Sunday, November 29, 2015

International Wall Charger 4 Plugs

International wall charger 4 plug by aLLreli
You can find it Here.


I have to say that I really like this travel charger. It has 6 USB outlets for charging various devices. There are even dedicated slots for specific devices to optimize charging. The charger comes with 4 different wall plugs for different travel destinations. It even has an American plug, so when you return home you can still use it to charge your devices. 

On the front there is a blue light, so you know the device is on and working. In the back where the wall outlets connect to the converter there is a little button on the bottom corner. That is what you push to release the wall plug. I really like that design. Because the pieces click together there is no way for the two pieces to come apart when fully loaded and in use, causing the parts to separate and not charge unknowingly. There is nothing like waking up from a night of sleep to find your phone has no battery because the plug fell out of the wall/charger. I can say this has honestly happened to me while abroad and it was not cool. This feature eliminates that potential problem. 

The device itself is very lightweight too. This really is a must have if you are traveling internationally. I don't have a bad thing to say about this charger. You really cannot go wrong with this device. Lightweight, secure adapters, dedicated slots for various devices.. it is an all in one charger. And it comes with instructions. Which as I'm sure you know if you have been following my posts, that is a huge plus in my eyes! I received this item at a discount for my honest and unbiased review. These are my opinions from having personally tested the product.








Mamaway Ring Sling

Mamaway Ring Sling by Mamaway
You can find it Here.
#mamaway







This ring sling is pretty cool. I am an experienced baby wearer and was excited to receive this ring sling. I really like that there are so many different designs available with this seller. There is bound to be a pattern that suits almost anyone out there. The fabric on this sling is lightweight. For me that is a plus because I live in Florida and the summers can get pretty unbearable at times. But because of the lightweight fabric, I don't think this will be comfortable for wearing toddlers for long periods of time. However, because the fabric is lightweight I was impressed to see that the rails were lightly padded. That was a big plus for me. The end of this sling is cut straight across. If you like a tapered end, you will have to taper it yourself. The gather at the rings is sort of like a gathered one. I'm not sure what this particular style is called. It isn't bad, but because I cannot spread the fabric fully I think this too will stop me from long toddler carries. I also really liked that the carrying pouch is sewn into the sling. No risk of loosing it and it doubles as a money/binky/toy holder when in use. The rings are plastic. They are one whole piece though. The seller had emailed me saying it was rated up to 50 kilos, roughly 110 lbs, but I'm not sure I have that much faith in a plastic ring. In any case that is way more than what you would need to wear a baby with.

I find that this is a really good starter sling. It is priced right and has all the basics of a more expensive sling. This way you can have a sling and see if you like it before investing hundreds of dollars on more expensive slings and carriers. It does become a bit of an addiction!

So here is my pro/con list on this sling:

Pro

  • It is long enough to fit any body type
  • The attached carrying case
  • Appropriate reinforcing stitching around the rings
  • Rail padding
Cons

  • Plastic rings
  • Lightweight fabric
  • Same colored rails (It is nice to have different colored rails so you know which one you are tightening when it comes to adjustments)
I was provided this product at a discount in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion. These opinions are mine alone and are based on my actual use of the item. As with any sling, please make sure all seams are intact and baby is always secure.



Straight end


 Padded rail


 Gather


 Rings and stitching


 Stitching and pocket


Stitching


Action shots below









Kids Hair Clippers

Gemtune HC-610 Rechargable Kids Hair Clipper, Without Oil

You can find this on Amazon Here.

This find right here.. you will want to RUN and get one. No joke either. I was HIGHLY impressed with these kids clippers. They come with everything.. minus the oil. But no really it seriously has everything you need. And this seller actually shipped their product with instructions! I know it sounds trivial to nit pick about people not sending things with instructions, but you know what? I don't like it. I hate having to guess about how to put something together or guess as to how it works. So like a 2 year old I will dig in my heels and give the stink eye to sellers who do not provide instructions with their products.

On to the product. What exactly is it and what does it come with?

     It is a rechargeable cordless (works with the cord as well) children's hair clippers. It comes with a little bottle for oil, a little brush to remove hair, the clipper, blades, power/charging cable, instructions and 2 attachments that are double sided. 

     The clippers can be used with or without the cord. Great for little grabby hands while using it. The saving attachments are double sided. Which means it saves space. It is just about whisper quiet too. No really, it is. As I had finished cutting the hair of one child I was rounding up the next in line and the 2 year old grabbed it and managed to shave off a part of his hair. It was so quiet we never even noticed until later that night.

If you are looking for a good quality children's sized clippers then look no further. This really is a quality item. I was provided this product at a discount in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion. These are my opinions and experiences with the product.



Before and after right here. This was just before the little mishap above happened. Kids! Gotta love 'em.

Saturday, November 28, 2015

Cozitot Mei Tai Carrier

Cozitot Mei Tai Carrier
You can find it Here.
#OZNCommerceBabyCarrier


I really must warn about this one. This is the first product I've reviewed that I can in all honestly say that I was disappointed in. I really had high hopes and felt I was let down. 

I purchased this carrier at a discount in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. Which along with the good, you will get the bad. I received this carrier a week ago. I am an experienced baby wearer, so I was super excited to be able to test and review this carrier. 

I tested it out with my 7 month old and my 2.5 year old children. I have to say that it seems to fit bigger/older babies better than smaller ones. I wouldn't use it with a newborn unless you are an experienced baby wearer and are able to use an insert or rolled towel/blanket. However I did like that this carrier has a padded neck. This is something that my other two Mei Tais do not have. I would say this is sized closer to a toddler fit. The panel of this carrier has a very beautifully embroidered panel.

I have to recommend a few changes to this carrier before I would be willing to use it more often. It has its place though. The way it is designed right now, with no changes, I would use it as a spare, a quick up and down carrier, or something to keep in the car. 

Here is what I had issues with while using this carrier. First the material. It is thin. Second is the attachment points. These areas are not X-box reinforced. If you are not sure what that means, it means that the stitching is in an X pattern with a box around it. Nor is the material at least 1 inch into the reinforcement stitching. That in addition to the thin material makes me a bit nervous for safety reasons. These issues pose a real possible safety concern. Is it safe? Yes, it *probably* is for infrequent use. But it will not stand the test of time like other carriers and wraps will. 



I liked that there is padding on the shoulder straps. But it did not extend down far enough making the area rub against my armpits causing redness and even ingrown hairs from the rubbing on one side. It would also be nice if the leg out area had padding. The leg out area is nice and big, but because of the material being so thin it causes a pressure point. Thicker, sturdier material or padding would eliminate this issue. 


This carrier would probably be best for a spare for someone who has previous babywearing experience. Or possibly for someone that lives in the northern states who needs a larger carrier to accommodate for outdoor attire. (I'm from the north.. way north, so I know just how bulky those snowsuits are!)

If you will be using this carrier please always check the seams before and after use as well as after washing.

Friday, November 27, 2015

Happy Thanksgiving

I just wanted to let everyone know I hope they had a good Thanksgiving. Please be safe during this holiday season.

Terry Treetop Saves The Dolphin

Terry Treetop Saves The Dolphin (Book #4)
by Tali Carmi

You can find the book & Kindle download Here.

I have had the pleasure of reviewing two children's books the past couple days. They are book 3 and 4 in the Terry Treetop series by Tali Carmi. I got this book on my iPad with the Kindle app.





This is a super cute and sweet short story. The story is about a boy and a pack of dolphins, with education and environmentalism all in one. The story like is very easy for children to follow along. I would say this is best for self readers of approximately 7 years of age. The story line is interesting and includes color pictures on each page. It is a surefire favorite to be among young readers, this one and the other short stories by the same author. I am going to be recommending this book in my next mommy group get together. I received this book at a discount in exchange or my review.


What does Amazon say?
     "Teach your kids the value of environmental care. Take them on an adventure in a marine nature reserve. This is the fourth book in the Terry Treetop best sellers series. In this book Terry Treetop went camping with his parents to a marine nature reserve. He saw a cheerful group of dolphins and wanted to play with the little dolphin, but something went wrong and the little dolphin was in danger.
Will Terry be able to save the little dolphin?
This beginner reader’s eBook will teach your child about marine mammals and their habitats, and will inspire your kids to be aware of the environment and the responsibility of humans towards animals in their care.
Your kids will enjoy full-color illustrations of Terry and the dolphins group.
Terry Treetop Saves The Dolphin is a sweet children's book written especially for you and your kids ages 2- 8.
With simple text and 16 colorful illustrations.
The story is suitable as a read aloud book for preschoolers or a self-read book for beginner readers."

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Beach Windscreen/playpen



Beach Windscreen/playpen by BeachBuddy.co

You can find it on Amazon Here.

I have recently had the pleasure of receiving this beach playpen to review. My only downfall with this review is that the timing was really horrible. It is always sunny in central Florida, right? Meh not so apparently haha. It arrived when it rained daily for 2 weeks and then we got a cold snap where it was in the 50's. I'm glad I was still able to use it, I just wasn't able to make it up to Daytona beach as I had hoped. I was really wanting to try it up there because the sand at Daytona is not like the other beaches for the most part. It is a super fine sort of sand. I will get it up there one day, and I shall update when I do.

Living in central Florida we get to the beach quite often (when the weather is nice and I am actually off of work and not dead tired) and when I came across this Beach Playpen I was excited! As a mom to I frequent mom groups, play dates and other families with small/young children. So this would be great for all our get together meets. However it is November and the FL temp. is not so blazing hot that we cannot do anything outside. Perfect time to put this to use! Until that recent cold snap.


In any case we were able to use it at Cocoa and New Smyrna beach, as well as the grass at various central FL parks. This is a nice product. It is very lightweight and easy to carry. It comes in its own carrying bag. And it is very simple and easy to put up. The material quality is very nice too. It seems like it will stand up to time and sun. It is not meant to keep your children inside the area, as they can escape easily if they want. But it is more of a boundary so they do not just wander off freely. The bottom that goes on the ground works very nicely for when at the park and the grass is a bit crunchy. At the beach it does provide a barrier between the hot sand and kids skin, but however don't expect it to be completely sand free. Sand does get in, but that isn't any design flaw or anything negative. You've got to expect that sand will get everywhere when at the beach.


I do not have much to say against this other than the posts that go into the sand or ground could be a little longer. We had the problem with super soft sand that sometimes an edge would lean over or fall against the wind.


All in all this is a really nice product. I would say it is best for children 1-4 if you are going to use it totally enclosed. Other ages I would suggest just using 3 sides and not making a box so that the children can enter and leave. They are probably going to anyway and it makes for easier in and out, sometimes they trip over or step on the edge getting out. I would recommend this to parents with young children. It makes a nice defined space for your family. I was provided this at a discount for my honest and unbiased review. These are my own opinions and experience using this product.




Carrying case, walls, poles, and floor bottom. Very easy set up and lightweight.




Yes, this is how he normally looks.. Mr. Grumpy Face.





Special treat.. He's smiling.. sorta!

Ear/Nose plugs

Supreme Swimming Ear Plugs and Nose Clip Bundle by Supreme Sports Equipment.
You can find these on Amazon Here.
#SupremeSportsGear

Last week I got this little bundle pack in the mail to review and test out. Living in central Florida you would think that this is perfect. Yeah, maybe if it was not November haha. It seems that TWO of my beach items that I was really looking forward to using came at just the wrong time entirely. It has been in the 50s. Too cold for me.. and I'm a northerner. So it was off to an indoor pool to give these a test. 

You can't go wrong with this bundle pack really. There are several ear plugs and a nose clip all nicely fitting into a hard plastic case. Gone are the days of loose plugs rolling around getting dirty and squished in the bottom of your gym or beach bag. No issues with either the ear plugs or the nose clip. Both items worked as they are supposed to. I personally enjoy this style of ear plug better than the kind you squish to make smaller and then insert into your ear. I find that the type in this bundle pack are easier to use and do not hurt my inner ear like the other kind does. 

After using these ear plugs I had no ear pain and best of all.. dry ears! I get frequent ear infections after having wet ears and I can already tell that this is going to be a product that I will be using for the foreseeable future. Or until my children decide that they need to grow legs and hide in the most random of places.  I purchased this product at a discount for my honest and unbiased review. These are all my own opinions and experience with this product.