Tag Archives: review

Weird and Wacky Contraption Lab Review and Giveaway

June 18, 2013 superexhausted 2 Comments

Weird and Wacky Contraption Lab is a great toy. It kept my kids entertained for hours. I took it out the 1st time to entertain my nieces, nephews and my children. The played in teams and each team had about 1/2 each to play with it. The ages were from 8-15 and all wanted to build. Think of the old game mouse trap but build on a vertical and it actually worked. It is all about the building no board game play required.

The Kit comes with 2 boards that stand about 2 feet and 60 pieces and 4 balls. The pieces attach with a loop and stick (velcro type substance to the felt boards) . You build the ball puzzle trying to get the flying pig launch in the end. We left he set up in the living room and my kids would make slight modification over the week.

Here is a video my son did explaining how it works.

The Cost is $39.99 at smartlabtoys.com or amazon.

Winner of top toy Pick 2012!

Ages 8 up – My daughter loved it as much as my son!

You have to push the pieces on firmly and also it takes time to get the peices lined up to shoot so that is why I do recommend following the age level and 8 on up.

Note: Watch the metal balls with younger kids. the ball tend to roll fast under stuff. Like the fridge. (try a maganet on a ruler to get the balls out from under the fridge- my sons advice)

Best thing no batteries need for this toy just problem solving skills.

Smart Labs is giving-away one of my readers just fill out the Rafflecopter form.
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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.

Product Reviews

Woolzies Dryer Balls and #Giveaway

April 10, 2013 superexhausted 5 Comments

My son gets a new chore every year for his birthday. Last year, he (age 11)came to me and asked if he could do laundry. Laundry seriously is my Nemesis. I don’t like doing it because it is in my basement. The deal I made with him is he switches it and carries up stairs for me to fold. For this he does not have to do dishes.

Disclosure: I got Woolzies free for this review. The opinions are my own.

When Woolzies dyer balls contacted me to review there wool dryer balls. I said yes, when they showed my son could not wait to try them! So would they improve drying time?

The Woolzies site says :

Woolzies are pure handmade New Zealand wool dryer balls that soften your laundry naturally without any of the chemicals of conventional fabric softeners. Unlike the plastic dryer balls, they are PVC free and won’t fall apart or melt on you. Woolzies save time and energy by cutting down on drying time by an average of 25% per load. They also help reduce static and wrinkles.

Use Woolzies to snuggle up with naturally downy soft laundry that’s completely free of harmful chemicals. Woolzies are also hypo-allergenic and totally safe for people with wool sensitivities as they will not shed onto your laundry.

Unlike even natural dryer sheets and liquid fabric softeners, Woolzies last for 1,000 loads and are therefore extremely eco friendly. So why risk your health and waste your money with regular fabric softeners when you can save time, energy and money with all natural pure Woolzies!

So the results:

We have been using them for 3 weeks. Both my son and my husband said the defiantly improved dyer time. Yes Woolzies does help to improve drying time.

Note: I studied textiles while in college part of fashion design. Wool has natural wicking properties due to the structure of the fiber. It naturally moves water to the surface away to be absorbed in the air. That is why sheep don’t sweat , they have wicking hair. So the Woolzies balls would work because they are wool.

They also have reduced static and wrinkles. The movement of having the ball in the dyer keeps from wrinkling.

Loosing balls With my son doing the laundry he tends to leave the Woolzies balls in the laundry so do play find the Woolzies when I am folding.

Woolzies cost : $34.95 for 6 balls

So would you like to try Woolzies? The Woolzies is giveaway to one of my readers.
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Disclosure: I got Woolzies free for this review. The opinions are my own.

Fashion, Product Reviews

Skechers Shoe Review: Hydee Plus 2

April 5, 2013 superexhausted 7 Comments

Recently Skechers sent me a free Pair of Girls Hydee Plus 2 Sneakers for a review, the opinions are stated in this Post about Skechers Hydee Plus 2 sneakers are my own.

We received the sneakers in the mail and my daughter total flipped she put them on immediately and was so excited. I am not sure if you know this but as blogger we try to photography review items prior to use. So after telling my daughter to take them off.. (like 6) times because she did not want to part with the Skechers. She started looking through the box. There was a Hydee and the Hytops comic book included which she read from cover to cover. The even have a web series about the Hydee and the hytops.

But I digress.. The Skechers Hydee Plus s Sneaker are super fun they are fun spring colors. We received a grey, aqua, and hot pink. They Hydee Plus 2 also comes in a Pink and Natural Shoe. The sneakers also have a glittery fabric which is what attacked my daughter.. why girl does not love glitter. She also loves how easy

Skechers Hydee Have a secret in the heel they have a wedge. Making your girl taller. My daughter loves the fact she towers over everyone else. She also love the fact you cann’t see the wedge. The shoes make her feel empowered with height. Sizes start for age 6 and up.

Here is My daughters Video Review of the Skechers Hydee Plus 2 :

The Skechers website says the following about the Skechers Hydee Plus 2 Construction

Construction:

Soft suede upper
Contrast colored metallic glitter finish fabric panels
Lace up casual high top sneaker with hidden wedge
Stitching accents
Smooth glitter fabric does not shed
Printed side SKECHERS logo
Side features sporty suede overlays
Printed heart accent on heel panel
Lace up front
Instep contrast colored glitter fabric strap
Strap with adjustable hook and loop closure
Padded collar and tongue
High top design hides clever 2 inch wedge heel
Soft fabric shoe lining
Shock absorbing midsole
Lightweight comfortable internal wedge heel
Flexible rubber traction outsole

To view the entire Hydee Plus 2 collection, visit http://www.skechers.com.

My daughter loves her new Skechers. I love the quality of the skechers shoes and the fashionable colors. The Shoes cost $55 plus shipping and tax.

What Shoes do your kids love from skechers?

Cooking, Product Reviews

Homemade with love Book Review & Meal Planning

April 2, 2013 superexhausted

I received Jennifer Perillos book Homemade with Love free for this review, the opinions stated are my own. I just finish reading Homemade with Love.. What can I say I love this cookbook. It is like having a best friend in the kitchen. So easy to use and written with love. It is watering read.

So far I have tried her soup “kale with white bean and ravioli” verdict Yummy. I love the conversation that Jennifer has with the reader. This week I am try the apricot butter and make my own ricotta. The book is inspiring, it point out the benefits for health and pocketbook on making it yourself.

When I received the book I read it cover to cover while waiting for a 2 hour swim team practice. The quality of the book is top notch. I can’t wait to try more recipes. She labels the recipes if they are vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, she also has recipes for those of us who are meat eaters.

Healthy and all homemade.. great book for a beginner cook or more advanced on how to make your kitchen more natural and food more homemade.

Meal Planing this week: we have a busy week baseball and swim team .

Monday : Grill Cheese and tomato soup

Tuesday: Roasted chicken

Wednesday: Pork Tenderloin fresh veggies

Thursday: Spaghetti with meat sauce

Friday: Taco Night

This week I am linking up to Organizing Junkie Menu Plan Monday

Fashion, Product Reviews

Lindsay Phillips Ballet Flat Review

March 29, 2013 superexhausted 3 Comments

I recently had the opportunity to review Lindsay Phillips Ballet Flat with snap on entitlements, I love these shoes they are comfy and fashionable. They are prefect for this spring. These shoes have a Fashion feature snap embellishment options, which make the choices of Lindsay Phillips shoes endless.

The Lindsay Phillips shoes are made of quality materials. I received the Liz Ballet flat in Neutral Canvas. The color is great for the spring and compliments many colors. The lovely option of these flats are the snap embellishments. The shoes come with a zipper like rosette. The rosettes snap off and you can change them to many different available optional snaps. Purchased separately the snaps options are fantastic. You can quickly change your Lindsay Phillips shoe snap to coordinate with many outfits and jewelery. For a head to toe finished fashionable look. The company even have a Mystery 5 or 10 pack of snaps available for purchase, I love that Idea because I was having a hard time choosing.

A little history of Lindsay Phillips started the idea company as a flip flop shoe project in ceramics in High School. She then went to college thinking about the interchange able Flip flop. After graduating she worked for Ralph Lauren, then with an investment from her mother she started her own company. The Switch Flop is a flip flop was her first big seller, it uses hook and loop tapes which allows you to change the straps and front embellishments on your Switch flop. The are super cute fun and flirty. Lindsay built a multimillion dollar company catering to women’s needs for more shoe looks. Yea! women owned business.

Back to these stellar flats, I love the idea that the shoes I received are so comfy and fit in my budget ($64). With the ablity to change the look they are great for traveling, because they are easy packable and flexible to my busy life style. Great for my everyday fashion.

I received 2 different embellished snaps with my shoes. The Audra Snap (sale for $9) which are a great emerald color and Dorothy Snap ($15.95) which are a raffia like with a great gem in the middle. I love also they idea that that Lindsay Phillips offer a variety of shoes so you can use the snaps on the wedges, heels, and switch flops year round. So you want to know how easy they are to use. Watch my video review:

The Lindsay Phillips Liz Ballet Flat shoes cost $64

The snaps range from $7- $17

I can recommend the Lindsay Phillips shoes highly. They are comfortable and fun.

What shoes are you looking forward to wearing this spring?

I am linking up to Fashions Friday Post on A Musing of a Housewife.

Disclosure I received these shoes for the purpose of this review. The opinions stated are my own.

Giveaways, Product Reviews

Andys Cookie Review and Giveaway

March 17, 2013 superexhausted 15 Comments

Andy cookies Review: I received Sweet Andy’s cookies to review. Andy’s cookies are an all natural cookie with no preservatives. They are large soft cookie that is sweet and chewy. They come in a variety of flavors. I really have enjoyed sampling a variety of them.

I have to say I am impressed with the company they are are based in Hampton NY. A former Wall Street Finical advisor Andy turned cookie king. I love the story that his family fell on some hard times, his family friends, and church member started helping the family out. Since and could not repay the generosity of his friends, he would bake them cookies. Then the business was born, Andy does local sales in NY, if you are not close to the Apple, you can have them too they are now providing on line sales.Sweet Andys Cookies

You can check all the flavors Andys offers from Chocolate chip, Lemon, to Triple chip and many more. My favorite is the peanut butter. Sweet and peanut butter, how can you go wrong? This is the sugar cookie. Want a Bite?

Any of Sweet Andys cookies can be shipped directly to you. Each bag containing 5 LARGE cookies, hat are sweet, soft, and tasty. One cookie at a time is great for a person because of the size.

The ship Priority mail via the post office. The cookies shipped in a gift box w/ tissue to you so ready to give or if you want to give as a individual cookie gifts paired up with your favorite tea. They would be prefect for the up coming holidays.

The Prices they are fantastic. Current special offer prices are:

6 Bags of cookies – for $35.95 (with free shipping) (30 cookies total)

4 bags of cookies for $24.95 w/ a $5 dollar shipping. (20 cookies total)

So you want to try them? Enter My contest Visiting Sweet Andys Cookies and Tell me which flavor you would like to try leaving your comment on the blog, then mark in the raffle copter you did so. Extra entries can be earned in Raffle copter.

This giveaway will Run till March 24th. The cookies will be shipping direct from Sweet Andys, shortly after Name and Address is provided.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Check out Sweet Andys Cookies Facebook Page

Disclosure: I received these cookies for the purpose of the review. I do not take responsibility for the food items that are shipped via a 3rd party. The opinions in this post are of my own.

Philadelphia, Product Reviews

Philadelphia Orchestra Review

March 13, 2013 superexhausted 1 Comment

A few weeks ago we were invited to see the Philadelphia Orchestra for the Carnival of the Animals is a fun, interactive musical program presented by The Philadelphia Orchestra at the Kimmel Center’s Verizon Hall. My daughter and her friend adored the program. The Kimmel center is beautiful.

During the Canival of animals we saw: Charlotte Blake Alston, a nationally-recognized storyteller, instrumentalist and singer who performs in venues throughout North America and abroad, will be narrating the performance—helping children learn about different instruments in the orchestra and their animal counterparts. In the magical musical adventure, woodwinds transform into delicate birds; double-basses imitate thundering elephants, and cellos paint an audible picture of beautiful and graceful swans.

Both the girls that concert was amazing the sat on the edge of there seats. They were very wided eyed and loved it. I thought the girls age of 7+ was perfect for the performance. They had the prefect attention span to listen to the performance. Also after the preformance the girls got to meet the performers.

A new performance is arriving on March 23rd. There family series is great because each month it is offered the performance is new and different.

We’ve Got the Beat!

Saturday, March 23, 2013 11:30 AM

Delta David Gier Conductor
Colin Currie Percussion
Featuring the Bernard Woma Ensemble

Vivaldi’s Ring of Mystery

Saturday, April 20, 2013 11:30 AM

Cristian Măcelaru Conductor
Featuring Classical Kids LIVE!

THE FUN BEGINS AT 10 AM
The Philadelphia Orchestra, they are passionate about educating children and nurturing their love of classical music – from little tots to tweens and everyone in between. That’s why before each and every Family Concert, we host a pre-concert adventure. This music begins with a pre-concert adventure at 10 AM (although seating is continuous so arrival is encourages any time before 11 AM)—an interactive program .
For more information, visit http://www.philorch.org/family-concerts

Disclosure: I received the tickets in exchange for this review. The opinions in this post are of my own.

Cooking, Fitness Fridays, Product Reviews

NutriBullet Review and Ice Pop Recipe

March 10, 2013 superexhausted 10 Comments

I was so excited when I received the NutriBullet to review.The idea of a smoothies as a meal has always been a good idea but a lot of work with a traditional blender. I have been using the Nutri Bullet NBR-12 12-Piece Hi-Speed Blender/Mixer System
for a few weeks. I really love how smoothly the Nutribullet blends the ingredients, with less clean up. The Nutribullet has so many uses in my kitchen, from a apple,kale, and avocado smoothies or blending oats fine to be part of a meat loaf. I keep finding new ways every day to use it. The Nutribullet keeps all the nutritional value of the food so I can add or blend it in my families food.

NutriBullet comes with 2 different blades one that keep the food in pieces and one that purees. I find that I am finding uses for both on a daily basis. They nutribullet system comes with 3 different cups, so I can make many different shakes for my family in the morning to everyone in the house. Also since all the parts are easy clean and dishwasher safe it is a breeze to use. I am leaving the Nutribullet out on the counter since take up little space and get used so often.

Since I started using the Nutribullet I noticed that I have had an easier time maintaining my weight. Actually I have been noticing a lower weight than normal. So I am excited to see the long term results (I will keep you posted)

I have been replacing one meal a day with the Nutribullet smoothies and really feel better. I have been following the smoothie recipe book that was included with the NutriBullet System. I also like creating my own treats for the family. Like these all natural fruit pops.

NutriBullet Strawberry Banana Ice Pops

2 bananas
5 strawberries
1 cup of milk

Blend using double Nutribullet blade
pour in to molds
freeze for 4 hours , enjoy

Overall Opinion: The NutriBullet is a great blender/smoothie maker. The600rpm power of this product is amazing it is fast and efficient. The cost is over $100, I think the unit is worth the price because of how finely and smooth it makes the food it process. Which make tougher greens palatable and enjoyable therefore being healthy. I am really impress with the Nutribullet. I did have a friends Dad tell me all about the NutriBullet prior to me reviewing it. He said it changed his life, making him healther so I had high expectation going into the review. I have to say the Nutribullet did not disappoint. I would recommend the Nutribullet.

Disclosure: I received the Nutribullet to review, this review is of my own opinion, This post does contain affiliate links.

Parenting, Product Reviews

Girls Like to build @MegaBloks #Barbie #MommyParties

February 28, 2013 superexhausted 18 Comments

My daughter and her friends got to experience Barbies Mega Bloks. The girls spent about 2 hours building the Barbie Mega Bloks house and the pool. They love also they decorated the house and pool with the stickers and all the accessories. They read and followed all the easy to understand instructions no parental help required.. which was a real bonus for me. Team work is what it took to build this dream house. The girls built it there way as team and dividing the process, there was complete cooperation from all involved int he Barbie Mega Bloks building process. A truly lovely afternoon.

The Mega Bloks® Barbie® collection line-up will allow fans to be in control of their dreams in a buildable world of fashion and fantasy. Girls can feel empowered to build ‘n style their very own Mega Bloks Barbie world, with over 300 specially-designed pieces and tons of detailed accessories. Collect up to 19 mini fashion dolls — including Barbie, Teresa, Nikki and of course Ken — with changeable hair, accessories and clothing styles! There’s lots of great places to shop, like the Fashion Boutique and the Pet Shop. Hang out at home in the personalized Luxury Mansion, relax at the pool or hop in your convertible and head to the beach house!

The girls loved the Mega Bloks sets. I think they were prefect for the 7+ girls we had at our party. They like the building and the play. The mega block also has an online world so the children can continue they play virtually. The online Barbie Mega Bloks site has games and videos. My daughter loved checking it out. Here is a video so you can get a closer look.

I love that Mega Block has other smaller sets in the $10 range so they make great birthday gifts.

I can recommend the Barbie Mega bloks my daughter loves it she has been run late to school every morning because she is playing with them. Great gift. Also I wanted to mention the blogs fit with other building systems. She has been building furniture and accessory for other full size Barbies.. so every toy in her room is in on the Barbie Mega Blok party.

Check out the Mega Bloks Facebook page and the Mega Block Barbie website

Disclosure:  I received a MommyParty kit from via the promotional program with MomSelect.  No other compensation was received, and all opinions are mine alone.

Superexhausted

Tag Archives: review

Weird and Wacky Contraption Lab Review and Giveaway

Stella Cove #fashionfriday

Woolzies Dryer Balls and #Giveaway

Skechers Shoe Review: Hydee Plus 2

Construction:

Homemade with love Book Review & Meal Planning

Lindsay Phillips Ballet Flat Review

Philadelphia Orchestra Review

We’ve Got the Beat!

Vivaldi’s Ring of Mystery

NutriBullet Review and Ice Pop Recipe

Girls Like to build @MegaBloks #Barbie #MommyParties

This is my super life uncensored