Category Archives: Product Reviews

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

Philadelphia, Product Reviews, Travel

10 Tips for Monster Trucks Shows

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family watching Monster trucksMonster Trucks, yea I saw them.. Advance Auto Part Monster Jam.  Here are my 10 tips of how to make a monster truck show event more fun and what to expect.  I have to say it was a 1st.  My husband went as a child from time to time. Me never been and now I can check it off my list. My friend Hillary at My Scraps was doing a giveaway her winner could not go,  so she was nice enough to share the Monster Jam Tickets with my family.

My son was a little hesitant about the Monster Jam,  because of the noise so we got ear protect for both the kids (the head phone kind that covers entire ear). It was loud.  We saw Monster Jams at the “Link”  Lincoln finical center where the NFL Eagles play football.  So to was open top stadium I could understand that a closed dome would be  deafening. The Monster trucks are loud, to put it mildly.

So we found our seats. they we great 1st row 2nd tier at the 50yard line. There was also no one behind us so we could stand up (handicapped seats were on a platform behind is- over our heads) The kids stood and cheered for the quad racing teams  and different monster trucks.  The truck hold a race to see who gets around the track the fasted that is the 1st half of the show,  the mixing in team quad races with some good old city against city competition. (NYC vs Philly).   The the big show is the free style.. which seemed to be lets see how hard we can push there large trucks just to watch them fall apart of crash.  The crowd loves it.   I was in awe how high the trucks fly in the air and the hang time on these trucks I was able to get 3-5 pictures taken from the time they attempt the jump to when the land.  I was in awe.

iron man monster truck doing a jump

Many of the trucks did back flips here is the World Famous Grave Digger doing a back flip.  He landed on is side on the second flip.

monster truck Grave Digger doing a back flip in the truckIt was a really different evening for my family and it was a really fun event to watch. I wish I brought my telephoto lens.

10 Tips for Monster Truck Shows :

  1. Sunscreen
  2. Ear protection for the kids and yourself
  3. camera with telephoto lens
  4.  Unopened water drinks bring a lot of water  it is hot in the stands (security will not let you carry them in if opened)
  5. arrive early and do attend the pit party if you can – you can see the trucks up close
  6. it is a long day for the kids 5 hours in seats.
  7. Snacks (fruit snacks , little thing kids tend to eat alot, and save the money on the $14 cotton candy)
  8. Poster board signs of favorite trucks, if in the lower tiers the driver might choose them for a special gift
  9. Do let you kids look on line at the trucks prior them having knowledge makes them more excited and enjoy the races
  10.  Tail Gating is acceptable and done.. so make a day of it.
  11. Baby wipes.. added Per comment below

They have another Advanced Auto Parts Monster Jam event this up coming weekend June 16, 2012  at The Meadowland (East Rutherford NJ)

thanks Hillary

2 women at monster truck rally

What truck do you like the best?

 

Product Reviews

Inkoo’s Review

blingoosInkoo’s so recently I reviewed the Inkoos Blingoos. I love this as a gift for my daughter it allows the child to create a one of a kind stuffed friend.  Then wash the inkoo and start all over again.  My daughter loved playing with the inkoos.  She added different colors then added sparkles.  She loved the glitter glue.  She really blinged the Inkoo, all up.  She has been sleeping with the Inkoos Blingoos every day.  It is a win win gift time for independent play  and creative process.

Check out her creation:

blingoos

Inkoos can be found at all major retailers.  It is a great gift for little girls. Inkoos Blingoos Bear with Markers – White and Blue $24.99

inkoosinkoosblingoos

They also have smaller version for 8.99-19.99

Disclosure: I received the inkoos for a product review but the opinions in this post are of my own.

Product Reviews

Review of the Zing Air Storm products

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Recently I was asked to review the air storm collection of products. We my son and I review 3 different products.  Air storm Cross Bow z-x, Storm z-curve Bow, and the Zing Shot launcher.  All the toys were fun and very reasonably priced.

Check out my sons video of him using all 3 products:

Air storm Cross Bow z-x Retail Price 19.99 ages 8+kids cross bow

Air Storm z-curve Bow:  Retail Price 19.99 ages 8+kids curved bow

Zing Shot launcher”  Retail Price 9.99 ages 8+kids sling shot

This was a fun video to film because the kids were having such a great time with these safety minded toys. The ball and darts are soft.  My son and daughter love playing with them.  I would recommend these for a gift for any child.

Disclosure:  I received these products to try out from Zing Toys brand rep.  The opinions in this post are all of my own and my children.

 

Fashion, Product Reviews

A Great Dress for a Plus Size Girl! Land End Review

Lands’ End Plus Size collection is a great. I was asked to review a piece as  part of Lands End  Show Us Your Style.   As a tall plus size women I often have a hard time finding clothes that fit me and look nice with out being a tent dress. My fit problem is that I have a small chest, larger hips, and I am tall.  My style is wearing dresses,  for the past few years I have been wearing them and they make me feel girly.   I love this Lands End Plus Size  shirt dress.  It make me look fantastic, others thought so too.  The shirtdress is so tailored wonderful, it flattered my body in all the right places. The chest was perfect enough room, and it did not pull in the front. The shirtdress is so well made with an attention to detail both inside and out,  of course I always expect the best quality from Land End.

I love the medweight fabric it is  eyelet cotton fabric.  I took my measurements and bought true to them. This dress is a Size 22.  I am 5’10” and the dress hit right to my knee so it was a great length.

The Women’s Plus Size Sleeveless Eyelet Shirtdress  is full lined and is great 2 seasons dress wonderful for spring and summer.  I wore this dress to a Moroccan restaurant this past weekend I wore it with a scarf around  my shoulder, just in case it got chilly.

  • My jewelry: a gold ring necklace, simple gold hoop earrings, and  2 gold  bracelets.
  • My Shoes: a nude wedge or great sandals would look fabulous.
  • My nails were a great bright coral color.  I love a bright color on your toes when you wear peep toe shoes
  • My Options for the future is to also get a great belt, and wear with my large sun hat.

This Lands End shirt dress is so great for travel and is a classic look that I am looking forward to wearing for seasons to come. This dress retails for $135, so an investment staple and quality for your wardrobe.  It is offered in 2 colors washed red and navy.   I can wait to try more plus dresses from the collection.  Lands End makes plus girls look great!  

My pictures were taken by my 11 year old son I want to thank him for putting up with his mom

Disclosure: I did receive this dress from Lands End as part of this promotion.  The opinions in this post of are  mine and my honest opinion of the product.

Parenting, Product Reviews

Dr Meg Meeker, Vicks and the Flu

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So I got to go to a lunch with Vicks and author / Dr. Meg Meeker.  It was a great learning experience, I wish she was my kids pediatrician .  Currently for the last 4 years my kids have not gotten sick but they will it is only a matter of time.  My kids were very sick little kids.  My son a daycare kid until the age of 4 was sick all the time.  Like many working parents thee is a level which a sick kid  will head to day care.. runny nose acceptable.. fever not acceptable.  Cough at night acceptable.  It is  struggle and choice every working parent fights with.

With my daughter I was home.  So was she for weeks and weeks did she miss day care when she  got the flu.   Then the Rotavirus is the most common cause of severe diarrhea among infants and young children.  I was so tired during that rota period running a business and dealing with a nonstop laundry sheet and diaper change.

So during the lunch with Dr. Meg Meeker I learned a few things:

  • Know your kids normal temp.. track it see what it is in the morning, after noon and night
  • Having a certain level of humidity (moisture) in your house helps to avoid the flu
  • if you suspect the flu if you head to your Doctor with in the first 24 hours they can give you/kids a shot to shorten the length of the flu
  • Try a children’s Tylenol  or children’s Advil on your child to reduce fever, some fever need to run there course to help fight the infection.
  • Call your doctor for high fever over 101
  • Follow your gut Mother intuition is one of the best line of defense when dealing with a child’s illness.

Some products I learned about from vicks to make Flu Season  easier.

Try a humidifier like Vicks Germ Free Humidifier to avoid dry air in your home. The V790N Vicks® Warm Mist GermFree Humidifier kills 99.999% of germs, bacteria, and mold in the water before its warm mist ever touches the air.

The V980 Vicks® Behind Ear Gentle Touch Thermometer with Fever InSight™ Feature is gentle enough for a sleeping baby and is clinically proven accurate at detecting fever with instant one-second readings.

The Vicks  humidity monitor is awesome.  I knew the humidity in my house was too dry and the vicks monitor let me know how bad it was.  I added the Humidifier and correct the issue.  I feel so much better i know what I can control and avoid the flu.

To learn more check out behindear.com

Also Vicks will donate For each share of our “What will you share this cold and flu season?” video, Vicks will donate a Behind Ear Thermometer to Baby Buggy, a non-profit dedicated to providing U.S. families in need with essential items for their children. Here is a link to the video on our Facebook page

 

Disclosure: I did receive products from Vicks, Dr. Megs Book and Lunch at Plate. My opinions and writing in this post are all of my own.

 

 

Photography, Product Reviews

Lens Friends Family Easter Pictures

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So this Easter week we took pictures. I went to Lens Friends in Huntington Valley Pa.  Lens friends is a great place to have fun and photo studio with a twist.  You take the photos.  The owner Rick and Kara are great they provide all the props and the kids bring the creativity. Kara and Rick provide a fun creative environment for you and your children to play!  My kids loved it with his cousins.

While we were at Lens Friends they had live baby chicks.. check out all the kids.

Then we got in the props the girls did the pout face.. The Boys had a great time with the props once they loosed up they really got into the pictures.

I love Lens Friends  it is a great place if the kids are also allowed to use the cameras.  Kara said  it is fun seeing a preteen or teen take hold of the camera and have a great time.   The session includes studio set up, using camera, instruction how to use camera, props, cd of picture, and 1/2 photo time for about $47.  They also provide photo editing for a small fee.  Lens friends also offers a kids birthday party for $275 and include cake / pizza.  The parties also include a cd of all the pictures .  We took about 170 pictures in the time I was there.    The kids had a great time and said they loved it.  My sister Inlaw loved the experience and could not stop raving what a fun place to take pictures.    So I cant highly recommend Lens Friends enough.

Cooking, Product Reviews

Sesame Chicken Legs #TastyTuesday

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My kids love chicken legs.  They are great because no cutting of meat is necessary.  So I am always thinking of new ways to serve my family chicken legs.  I recent learned that the local Philadelphia Target near me is now carrying fresh Gold’nPlump chicken which is  all natural, wholesome, delicious chicken.   Gold’nPlump also offers chicken legs so I came up with a new way to serve them to the kids and they were a huge hit.

Sesame chicken legs

  • 1 package of Gold N Plump  chicken legs
  • ½ cups of soy
  • ¼ of Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbls olive oil
  • ¾ cup honey
  • 2 tlbs of spoon of toasted sesame
  • Clove of garlic
  • 1 tsp of ginger

  1. Parboil your chicken leg in water for 15 minutes till cooked thoroughly.
  2. Mix remain ingredients in a zip lock bag to make the marinade
  3. Then place cooked  chicken legs in the marinade
  4. Let legs marinate for 30 minutes
  5. Heat a sauté pain us a little oil or butter in pan to avoid sticking brown the chicken legs slightly.
  6. Then pour marinate in pan and allow the chicken to finish cooking allowing the marinate to reduce and thicken to use as a sauce
  7. Remove and serve with favorite side.

For an printable version of  Sesame chicken legs recipe

Disclosure: I received the chicken legs form Gold’nPlump but the opinions in this post were my own.

 

Crafting, Product Reviews

Repainting Swing Set

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Repainting a swing set.  I have repainted the swing set once since we got it. It takes me about 3-4 hours to do the entire project repainting our swing set. A perfect time to repaint the swing set / playset  was when the kids were at school. Our swing set is about 11 years old, so it was time to repaint it.First I cleaned the swing set of all leaves and needles prior to repainting.  I actually used a shop vacuum and got all the pine needles and any leaves on the platform of the swing set.

Then I used Clorox spay cleaner to bleach the nasty black areas on the swing set prior to repainting it.  I used rubber gloves, a scrub brush and a plastic scrubber, to clean the rungs and ladders.  I rinsed  the set down with water during and after cleaning.  I also make sure all the wood was clean from dirt by rinsing it down.  You can also wash down the playset  the day before so it has times to dry, prior to repainting.

Repainting a swing set

Finally I painted the swing set using Olympic Maximum Semi-Transparent – 717 Redwood Naturaltone,  which I purchased at Lowes for about $36.  I used gallon for the entire swing set.

  • The Olympic Maximum paint is a one coat only paint.  The worker at Lowes told me that if you use more than once coat, of the maximum it will not dry for months because this paint seals the wood , and does not allow anything to penetrated it (which is what you want since it will get wet outside) . The 1st coat drys quickly a few hours  but I kept the kids off the swing set for about a day to be sure. 

I do not use the  paint straight out of the bucket I poured into another container and paint from that bucket so not to contaminate the entire can.  I also used a large paint brush so it went quicker and I could get in all the nooks.   I did not buy an expensive paint brush because at times it gets dirty with ground and I forced into corners.  So I end throwing it out when I am done.  I also wear rubber gloves.

  • Please note do note do not leave a puppy near your paint bucket.. My puppy grabbed  my paint bucket and proceed to runs around the backyard with the paint covering the bulldog, in a lovely shade of redwood.

The Play swingset was all finished but I love the results. It looks like new and it was ready for my daughters birthday party where most of the kids hung out at the party. I hope I inspire you to do this project in a  day, paint, ladder, brush and you can spruce up your backyard.

 Check out My other Popular Posts :

How to Repaint a Front Door

How To Make Natural Bug Repellent

How to Fix Fitted sheets to stay in place DIY

Parenting, Philadelphia, Product Reviews

Palette Kids Art Class for Kids

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This past weekend my children got to experience Palette Kids art class in Philadelphia it is a art studio for kids. The art classes are given by Perry Milou a Philadelphia artist.  The art class was lovely.  Perry taught the kids about figures, and how to draw them.  He had several assistants to assist the kids.  Then he allowed the children to pick a project to make and create.  I have to say I love the vibe of the studio.  It was a real art studio with art  that fosters creativity,  not some pristine art space that is uninspired.  The inspiration of the space allowed and beckons the children to imagine and create. Some kids did 3 d art, painting, clay, and jewelry.

When school are cutting art budgets. Children are no longer allowed to use really clay in our schools any more.  The are using a commercial crayon company clay like product,  which I find extremely disappointing in the public school system.  At Palette Kids,  Perry’s allows the kids to use really clay and create. Check out my sons project.

Palette kid offers classes and this summer Art Classes   special Come to your 1st class and bring a friend for free.  $40 for a 2 hour class  with one of the most amazing pop arts teachers Perry Milou of Philadelphia. His classes are an amazing gift for any child.  The idea age is 5 to teens.  They also offer Philadelphia birthday parties for your budding artist.

I can highly recommend Palette Kids  both my children hope to return and learn from Perry Milou again.

Palette Kids

116 S. 19th Street, 3rd Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19103

Disclosure:  I received the class free of charge, all the opinions in this post are of my own

Product Reviews

Day of Pampering with Therapon

This past Saturday I got to have a treat a day of pampering. Therapon Facial and boy did my face need it. Christina Stumbaugh from Therapon Skin Care System gave the facials. It was such a great experience I have facial it has been many years about 12 since I had a facial.
The Therapon skin care products are an amazing product and it was create by Dr. James S. Beckman, M.D. is a board-certified plastic surgeon and chemist, a life member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the founder and CEO of Therapon Skin Health. He study the different benefits of many fruits and other natural ingredients to create a healthy skin care option.

Hillary of Myscraps gettign a facial
Christina did a lovely facial on us. Step by step she explained the process of a Therapon Facial (Hillary was nice enough to allow me to take this picture)
• NuPeel (once a week) It took off the layer gently but removing dead skin.
• Cleanser (the first step in the Skin Renewal System)
• Fruit Acid OPC Reparative Gel,
• Enriched Moisturizer

So how does my face feel. Fantastic. The product are amazing and developed to promote good health.  I enjoy the product at home and the steps are very easy to do my self. I can see a different in my skin in the past week.


Afterwards my great facial,  I had my make up done by Ulta. I went for the natural look.  The makeup artist was great she told me the secret to great eyes is layers,  Start dark in the outer corner and blending color.  Using the right brushes really help.  As being someone who is not great at apply make up I can wait to go in to Ulta and have them teach me.
And here are the results  thanks to JoLynne  who was the host for the days events:
DSC_0551

Then after I got my nails done,  such a fun day I was so spoiled!  That night hubby and I went out on a date and I felt like such a girl thanks to Therapon, Ulta, and all the days sponsors and thank you to Jo-Lynne for putting such a great event together.

Then when I for home there was such fun items in my Lands End goodie bag.  I have to say great Items for Therapon, and others.  I really love the smelly body puff , body moisturizer from Payless Unforgettable moments  it made my day of pampering extend in to the shower.   Thanks to the other sponsors. Bendable Flip Flops, Happy Baby, Heartwork Orginzation. Lunch Skins

Disclosure: I  Did receive a free day of pampering and free product from Therapon and all the other sponsors listed above, all opinion in this post are my own.