Category Archives: Product Reviews

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

Into the Wood Movie Review Is it good for Kids?

into the woods movie reviewInto the Wood Movie Review :  We were invited to a screening of Into The Woods.  I took my daughter and her best fiend both are 9 years old.  The movie is based on the Musical Into the Woods.   The movie is a 2+ hours and it is a musical,  it is geared more towards adults and older kids.  My daughter and her friend were a great age.  I don’t think it would be appropriate for a younger child because there are implied deaths of characters.

Quick Overview:

Into the Wood Movie Review

The scenery is dark because it all takes place in a woods.  But the scenery is beautiful and very creative.

The costumes are wonderful,  I am a fan of the witches, played by Meryl Streep.

Story interweaves the characters and fairy tales story’s.  The Music and singing is fantastic.

My Daughter loved  the Princes song which was campy, sarcastic, and just plan fun.

Enjoy the movie;

 

Great holiday gift ideas from Best Buy #HintingSeason

Disclosure: The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.

giftsBest buy holiday deals  and Ideas :  Time is running out for the holidays.   Now,  with my busy schedule, between work, right now  I am really “Superexhausted” with the hours of sewing for my job,  the endless follow up on home work with my Teenage son.   If you read my last post I truly feel like I am repeating the 8th grade.   I never have time to shop let alone think about the holidays-  or the 25+ people that will be in my home in a few days for the big “Christmas party”.    I hate when shopping is hard,  when you dont know what they want or need.

I love the fact  Best Buy  has me covered  for great products for my entire family.  With Expert Service and Unbeatable Price these top gifts are on my list this Holiday, making my life less exhausting and here’s why they should be on yours:

1st Pick: My sons top pick  for Christmas  list is Xbox One any teenage boy would love go have this system  the graphics are Amazing!!

xbox oneWhat is Xbox OneXbox One was built by gamers, for gamers. With the best exclusive titles (Halo, Sunset Overdrive), the biggest blockbusters (Assassin’s Creed and Call of Duty) the hottest sports franchises (Madden 15, FIFA 15, NBA 2K15) and top family titles (Fantasia: Music Evolved, Just Dance 15, Skylanders) Xbox One takes gaming to a whole new level.

In addition to being a great gaming console, Xbox one connects consumers unlike any other device.  Xbox One enables access to the latest TV shows and movies through your favorite apps.  With Xbox One all of your media is at your fingertips when you want it.

2nd Pick :  Another great pick for any one in our family or any one who has a smart device is JBL speakers or headphones  what makes the special: 

spreakerJBL Flip 2– Aside from the dual performance-tuned JBL drivers and a built-in bass port, the key benefit of the JBL Flip 2 is the SoundClear echo and noise cancellation combined with the state-of the art microphone system to pick up calls on the speaker.

JBL Reflect Earbud headphones–  Sweat proof ergonomic design.  With a 5 hour rechargeable battery and a reach of about 40 feet, the JBL Reflect BT’s key benefit is the design of the ergonomic eartips along with the built-in magnets which keep your buds on standby without loose cables.

3rd Pick :  I am known  for getting lost-  I would be lost without a GPS  for christmas I would love to have any of the Garmins or Tom Toms   GPS;s

Garmin and TomTom

Featuring bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling, traffic and weather updates.  Lane assist, Lifetime traffic and map updates.   Voice Recognition Technology.

·         Garmin 52LM

  • o   5.0” display
  • o   Maps of 49 U.S. states, plus lifetime map updates1
  • o   Lane assist with junction view
  • o   Displays speed limit and accurate arrival time
  • o   Easily find addresses and millions of points of interest
  • o   Spoken turn-by-turn directions

 

·         Garmin 2597LMT

  • o   5.0” display
  • o   Maps of 49 U.S. states, plus lifetime map updates1
  • o   Lane assist with junction view
  • o   Displays speed limit and accurate arrival time
  • o   Easily find addresses and millions of points of interest
  • o   Spoken turn-by-turn directions

 

·        TomTom Go 50s

  • Lifetime TomTom Traffic: Drive with TomTom Traffic for the lifetime of your device
  • Lifetime Maps (US, Canada, Mexico): Always drive with the latest map
  • 3D Maps. See buildings and landmarks in stunning 3D
  • 5″ touchscreen with advanced lane guidance

So have fun shopping and be sure to check out these great ideas at best buy this holiday seasons.

 

best buy solgan

 

Events at Barnes & Noble for Discovery Weekend #sponsored

Barnes and noble sponsored post disclosurebndiscovery_1_013_001-13

 

This past week I attend a preview of Barnes and Noble Discovery Weekend in the Exton store to see what great thing are going on this weekend at stores through out the country. It is a great family weekend at the Barnes and noble.  Check at the fun activities they have planned by checking the Discovery Weekend at your local Barnes and noble .

Event IconEvents at Barnes & Noble for Discovery Weekend

Friday November 21, 2014 7:00 PM

Linkee Trivia Tournament

Linkee is a simple, fast and fun shout-out quiz game with a twist. You don’t win by answering the questions, but by guessing the link between the answers. Recommended for ages 14 and up.
Saturday November 22, 2014 10:00 AM

Create With ArtFoldsfold book pages to make art

Customers are invited to transform a book into a piece of art or create an origami heart card using the ArtFolds technique. Recommended for ages 13 and up. Please arrive early; space and supplies are limited.

 

Saturday November 22, 2014 11:00 AM

Learn to Draw Like Mo Willems – Storytime and Activity

pigon drives the bus
Booksellers will help children learn how to draw the beloved Pigeon from Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! with instructions created by the award-winning author and illustrator. Recommended for ages 4 and up.

Saturday November 22, 2014 1:00 PM

Puppet Making and Holiday Sing Along

puppets
Kids are invited to make a puppet and sing holiday songs with our booksellers and their new found puppet friends. Please arrive early, space and supplies are limited. Recommended for children ages 4 and up.

Saturday November 22, 2014 7:00 PM

Holiday Fluxx Game Night

holiday flux game
Get introduced to this unexpected holiday card game with ever-changing rules — even the object of the game changes as often as you draw a card and say, “Go!” Recommended for ages 12 and up.

Sunday November 23, 2014 1:00 PM

Snowmen at Night Storytime

snowmen at night
Ever built a snowman and discovered the next day that his grin has gotten a little crooked, or his tree-branch arms have moved? Discover and experience the secret life of snowmen at night. Recommended for children ages 4 and up.
There will also be author times through out the weekend.
Also through out the entire weekend The Barnes and Noble Cafe has there new special cookie on sale! for $1.00 at select times.
cookie deal

#BNGiftTip

Also why visiting the store I learned of a great way to find great gifts for  you friends and Family.  By just Tweeting #BNGiftTip ask your question and the experts at Barnes and Noble will direct you towards a gift to make you smile.
Tip: if you like a certain book the Gift Tip tweeters can recommend other book that are similar
Check out these fun gifts I came across why browsing the store:
Word throws 100% cotton… one has famous lines from various book.
word throws
The Flavor Bible was recommend to me as a must have for making you recipes more interesting :  use that B&N membership and save
the flavor bible
The Happy Light  because who does not want to be happy!
happy light
Also a great stocking stuffers at Barnes and Noble like this Coalcandy coal
The best new thing at Barnes and Noble is the New Samsung Glaxay tab 4.0 Nook. in 2 sizes 7.1 and 10-  Also you can buy a paper book and get the down load for $4.99 on some books.
nook

I saw so many thing for my family I was making my list as I walked through the store.   So go to you local Barnes and Noble this weekend be creative and also shop for those prefect holiday gifts.

Disclosure I did received a gift card and this is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.barnes and noble gifts

Free for Veterans on Veterans Day

flagFree for Veterans on Veterans Day : My Dad served I am glad to say her server to protect out country.  In our family it is important to honor those who served.  So tomorrow November 11th,  thank a Veteran just like many business are doing. Take one out and you can save . Here are some great web sites that have created great list of company’s that are showing our vets the respect they deserve.

Free For Veterans on Veterans Day:

Have a great Day and honor those who protected & served the US.

Making fun Snacking with California Raisins Art

California Raisins artIt is that time of year again and we are getting ready to go back to school thinking about snacks and lunches.  What can you give the kids to make lunch fun?  California Raisins make a great back to school snack sweet and find to share.   So when the Clever girls asked me to do a sponsored post creating art with California Raisins.   I got the whole family involved my husband, son, and daughter.     My kids love raisins so it was not a difficult task to get them involved.

Some fun facts about California Raisins:

  • California Raisins are an all-natural, dried-by-the-sun fruit you can feel good about sending with your kids as they head back to school or offering as an after-school snack. The ingredient list says it all: Raisins.
  • Convenient and portable, California Raisins are a great choice for wholesome, healthy, on-the-go snacking. They are a great value, too! According to the USDA, raisins are the most economical dried fruit.
  • California Raisins come by their sweetness naturally. With California Raisins, the nutrition label tells a great story: Zero fat, no cholesterol and no added sugar. Plus, raisins offer 9% of your daily fiber and potassium, and 6% of your daily iron. (per quarter cup serving)

We started with 2 different types of California Raisins  and California  green raisins.   Then we had the kids make pictures, on trays. They had a fun time creating event my 13 year old did one.  Raisins art flower

My daughter arrived home from camp and she promptly wanted to join in on the fun. The combo of the red and yellow raisins allowed us to use the color for shading.   Raisin_art_013_001-29raisin art

Let your kids create some art after school with a healthy raisin snack,  or include an index card in there lunch boxes.

boy making California Raisins art

California Raisins offered California Raisins lovers  Limited Edition Prize Pack. Enter here California Raisins   Facebook page.

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Label Maker Review : Epson Label Maker lw-600

review post disclosureepson_label_maker_013_001-4

 

Label Maker Review : Epson Label Maker lw-600 review Recently I was ask the Review the Epson LW-600 Label maker.  What is so great about this printer is a it can use either your computer or an app on your phone to create the label.  So labels on the go.    Quickly and easy with no wires all through blue tooth.   My daughter created her own.

For me the Epson was a winner In the past I was always looking for cord or adapters.  The Epson LW-600 was so easy I find in not as cumbersome as older style label makers so I use it more.

We used  label everything for my daughter for school outside,  My daughter did her own .  The App has a huge variety of different fonts and logos and very easy for a ( year old to use.   You just open the box add batteries or the cord for power, down load the add and ad the label cartridge as instructed and you are off and printing labels.

epson_label_maker_013_001-5

The LabelWorks® LW-600P is the first app-enabled label printer on the market, offering unmatched capabilities in the world of label creation.  The Epson LW-600P and iLabel app takes full advantage of the capabilities of smart phones and tablets to offer features never before available with traditional label makers, such as:

Epson LabelWorks LW-600P

  • “True-view” label preview capability using the camera function to ensure labels perfectly match what’s on the screen
  • Wirelessly create, edit and print labels
  • Handwriting mode for custom drawing or annotation of labels using the touch screen interface
  • Speech-to-text voice transcription and printing
  • In-app storage of created label for future use
  • Import of custom graphics such as symbols, logos and photographs to copy & paste onto labels for a more professional look or to add a personalized touch
  • Creation of QR code labels for content sharing or barcode labels for inventory management which can be scanned by third-party QR/barcode apps

Epson has also launched a developers’ program for the World’s first App enabled label printer. Developers can access the LW-600P SDK and open APIs and very easily create personalized printing solutions with the LabelWorks LW-600P. For the LW-600P developer program please visit http://bit.ly/1tVG4gM

Epson LabelWorks LW-600P

Epson’s iron-on labels are compatible with two Epson Labelworks products:

  • Iron-on Kit– includes the LW-300, a portable battery-powered handheld label printer, and two iron-on tape cartridges in a convenient carrying case
  • LW-600P– app-enabled label printer allowing wireless printing for iOS and Android devices

With fall here  I am looking forward to using the Iron labels for the Jackets, gloves,  and Hats that will be getting lost.

They also have ribbon tape- to make your holiday packing look great!! -Think cookies!!

The cost of  Epson Label Maker lw-600  $99  the labels.

The Epson Labelworks tape range from 14.99 up depending where you purchase it.  Hint check Amazon or Epson.

Dark Hope by Monica McGurk Book Review


dark hope cover

I was recently asked to review Dark Hope   By Monica McGurk by CleverGirls.  The  Dark Hope: Book One of the Archangel Prophecies  is a teen genre book,  which i s right up my alley since I love simple love, and non violent books that have a fantasy aspect.  This book is a great read.

The Story focuses on Hope Carmichael who is a survivor childhood abduction. The story revels the mystery behind her abduction and her new life as a teen in a new place to her.   This book shows the evolution of Hope and her new friends.  When Hope meets Micheal and  life starts to change.  He overprotective and handsome .. Hope wonders why.  Allowing the reader to  learn to love the relationship between the two characters.

The other story that Monica McGruk weaves  through out the tale is the story of human trafficking and how Hope is affected by a stranger turned friend she meets.   Throughout the story hopes goal is to help and save her new found friend.    Monica does an excellent job of bring this crime of human trafficking to the light for all  teen readers who might not have any knowledge of what happens to the girls through out the world,  in hopes of coming to America and be free.

Hope is a developed as a true hero in the book showing the strength every woman hopes to have at difficult times. I enjoyed that Hope is a independent young women from the start.  She does not lived scared and wants to change the world.  She is a character that can be looked up to by our young women.

The Dark Hope: Book One of the Archangel Prophecies is the first in a series of books, so it does leave you hanging for the next book and so the reader can look forward to Hope’s and Micheal’s next adventure.

I will  also let you know this book references stories of the bible but it is not what I would consider “christian” book.  I would recommended this book to read is teen appropriate and a fast read.    I am looking forward tot he next book in this series.

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

 

Celebrating Memories on Grandparents Day

Grandparents day

Grandparents Day is on September 7th:  When I was a little girl I remembering visiting my grandparents whom we call  Mama and Papa.   They are so near and dear to me.  We would travel 40 minutes to Maywood NJ to visit them in the house my mother grew up in.  The street that they lived on dead-ended at the high school basketball court,  I always though it was cool how we could play in the street.

I remember my grandparents home  to a T.  Large Rhododendrons bushes as you entered the slate porch, the white door that stuck in the heat, the living room with salmon colored upholstered couches,  and  lamps with the crystals that reflected the light from the windows like prisms.  I always thought they were diamonds.    The bird collection of ceramic bird in the kitchen bay window, that looked out on to my grandfather perfectly manicured backyard.

The birds- We would add to the bird collection every Christmas,  I think it is a grandparent rule decide on one thing so that your grand kids can give it to you for every holiday, and we did there was about 20 birds.  I still see the road runner bird, they one that started it all,  in my grandmothers assisted living apartment when we go to visit.

I would love visiting them, my Mama and Papa,  who are the same age as my parents now.  They would always make us feel welcome with a big hug.  My Mama always dressed to the nines in a lovely suit and her shoulder length white hair in place.  She was very sophisticated with her frequent trips to New York  to see Broadway play or and art exhibit.   She would often take us with her and expose us to the ballet or a museum. My Mama loves the arts she attended art appreciation classes at the local University up until she was 85,  which I always though was super cool.  My family has always told me, our love of the arts came from the exposure my Mama always gave all of us.   I now expose my children to the arts while thinking of my own upbringing.

One of my adult Mama memories, I was when  she visited me in Florida,

My Mama said “Sherry, If I every have my hair in that tight pin curls be sure to know I lost it.. I never want to be that old” She was talking as age is a state of mind. Even at 95 she is still a classy lady and well spoken.  A great lesson I learned,  that I will always cherish, her wise knowledge.

My grandfather Papa, He was a tall thin man, did not speak with a German accent .. but very German man.   He passed away in is 70’s but one of my fondest memories was when I was a senior in high school. I had a solo in our 250 person high school choir, it was in Hebrew,  we are not Jewish it was the song the director had chosen.   Apparently when I started singing my grandfather was like that is not English??? When I ended I all remember was looking out into the pack audience, see  my Papa standing and cheering for me.   To this day I can still hear his prideful sounds of glee for me.

How has your Grandparents affected your life?   How do your parents add to your kids lives?

Don’t forget to honor the Grandparents in your life!  Check out this Grandparents Day Gift IdeaEdible Arrangements

This year tell your parents how much they mean to your family by remembering Grandparents.   National Grandparents Day is coming up on September 7 and what better way to celebrate the holiday than with a healthy and delicious treat from Edible Arrangements.  Their arrangements satisfy those with a sweet tooth and are a healthy option, which gives grandparents reason to indulge…just a little!

I love the Grandparents Day gift Idea of sending healthy fruit to my parents they are a great choice with free delivery and prices for all budgets.  The Edible Arrangements make a great gift this Grandparents day!

Don’t they look Yummy !

  Disclosure:This is not a Sponsored or review post

Bathing your babies : #JOHNSONSBaby #PromiseToBaby

sponsored post disclosurebaby and little boy

When my children were little one of my favorite things was the quite time after a bathing them.  Where I was the center of there happy little world.  My son who is now 13 and taller then me was always a joy.  I would look at this blond hair big blue eyed boy who resembled noting of me.  He was a wonderful combo of my husband and my father.  Who knew I would be so luck to have such a happy little boy.   He was born in February in Florida,  he was early and had a Bilirubin count I remember the Dr. said bring him out into the sunshine.

Every few days, I would bath my blond hair blue-eyed boy or “BlondieBlue” as I called him in the sink,  the smell of Johnson baby shampoo and body wash, still brings me back to those moments.  I always placed a wash cloth warmed with suds and warm water on his chest to keep him happy.  As I washed him, he giggled.  Then wrapping him  on a towel and taking him to his changing table for “massage time”  which he love the feel of the Johnson  moisturizer on his skin ans I rubbed the pink lotion on his feet his legs and arms.  He was all smiles from he loving touch.  I would put him on a diaper them bring him out on the patio and place him in his raised packing play.  The reflection of the light off the pool and the warm breeze smelling of baby waffled through the 80 degree air.  While I enjoyed a minute of new mommy quite and read a book.  It was such a lovely peaceful  moments in our lives.

We moved up to the Northeast goodbye to warm weather and bright sunshine.

Fast forward 4 years … 2 kids bath time routine changed..Yea can, you say assembly line… My daughter was the child who was bathed with us, because I could not figure out the juggle. My husband was the best option for bathing the baby because of his hair on his chest-No slippy wet baby.  Bath time became a 3 ring circus.  My son wanted to shower with my husband also.  So I would stand in the bathroom as he washed my daughter (as I call her Peanut because she was so small)  he would manage handling this baby who loved the shower water on her head.  He would suds her up with Johnson, rinse and repeat.   Then he would hand the Peanut off to me,  I would then add my son age 4 into the shower his dad would scrub him clean with baby shampoo because “no more tears”… Mean while the bathroom would be all fogged up with steam and the smell of Johnson’s Baby shampoo in the air.  I would be laying her on a towel on the floor wrapping up and drying off the Little Peanut girl as she giggled on the floor.   Again even on the floor as I baby massage my new newborn with the pink lotion,  I would listen to my husband and sons conversation about why Tomas was better then Percy.  All before her headed off to work at 9am.

I am still tired thinking about those times in our lives.  Very different moments but I can remember the smell and joy like it was yesterday.

I am glad I had the opportunity to recall these moment by doing this sponsored post for  Johnson’s Baby, who I always felt safe with and continues to put the care and safety of our babies  first:

  • JOHNSON’S® Baby always listens to moms and although our products have always been safe, we took a stand and changed our formulas to give moms peace of mind.
  • As the new products hit shelves, we are launching a heartfelt campaign called “Your Promise is Our Promise” as a way to express our ongoing commitment to moms. Just as moms make promises to their children, JOHNSON’S® Baby also makes promises so moms don’t have to worry about the products they use on their little ones.
  • To share this commitment, we’ve created an inspiring story through the “Our Promise” video, which can be viewed on YouTube, as an open letter to moms showing our scientists and their families coming together to build an origami stork mobile, symbolizing the delivery of our promise to always listen to moms.

#JOHNSONSBaby in addition to #PromiseToBaby and #partner.

Recently

  • The JOHNSON’S® Baby Family is excited to introduce you to seven newly reformulated products:
    • JOHNSON’S® Baby HEAD-TO-TOE® Wash
    • JOHNSON’S® Baby Lotion
    • JOHNSON’S® Baby Shampoo
    • JOHNSON’S® Baby Shampoo & Conditioner for Thick and Curly Hair
    • JOHNSON’S® Baby Shampoo & Conditioner for Thin and Straight Hair
    • JOHNSON’S® Baby Shampoo with Calming Lavender
    • JOHNSON’S® Baby Soothing Vapor Baby Bathjohnson baby products

Freeman Spa Professional review #BarefootBliss

foot creamYea my feet need some help. They are in rough shape after a long cold winter and abuse this spring. Let say I have feet .. yea my mother does not love. But I love sandals. “THE BEAUTY OF NATURE–THE BENEFIT OF SCIENCE. Our products are made with botanical extracts to cleanse, soothe, refresh to make you look & feel your best.”

Spa Professional Exfoliating Polish:  $5.99 The  aquatic-inspired, shimmering body polish delivers gentle exfoliation for skin that’s rejuvenated and re-energized. Non-abrasive micro-granules buff away dead skin as Apricot Oil nourishes and sooths. Our triple-botanical ReCapture Complex helps eliminate toxins, restore essential nutrients, and reinvigorate with antioxidants to reduce surface roughness. Shimmering Mica enhances skin’s natural radiance.

Spa Professional Moisturizing Massage Cream: $5.99 Enjoy mind and body benefits with our silky massage cream that helps ease tension and stress while rejuvenating skin. Hydrating Coconut Oil provides deep moisturization to eliminate dryness, and our triple-botanical ReCapture Complex helps eliminate toxins, restore essential nutrients, and reinvigorates with antioxidants to help reduce surface roughness. Enjoy ultra-moisturized skin all day long.

I love the Freeman Products found at Walmart.   They make my feet feel relaxed and soft.  I exfolated my feet then, added the moisturizing cream then wore sock to bed and I feet like I had new feet in the morning. cream

Follow Freeman Beauty on Facebook

Disclosure these products were provided to me as part of the Freeman VoxBox and influenster.com #BarefootBliss