscles
  • Patented Turn-Key Technology adjusts from 0 to 5 feet in seconds no extra bands
  •  Padded swivel handles provide a comfortable grip
  • Quick resistance
  • CD is included so you can have a n effective work out with instruction

Review: very easy to use really can feel the burn in my body when I am done working out.  I love the fact they are nosmall and easy I been bring them on trip it take for a quick 10 min workout.

Dad Superhero Cape– Babypop 35.00dad in a dad superhero cape

how could I leave one of my great own Dad Superhero capes off the list

  • easy clean wash and dry
  • velcro closure
  • light weight so great for pretend of to wear while running a marathon
  • bright colors!

Dad Father Gifts Items over $50

Igloo Ice Cube Cooler-$69.99 also available at lowes and walmartice cooler for drinks and food

  • Wheeled cooler 60 quart
  • telescoping handle that you can pull or push
  • 4 drink holders on top to use as a table
  • the right height to be used as an extra seat

Review: My husband picked this out he says the study handle is great he loves how easy it is to move around and the great quality of an igloo.  Cant wait to use it on the beach with the big tires.

Sportline Cardio Heart Rate monitor 69.99:heart rate monitor watch

  • watch with heart rate moitor
  • Calorie and fat buring Tracker
  • Fat Burn zone
  • work out memory
  • Lap counter
  • Stop Watch Custom user profile
  • ECG accurate Heart Rate Monitor
  • Time date and alarmheart monitor watch

Review:  I have been using this watch for the past month and I have to say I love it.  I use it when doing Zumba and running.  It tells me to push it more.  I often work,  I love the fat burning zone because I usually give up when I feel the burn the watch tells me to keep going.  The Heart Rate monitor makes me feel like I have some one watching out for me, so I have safe work out.  This is a great gift for any Dad,  if they just started working out or a long time fitness guy.

Disclosure:  Some of the products above were provided to me by the companies,  and some I have purchased but all the opinions stated above are honest and true and written by me Sherry Aikens