US Art Supply's 53 Piece Children's Art Set

US Art Supply's 53 Piece Children's Art Set has markers, color changing markers, pens, a ruler, a mechanical pencil, colored pencils, highlighters an eraser, and oil pastels.

The highlighters are dual sided where the pen is on the other side. The mechanical pencil has pencil lead to go with it and a large eraser as well.

There are two kinds of markers, one is a standard set and the other has two colors when used with the white color changing marker.

This set is inexpensive but some of the products are not the highest quality. The lids on the pens are a little loose and the oil pastels are not very vibrant.


This set would be good for children who are rough with their coloring or too young to warrant more expensive sets.


Find it here: US Art Supply's 53 Piece Set

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

Product Review: Microfiber Towels from Rallt

I was a little skeptical when I first tried these microfiber towels from Rallt.

 I have never used a product like this before so I did not know what to expect. They have made me a believer. Realistically, I cannot see our regular towels being phased out but these definitely have their perks.


Both of the towels are beyond soft so they would be great for using on sensitive skin. They are also less than half the weight and one eighth of the size of a regular towel. 

This makes it ideal for camping, a gym bag, a diaper bag, or for having it one in the car.


They come with a case for each towel and each towel has a loop that can be unbuttoned if needed.

I tried the larger towel at the beach on the Fourth of July and did not have any problems, it absorbed water and dried quickly without taking up much room.


Find it here: Microfiber Towels

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

Product Review: If You Were Me and Lived in... Colonial America by Carole P. Roman

If You Were Me and Lived in... Colonial America teaches children about the first settlers while being fun and educational.

Roman's interest in history and different cultures makes this children's book that much more interesting. It covers names, religion from an educational perspective, their clothing, Thanksgiving, chores, games, school, and the hardships the settlers faced.

The end of the book has a list of people who were vital influences on Colonial America and some background information on them, including William Penn, Captain John Smith, Pocahontas, and Myles Standish.

The glossary is reasonably well done; it covers different terms while having a pronunciation guide so children are using terms correctly. Some of the definitions could be a little bit better though.

This book would tie in with history lessons for elementary school students.

Carole P. Roman's If You Were Me and Lived in... series has covered Ancient Greece, Renaissance Italy, and Elizabethan England. This is the first of the series that Madison and I have read and I would read the others based off of our experience.

Madison loves the pictures, they are pretty simple but very colorful. There were a couple illustrations that seemed pixelated and at least one typo in the book itself. Normally Roman's books do not have any issues so it is notable in this instance.

Find it here: If You Were Me and Lived in... Colonial America

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

Product Review: DreamSky Digital Clock

Clock Screen, Madison's
shoe for scale

Timer

I really like this clock, however the instructions were a different story due to all of the errors.

The clock has an alarm, temperature reading, and timer function. They are all pretty easy to set using a two button system. The back light comes on when the clock is rotated and rotating it allows you to access the various functions.

The overall design is simple, you use the SET and ADJ button to change the date and time as well as to set the alarm or timer.

The screen is 3.2 inches by 2.9 inches and the display is clear from all angles, there is not any blurring. 

This clock only runs on batteries, which I am not necessarily thrilled about but it would be great for using as a kitchen timer, a clock for workouts, reading, and more.

It is important to note that this alarm clock does not have a snooze option, you rotate the clock to turn the alarm off and it will go off again the next day.   

The instructions have several errors, it appears that the writer was not an English speaker; when you are trying to cater to an American market clear instructions are important. An example of this is the feedback card in the box. "We are always looking for ways to improve ,You spoken, we will listen ." The errors are relatively minor but it is distracting when you are trying to figure out the product. 

Alarm

Temperature

Clock with backlight

Back

Try it yourself here: DreamSky Alarm Clock

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

Product Review: Bug-Out Mosquito Repelling Bands

Mosquitoes are a huge problem at the lake and bug sprays are not the safest option, especially for children.

I was thrilled when I was approved to test out these Bug-Out Bands. You can wear them on your wrist or your ankle and I love that they are a safer alternative for children.

There are a few steps you can take to protect yourself from those pesky insects: these bands, the wipes included, and staying indoors. I'm kidding. 

These 10 bands come with 2 DEET-free geraniol wipes and an eBook that includes facts on repelling mosquitoes. The eBook is accessed through their website using a code provided with the product. 

Geraniol is a colorless liquid that feels oily but smells sweet. 

The active ingredients for this product are geraniol oil, lemongrass oil, and citronella oil. They also include several inactive ingredients listed.

I was thrilled when I saw that each band lasts 250 hours after it is opened. They are individually packaged and, according to Bug-Out, they are waterproof as well. 

It appears based on their Amazon listing that they come in a random assortment of yellow, green, blue, red, and pink. However, the bands that I received are all yellow.

If you are allowing children to use this product I would recommend putting it on their ankle so they do not mess around with it. I did have a couple insects land on me, but I was not bitten so I would call it a success.

Find them here: Bug-Out Bands

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

Product Review: GikBay's S Hooks

I have gardening tools, clothes, and a few other items that I wanted to hang out of Madison's reach but did not have the means to do it so they were up on a shelf.

These hooks seem pretty durable for their size and they are small enough that they fit through the handles of various items.

I like that these are affordable and that they come in three sizes, I received the smallest size. They are also available in a set with five of each size.

Find them here: S Hooks from GikBay

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

Product Review: Phytopia USA's Essential Oils for Muscle Soreness & Pain Relief

This therapeutic grade essential oil blend is ready to place directly onto your skin.

As an added bonus, Phytopia USA's Pain Away Essential Oil Blend would make a great gift because the bottle is packaged well. 

I really liked that this product is approved by the FDA. The ingredients are also organic but I am not picky about that. The dosage instructions say to use up to 5 ml for adults and up to 1 ml for children.

The main ingredients are Menthol and Balsam Peru Oil. I had never heard of the Balsam Peru Oil, but upon further inspection it is used in several medicinal products.

I have used the product for aching joints and muscles after gardening without an issue. The Menthol and Balsam Peru Oil have a sweet, cooling scent and it is pretty strong especially for the amount I used.

Please check the ingredients list on Amazon if you are considering purchasing it.


Find it here: Pytopica USA's Pain Away Essential Oil Blend

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

Book Review: Being a Captain is Hard Work by Carole P. Roman

Captain No Beard is at it again in Being a Captain is Hard Work by Carole P. Roman.

This book features illustrations by Bonnie Lemaire, a freelance illustrator, which are full of bright colors and dynamic characters.

Captain No Beard is enjoying ordering around the Flying Dragon's crew and he thinks that he is always right so he refuses to listen to the crew. Polly, Fribbet, Mongo, Hallie, Cayla, and Zachary are going with Captain No Beard to Dew Rite Volcano but can they make it under his instruction?

Captain No Beard's stubborn ways almost lead to a crew member getting injured and the ship getting wrecked in a storm before he finally realizes that the crew is trying to help him and learns an important lesson. Even the wisest leader has to listen.

I really liked the message and that this can be incorporated into school science lessons. In the book, they are arguing about different kinds of clouds: cumulus which are "puffy" and stratocumulus which mean there is a chance of precipitation.

I also received Carole P. Roman's Captain No Beard as a bonus book and I will be reviewing it separately (please see the image for the book covers).

There is a reason that Roman's Captain No Beard series is award-winning, the messages are relatable for children and her writing is exceptional.

Find it here: Being a Captain is Hard Work

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

Product Review: Clongi Umbrella

I love products that are easy to use. Clongi's Umbrella opens and closes with the touch of a button.

The umbrella comes with a lightweight case that helps protect your car or home from water. Personally, I really like the handle it is made out of leather and has a single button that controls whether the umbrella opens or closes.

This umbrella boasts a button instead of the standard Velcro to keep it compact when not in use. 

I believe this product is perfect for parents or people who have too much to do already and cannot spare a hand.

The umbrella is pretty compact, it is by no means large when it is expanded, but it can cover Madison and me when we are underneath it without a problem. It is great for parents because you can hold your child and keep them dry without issue.

This product is definitely worth the price.

#Clongi's #umbrella is the best umbrella I've ever used. It has a leather grip, it's sturdy, and it opens completely with the touch of a button. It's definitely worth the money for parents.

A photo posted by Jessica Scheetz (@ispelledjssicawrong) on Jun 10, 2016 at 7:10pm PDT

Find it here: Clongi Umbrella

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

Product Review: NinoStar's Baby Bib Set

 I really like this set of bibs especially with the extras.

I received five bibs, one stuffed giraffe, and twelve milestone stickers. 

The bibs and the giraffe are all really neutral if that is a concern of yours or the gift recipient, but the stickers are a little more geared towards girls. Personally, I do not think designs are not a big deal but some mothers may not use them because of this. I wish that there was an option to chose a set because of this.

The stickers are all bright and colorful and I believe that they would show up well in pictures.

The giraffe has textured chewing surfaces for young babies, but I would not recommend letting your child use it without supervision.

The bibs utilize buttons instead of velcro which is my favorite part because no matter what I did bibs would always become detached in the washer and dryer. 

The bibs are extremely soft and I believe the set would make a great gift.

Find it here: NinoStar's Baby Bib Set

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

Product Review: Brieftons Glass Bottles

We rarely purchase water bottles but spilled beverages has become a problem between us and the cats.

Enter Brieftons Glass Bottles. They come in a set of six bottles and lids which have a small food-grade silicone ring.

They do not leak and  they are really durable. Luckily for anyone interested, I am a majorly clumsy. I have dropped a bottle from about four feet onto a wood floor; thankfully, it survived unscathed.

They are great for making your own dressings or drinks. I like making iced tea and then pouring some into these bottles since they hold 18 oz. I also like pouring water from our pitcher that filters it into the bottles instead of using plastic water bottles.

The glass bottle is dishwasher safe, but the manufacturer recommends hand washing the lid because of the silicone ring.


Find it here: Brieftons Glass Bottles

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

Product Review: LK Baby's Heavy Duty Trunk Organizer

We got a new car a few months ago. Naturally, we are trying to keep it as nice as possible so a big factor is organization.

Compact Size

Reflective Strip

The trunk has a lot of space so it can accommodate this large organizer, I would recommend it for larger cars, SUVS, and vans.

Right side is with the organizer's
bottom in place

There are 10 pockets for small items and 2 straps on the inside for larger items on the inside. There are also two large exterior pockes, plus clips to keep it compact when not in use.

On the outside, one long side of the organizer has a reflective strip just in case for added visibility.

The non-slip feet

According to their Amazon listing and my own measurements the organizer goes from 12 x 14.5 x 22" to 12 x 14.5 x 3" when collapsed.

I have used it for taking stuff to the lake and there is a lot of room for baby items, food, and more.

I would definitely recommend this product to friends and family.

Some of the available pockets

Find it here: Trunk Organizer from LK Baby

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