Product Review: Piczzle - Custom Made Picture Puzzle

I received a custom Piczzle Picture Puzzle and I believe it would make a great gift.

Piczzle Logo

My Picture Puzzle, courtesy of Piczzle

I made a small puzzle but there are multiple sizes available and each one can also have more or less pieces based off of your preference. I chose 24 pieces instead of 6 and it turned out great. The picture was clear and the puzzle pieces fit together as expected.

I recommend only using very clear pictures otherwise you may not be able to get the quality that you want. You can add the image onto the box or just create custom text. Every piece was customizable and I could not be happier.

I made our puzzle within 5 minutes and most of that was picking out a picture. I like that they have Paypal as a paying option and shipping was fast.

Make your own puzzle here: Piczzle Picture Puzzle



I received our puzzle for free in exchange for my honest review, all opinions are my own.

Product Review: Linkyo Liquid Chalk Markers

I seriously do not know how I coped with using dry erase markers before trying these.

They take less than 30 seconds to get the liquid chalk to the tip of the markers and the instructions for use and storage are really easy to follow; they are printed right on the package. 

The markers themselves seem durable and there are even a couple replacement tips but if you are storing them correctly and following the directions you should not need to replace them very soon after purchase.

I have been using them on my dry erase calendar and I am able to get finer lines than I could with dry erase markers. I also have used them on mirrors and they clean off easily.

Find your own markers here: LINKYO Markers on Amazon

                                  or here: LINKYO Markers

I received my markers for free in exchange for my honest review, all opinions are my own.

Product Review: Carriet Wallet

I am the kind of person who forgets purses and loses important things: my ID, debit cards, and headphones.

The Carriet Wallet helps solve this problem- as long as I do not lose my phone. It adheres to the back of smart phones, like my Galaxy Prevail and has a little pocket for debit/credit cards or headphones.

The pocket is really stretchy and does not make the wallet detach from the phone at all. It can even withstand an accidental toddler test. If you need to you can remove it and it is really soft. 

My only critique was that it seemed to get dirty pretty fast.

You can get your own here: Carriet Sticky Wallet

Their official website: www.carrietusa.com

I received my Carriet Wallet for free in exchange for my honest review, all opinions are my own.

Product Review: Slimmin Suzie Body Wraps

I'm still really skeptical about products that preach about "removing toxins."

The wraps are really easy to use and it's really nice to feel pampered without a hefty price tag of doing something along the lines of going to a spa.

You apply the clay to "problem areas" like arms, legs, or your stomach and it's supposed to have a slimming effect on them when you use the wraps for 45 minutes to an hour a day. I haven't noticed much of a difference but have only used them once. If nothing else it's relaxing because the clay and wraps are really warm.

The first time that I used the clay I accidentally added too much water but I was a pro the next time. I suggest adding the clay first into a small bowl and follow by slowly adding water as you mix. You can do this after you boil the water and put the wraps inside. The wraps themselves are easy to clean and the clay just wipes off.

You can find your own wraps here: Slimmin Suzie Website

I received my wraps for free in exchange for my honest review, all opinions are my own.

Product Review: UpNature Eucalyptus Essential Oil

I recently started using essential oils and diffusers since Madison's Oma revealed their near magical properties.

I love that UpNature's essential oils are relatively inexpensive and in larger (4oz) bottles than other brands. The dropper is convenient and I love the Eucalyptus smell when it is in the diffuser we have in Madison's room.

My favorite property of this particular essential oil is that it is naturally deodorizing so I use it in our bathroom and kitchen.

You can find your own here: Eucalyptus Essential Oil

I received a free product in exchange for my honest review, all opinions are my own.

Product Review: Yummi Pouch Cloth Snack Bags

I recently received snack bags from Revelae Kids! 

They are a reusable alternative to plastic snack bags and they are machine washable. The pouch zips and is easy enough that Madison has figured them out. I have been washing them with soap and water in the sink and letting them dry. They are durable and cute.

I wish that they had an inner liner so snacks would last longer because they are not air tight. However, I still highly recommend them and will be looking into getting a variety of bags.

If you would like your own cloth bags you can find them here: Revelae Kids!




I received our snack bags for free in exchange for my honest review, all opinions are my own.

Product Review: OZ Naturals Sea Infused Herbal Moisturizer

I was pretty disappointed by OZ Naturals Sea Infused Herbal Moisturizer.

It did not offer the moisturization that I would expect from a product that is so costly. My second complaint was that it did not smell very good.

It has natural ingredients and offers UV protection, however I would not purchase it myself.

I'm going to try adding my new essential oils and see if they help.

If you would like to try it yourself, you can find it here: OZ Naturals Sea Infused Herbal Moisturizer

I received the product for free in exchange for my honest review, all opinions are my own.

Product Review: Bath Fun Time Bath Toy Organizer

The bath toy organizer is a great way to keep all of Madison's toys out of the tub.

The suction cups are strong enough that I don't have to worry about it falling off the wall. There's plenty of room for all of her bath toys.

My only complaint was that the bath toys seem somewhat cheap.


You can find one for your child(ren) here: Bath Fun Time Bath Toy Organizer

I received a free Bath Fun Time Bath Toy Organizer in exchange for my honest review, all opinions are my own.

Product Review: Recordable Pal

I received a Recordable Pal for Madison and it could not be easier to use.

I would highly recommend it for a parent or parents who have to be away from their child at night. It can record up to 30 seconds of audio and plays it on a loop. It is great for parents who like to sing lullabies.

I ended up tying the straps that you are supposed to use to secure it to your child's crib into a bow since she was running around with it. It is really soft and light enough that she can run around with it.

You can find one for your child here: Recordable Pal

I received a free Recordable Pal in exchange for my honest review, all opinions are my own.

Product Review: Baltic Amber Teething Necklace

Parents everywhere rejoice when they discover new ways to ease their child's discomfort.

Madison is getting her two year molars and all of the usual remedies: teething rings, Tylenol, and cold food have not been working as well as they were. I am not currently sure if the necklace is making a difference, but she likes it and it is very durable so I am sold.

Each bead is separated with knots so they will not all fall off if it happens to break. The clasp screws together so smart babies like Madison cannot separate them and take them off. It is important to note that babies are not supposed to chew on the amber necklace or wear it while unattended, the silicone necklace is for mothers to wear so they can ensure their child is not choking. 

My favorite part about it is that it is a naturally anti-bacterial and anti-fungal so it will not harbor germs.

I received the necklaces for free in exchange for my honest review, all opinions are my own.

You can find necklaces for you and your baby here: Baltic Amber Teething Necklace

Book Review: The Shadow Constant by A.J. Scudiere

I'm quickly becoming a huge fan of A. J. Scudiere's writing. Each story is unique and has a certain flair. 

Kayla, her brother Evan, future sister-in-law Reenie, and Ivy are attempting to restore Reenie's inherited house when Kayla find a schematic hidden behind a stone in the fireplace. Kayla uses her skills that come as a result of her having Asperger's Syndrome to recreate the machine. Unbeknownst to the group, this sets a chain of events in motion that places them all in mortal danger.

I personally enjoy reading Scudiere's writing because they are meticulous in their details. Based of off other reader's experiences and my own research, she has portrayed Asperger's in a realistic way that highlights the person behind the Syndrome as well as portraying the talents that often come with it.

I would highly recommend The Shadow Constant to mystery fans as well as anyone who wants to learn more about Asperger's.


Find it here: Scudiere's Website
Amazon: The Shadow Constant


I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review, all opinions are my own.

Book Review: Phoenix by AJ Scudiere

I was immediately ensnared by Phoenix. This mystery created by AJ Scudiere is packed with suspense, action, and well-written details. 

Jason Mondy is a firefighter who is unwillingly in the spotlight after he heroically helped save two boys from a fire. His girlfriend broke up with him and to top it off, he is inundated with nightmares. The true mystery begins when his adoptive mother shares a secret that she has kept with him for the majority of his life.

My only critique was that I found the switching between a character's first and last names confusing at times when they were first introduced, but the chart with the fire station's lineup helped.

I have heard that the secret to writing engaging characters is to make them flawed. Scudiere's characters are just that and it makes a fictional character seem genuine and relatable. She filled Phoenix with flawless descriptions and even a smidgen of humor. 

I also love the symbolism behind the cover of the book and the title.

If you would like to purchase your own copy you can find it here: Phoenix

I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review, all opinions are my own.

Book Review: The Visionary

I had high hopes for The Visionary by Pamela Thibodeaux, but my interest started to falter approximately halfway through.

The story is centered on the successful twins, Trevor and Taylor Forrestier, who have suffered horrendous abuse as children. Alex Broussard approaches their enterprise and quickly inserts himself into their lives. The twins agree to do a job for him and Alex quickly discovers the extent of damage that their past has caused when it becomes to much for Trevor.

I understand that the basis of the book was that Trevor was supposed to turn to religion and stop suffering from trauma, however I feel as if marketing religion as a cure-all for problems is potentially dangerous. Although it may work for some, others should seek help in a psychiatrist or a counselor. The manner in which Trevor acts around Taylor made me feel awkward, it was almost as if they were in a relationship. 

Do not get me wrong, I enjoy Pamela Thibodeaux's writing style and her descriptions are fantastic, but I feel as if certain issues should not be ignored.

Find the book on Amazon: The Visionary
Pamela Thibodeaux's Website

I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review, all opinions are my own.

Book Review: The Watchers Book 2: Hidden Fire

The second book begins with Auriella attempting to fulfill her role as a Watcher, when her new (and rather irritating) king sends her on a dangerous mission. 

She reunites with old friends and meets some new characters who possess abilities that allow them to aid her on her fairy tale-esque adventure. Unfortunately, the reader still finds Auriella is still doubtful of herself; thankfully, she is willing to face her fears in order to save mankind.

Hidden Fire displays a few improvements on Knight of Light. Knight of Light offered little backstory, but Hidden Fire reveals more information and the descriptions are enhanced in comparison. However, I still wish that Auriella would stop doubting herself and provide a stronger female main character for young readers. 

Deirdra Eden delightfully mixes humor and fantasy adventure. Additionally, Hidden Fire is simple enough that middle school readers would have no trouble reading it on their own. Eden's story will captivate younger audiences.

If you would like your own copy, you can find one here: The Watchers: Hidden Fire (Smashwords)

or here: The Watchers: Hidden Fire (Amazon)

If you have not read Part 1, you can find your copy here: The Watchers: Knight of Light or here: The Watchers: Knight of Light (Amazon)

I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review, all opinions are my own.

Book Review: The Hunters: Monster Hunting 101

Anyone who knows me should know that I love Supernatural so it should not be a surprise that I enjoyed Richard A. Bamberg's book.

Jesse receives a call from his ex-girlfriend Gail who introduces him to the monsters of the world that she has been ganking for years. He was in the army and is thus perfectly suited to help her. There is a steady supply of action and a few unexpected twists that allow no shortage of danger. 

I felt as if certain aspects of their relationship were unnecessary, Both characters and the reader knew they were going to get back together so it quickly became tedious for them to pretend they weren't. However, I do not feel that this took away from the book as a whole and I actually have downloaded Kindle copies of Bamberg's other books and cannot wait to read part two. 

If you would like your own copy, you can find it on Amazon here: The Hunters: Monster Hunting 101
I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review, all opinions are my own.

Book Review: What Teens Want You to Know (but won't tell you)

There are countless books out there for new parents, but what about parents of teenagers?

Roy Petitfils has compiled several anecdotes from his experience as a counselor for individuals, couples, families, as well as some from when he was teaching for 10 years at the high school level. I believe that the wide array of his credentials allows Petitfils to offer sound advice to adults who find themselves in leadership roles of teens.

Each chapter follows a basic layout: A Bible verse, a quotation from a teen and an adult, an anecdote, advice, a summary, questions, and a prayer. It is important to note that you do not have to be religious to find something you can use and some advice can be useful for any relationships you may have.

There are some points that I did not necessarily find applicable to my former teenage self and a couple that I did not necessarily agree with but that is to be expected and it is part of the reason that parenting can be difficult.

If you would like to find your own copy you can find it on Amazon here: What Teens Want You to Know (but won't tell you)

I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review, all opinions are my own.

Upcoming Reviews

I have been busy! I am definitely not going to complain though.

I have some books that I have lined up to post reviews on:

What Teens Want You to Know (But Won't Tell You)

The Watchers Book 2: Hidden Fire

The Hunters: Monster Hunting 101

The Visionary

Phoenix

and The Shadow Constant

All reviews should be posted by the end of the month!

NippyLid Update

NippyLid has sent free bottles to the winners: Alyssa and Brittany! 

 If you are interested in getting a bottle for your little one, the company has provided me with a promo code for you to use.

Use the code nippy15 for 15% off your NippyLid order!