Click here to lend your support to: Funeral Expenses for Daniel Runion, my son  and make a donation at pledgie.com !

Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Product Review: US Art Supply 36 Watercolor Pencil Set with Canvas Wrap


I like the control that watercolor pencils provide and this set is better than the Ohuhu set that I have tried in the past.


There are 36 pencils with a wide variety of colors. I have not had a problem with lead breaking nor have I had issues with the canvas wrap. 

There are a couple extra slots that I use for paint brushes, but they could be used for a pencil sharpener, extra pencils and more.

I would recommend using this set with the US Art Supply's watercolor pad for a cheap alternative if you are wanting to practice.









Find it here: Watercolor Pencils with Canvas Wrap

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

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Book Review: The Simple Story of the 3 Pigs and the Scientific Wolf by Mary Fetzner


This is a new take on the familiar Three Little Pigs: The original characters have grown up and their offspring have taken over their roles.





The wolf uses simple machines in an attempt to have pig as his table's centerpiece. The pigs use science to thwart his attempts.

There is a teaching and student guide at the end of the book. This book is great for its intended audience. The pages are in black and white and can be colored by the child. The worksheets can also be written on.

The Pieces of Learning also has many other options for parents and teachers.

I intended to give this product to someone else's child, but elementary level students would get the most out of this product.


Find it here: Pieces of Learning

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

Sunday, March 27, 2016

Product Review: Woobamboo Adult Toothbrush


I have already posted my review of Madison and Kayci's Woobamboo toothbrushes. I was able to try their adult toothbrush as well.


It is equivalent to their kid's toothbrushes. The bristles are softer than most of the other toothbrushes we have tried. It is a standard size and I like how eco-friendly they are.







Find them here: WooBamboo Adult Toothbrushes

WooBamboo Website

Product Review: ActionFly Sleep Mask and Ear Plugs


I have wanted to try a sleep mask for awhile now. I have trouble sleeping with light coming in our window from the parking lot.


ActionFly's mask is contoured so it is supposed to be more comfortable. The ear plugs are fairly basic and they conform to the shape of your ears. They do not block all sounds but they would be great for travel.

The mask is not supposed to put any pressure on your eyelids, but I sleep on my stomach so I could not get comfortable while wearing it.

People who sleep on their sides or backs would have more luck with this product.






Try it yourself here: ActionFly DreamWeave Sleep Mask


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

Friday, March 25, 2016

Product Review: Zubels Hand-Knit Lobster and Grasshopper


Zubels has hand-knit sea creatures, dolls, jungle animals, clothes, hand rattles, and several other items available.



I received Larry the Red Lobster and Gordon the Grasshopper for review. They are both unique, but they look like they were supposed to based off of the website. Each toy has a rattle and I can hardly imagine how much time and effort was put into these.

Based off of my tugging and pulling, both toys are durable. Any baby would like to have one in their arsenal. They are a little expensive but that is because of the amount of work and materials that have to go into each item.

I cannot wait to give this item to my niece or nephew that is due to arrive and my niece who is already here.








Find it here: Zubels Website


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

Product Review: Zizu Babies Fruity Teethers


Madison used to love teething toys, I pounced on the opportunity to get these for my new niece or nephew.


They are shaped like bananas, grapes, and watermelon and the set comes with a clip. Each toy has a loop that you can put the clip on to secure it to your baby's shirt or anywhere else.

The toys all have a firm but chewy texture, the grapes are smooth, but the two others have little ridges. The different shapes allow the baby to pick a favorite depending on which teeth are coming in.

Overall, I would recommend them to parents of babies who are getting their front and side teeth.








Find them here: Zizu Fruity Teethers

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

Product Review: Woobamboo! 2-Pack Kid's Toothbrushes


Madison is having an independent streak so we are going through toothbrushes a little faster than normal, I thought I would give these a try.


Woobamboo's children's toothbrushes are the perfect size for Madison and Kayci (Maddie's friend). Both girls have used them without a problem, the handles are small enough for little hands. The bristles are just like a standard toothbrush.

Woobamboo makes toothbrushes for adults, children, and pets, they are a little expensive in my opinion. I will be posting a review of their adult sized toothbrush soon.





Find it here: Woobamboo! Website

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

Product Review: Soothies Pearl 3-in-1 Hot or Cold Breast Packs


I wish I would have found these when I was still breastfeeding.


I endured multiple bouts of mastitis, clogged ducts, and engorgement so these would have been amazing. My sister is having her second baby soon and anything that can make a mother's life easier is awesome in my opinion.

You can heat or cool the reusable packs to help with let-down while nursing or pumping, relieve engorgement or swelling, mastitis, and clogged ducts. 

They can be used for other aches and pains, plus they can be applied directly to the area, unlike some other packs.

You can microwave or place the packs in warm water to heat them up or place them in the fridge or freezer to use them for cold relief.

I would recommend this to new mothers.


Find it here: Soothies Soothing Packs

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

Thursday, March 24, 2016

Product Review: Simlu Loose Fit Yoga Tank-Top


I love tank tops, they are comfortable and they can be layered so I naturally had to try this one.


This tank is beyond light so it works well for layering even when working out. 

I really like that you can buy the tops in multiples, which includes different color combinations: black, white, blue, red, coral, yellow, orange, green, navy, and more. They are only available in small, medium, and large.

 I believe that larger sizes would make them more comfortable for people who normally wear a large because mine did shrink a little when I washed it.

I feel at $9.99 per a single shirt (not in a set) that the individual shirts are overpriced based off of the material and seams seeming a little cheap. It's comfortable but I do not know how long it will last. If the seams do not rip and I do not experience any problems I would definitely consider buying a set of four in different colors, I would buy them in a size larger though.


Find it here: Simlu Tank Top


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

Product Review: NutriONN Advanced Formula Biotin, 10000mcg


I have tried a couple different biotin supplements and this one has the highest dose that I have seen.


Biotin is normally taken for healthier hair, skin, and nails, it also helps regulate blood sugar and boost your metabolism according to this product's bottle.

There are 120 veggie capsules in the bottle and the dose is 1 capsule a day. In addition to biotin, there is also 176mg of calcium per capsule.


Unfortunately, the dose must be too high for me because I started breaking out along my jaw line after starting the product. My hair and nails appear to be healthier but my skin has suffered. 

This is a fairly minor side effect of high doses of biotin, according to my brief research on the subject, and it may still work for other people.




Try it yourself: NutriONN Biotin

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

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Product Review: MMP Living's 6 Piece Wooden Vehicle Set


Finding toys that will last for young children can be hard.


The vehicles are sturdy enough to last. Each one is carved out of up to 3 wooden blocks and they are nearly impossible to break. The wheels are small so if you are going to allow small kids to play I do not recommend they have them without supervision.

I originally was going to split up the toys between my nephews but Madison found them so she was able to test them this week.

There are 6 different vehicles but some of the basic shapes are the same: a school bus, double-decker bus, ice cream truck, recycle truck, and an excavator. 



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

Product Review: Sagano Activated Charcoal Powder


I have never used charcoal powder before so I did not really know what to expect when trying this.


I am pleasantly surprised by the amount of uses that are available for charcoal powder: toothpaste alternative, tooth whitening, facial or body scrub, treatment for bug bites, and more.

It is a super fine powder so it could easily be mixed with coconut oil and essential oils, plus it is really soft so that it will not damage skin or your teeth during use.

I have been using it as an alternative to toothpaste and it makes them feel significantly cleaner. It is also a better alternative to some facial cleansers that can be too harsh for my skin.

It can be a little messy to use, the powder is double bagged and each bag seals, but I would definitely recommend using it somewhere where clean up will be easy.




Find it here: Sagano Activated Charcoal Powder

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

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Product Review: Simlu Lightweight Drape Backless Cowlneck Halter Top


The last shirt I tried on as a swimsuit cover was too small so I decided to give this product a try.


The top I received is a bright red color that matched the Amazon listing. It is a really light material and the front as well as the back are really low cut. 

The only problem I had was the product being a little too short for my taste. I will still try wearing it as a swimsuit cover because it is still pretty comfortable. The material is soft and light enough that it will be perfect as a swimsuit cover.

Find it here: Simlu Top

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

Monday, March 21, 2016

Product Review: US Art Supply's Acrylic Painting Paper


US Art Supply's products are among the most affordable I have found. 



Their Acrylic Painting Paper is no exception. I really liked that this pad was spiral bound, the paper is really sturdy, the back is strong enough to support the pad, and it is inexpensive.

This pad is a little larger than some of their other pads and like the others there are a few aspects that I am not psyched about. 

The paper is a little hard to tear out and it curls a little when using paint on it. 

This is not a big deal for anyone who is just casually painting, like myself. I believe the product would be great for practicing techniques so you are not wasting more expensive paper.


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

Product Review: PURGGO Car Air Freshener


Buying scented air fresheners for the car can be a frustrating process: they don't last long and the smell is overpowering at first.


Purggo's Car Unscented Air Freshener uses bamboo charcoal to absorb odors from animals, smoke, or children without having a heavy scent. It was a little bigger than I expected it to be but it hangs off of one of your seat's head rests so it is out of the way.
There is a little bit of maintenance involved, you have to have it in the sun for a short time every once in a while so it can continue to work. This is definitely worth it because it lasts for over a year if taken care of properly.
I would recommend this product for anyone who is not impressed with scented air fresheners and wants to eliminate odor in their car.



Find it here: Purggo Car Air Freshener

My Amazon review

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

Saturday, March 19, 2016

Product Review: Toogli Stroller Hooks


I love our stroller hook so I jumped on the opportunity to review them.


I received a set of two hooks. They fit on our stroller and it has a large handle. I have used stroller hooks for groceries and holding the diaper bag. Plus, you do not have to hurt your arms or hands trying to carry several heavy bags.

The hooks are durable, hold a lot of weight, and are large enough that they can fit on strollers comfortably.

I would recommend them to parents or to anyone who would like to give them as a gift.


Find them here: Toogli Stroller Hooks

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

Product Review: Melatonin from MaritzMayer Laboratories


I have tried a few Melatonin supplements in the past and this product is roughly equivalent.


I took it a few times last week and I really liked the taste, it is a little chewier than the average gummy and it tastes great. It has fewer gummies than comparable products but I like the taste more. 

I have had trouble sleeping and this gummy, like other melatonin supplements, is intended for people who have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. Additionally, it is non-habit forming so it is a good alternative to sleeping pills that may not be.

I know of a a couple people who have trouble taking pills, so gummies are a great alternative.


Find it here: Melatonin

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

Thursday, March 17, 2016

Product Review: US Art Supply 9" x 12" Charcoal Paper Pad


I have had the opportunity to try a few of US Art Supply's products: paint brushes, acrylic paper pad, watercolor pad, and this charcoal paper pad.


Overall, I prefer the acrylic (which will be reviewed soon!) and watercolor paper pads over the charcoal pad. The paper works really well for charcoal and for colored pencils, but I dislike the binding on this pad. 

The watercolor pad was a lot easier to work with because the cover folded behind it and the acrylic pad is spiral bound and I feel like this pad would be improved if it followed suit.

Charcoal did not smear as easily on this pad as they would on generic paper, so I would definitely use it every time I use charcoal. This pad, like all of US Art Supply's other products, is very reasonably priced and it is great for practicing with different mediums.

I would recommend this product.


Find it here: US Art Supply's Charcoal Paper Pad

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

Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Product Review: The Curly Co. Headbands


I normally take headbands off after a couple minutes because they cannot tame my wild hair and slide around.



These headbands do not slide around and they look classy enough that you can wear them with just about anything.

They are braided so they stretch a ton while returning to their regular shape. I was able to wear one comfortably and put the other on Madison and it fit snugly on her. When you take them off they do not tug on your hair, which is awesome. 

Every section of the headband is covered in nonslip silicone so it does not slide around at all, it would be great for athletes.

I believe this product would make a great gift because it is so versatile.


Find them here: The Curly Co Headbands

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

Product Review: Keeva Bath Bombs


When I first opened the box I was hit by a wave of scents from all of the bath bombs. I could not wait to try one.



There are 8 bath bombs in the gift set: lavender, grapefruit, jasmine, rose, eucalyptus, shea butter, sandalwood, and vanilla.

All of the bath bombs are wrapped in paper and labeled, they were also well protected within the box. The package includes a paper that lists ingredients and benefits to each particular bath bomb, including 21 essential oils.

They all smell wonderful and I ultimately decided to try the Sunshine Grapefruit bath bomb first. It fizzed instantly and the bathroom smelled great the entire time the bath was filling. It faded slightly when I got in but I could still smell it on my skin after I dried off. Plus, my skin felt insanely soft.

I have sensitive skin so I kept an eye out for any dryness and. thankfully, none occurred.

I believe this product would make a great gift.

Find it here: Keeva Bath Bombs

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