Tag Archives: reviews

Dino Days of Summer at Liberty Science Center – GIVEAWAY!

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Today we visited the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City thanks to @Jerseymomblog and it was so much fun! If you have kept up with my blog these past few years,  you know its a favorite of ours (see my post on the infinity climber launch!)

Every time I go to the Liberty Science Center it’s like nostalgia for me. I remember when it first opened in 1993, we took a field trip there for my second grade class. Back then it seemed so huge and never ending and now going as an adult it seems much smaller then I remember, but still so much packed into it and off course it’s always changing. I love knowing that my kids see it as I used to when I was younger, a world of amazing science and knowledge.

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Today’s agenda was the brand new “Dino Dig” exhibit.  With a huge focus on real replicas of dinosaurs and fossils, families can get in and dig deep for fossils outdoors and see real scale size dinosaur bones.

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I found it amazing that they took actual bones and fossils and casted them to create actual detailed replicas of the real things. It’s the closest to being a real paleontologist that you and your child can get without actually being one.  And what’s better than digging up dino-bones and fossils then doing it with a backdrop of NYC behind you?!

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The Dino Dig Exhibit will run now through September 4th 2017.

Channel your inner paleontologist by digging fossils in 35 tons of sand at “Jack Horner’s Dino Dig. Meet Mac’s scariest residents and learn about the relationship with dinosaurs and reptiles.  Practice removing fossils from blocks of rocks and touch a creature that’s been around LONGER than a dinosaur,  horseshoe crabs!

Kids wearing dinosaur themed clothing can save $5 on child admission tickets during the Dino days of Summer!

Tickets are $21.75 For adults and $17.75 for children (2-12).  For more information visit LSC.org

I have a family 4 pack of tickets to give away to one lucky winner! You can use them to visit the LSC and enjoy the Dino Dig exhibit,  or one of the upcoming exhibits that will be there the following days;

Mythbusters: The Explosive Exhibition – Now-Sept 4

Star Trek: The Starfleet Academy Experience – Opening October 28, 2017

Block Party Encore – Now – Sept 10

Thomas The train & friends: Explore the rails – Opening Sept 23, 2017.

Enter to win now until August 1st and let me know below what exhibit you’re most excited about!

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Also,  during our visit today,  we were greeted by the most amazing balloon dinosaurs.  Check out Twinsters Creations serving all Northern NJ – Twinsterscreations@gmail.com

*As a Liberty Science Center Blog Ambassador for the day, i have been provided with complimentary entry in exchange for my coverage.

 

July Daily Goodie Box

Posted in Product Reviews by

July’s Daily Goodie Box is in! Check out what was inside;

Palo Popcorn – Premium Cheddar Cheese
These are similar to crunchy cheese doodles,  really cheesy but healthier. Great addition to little lunch boxes!
Natural Vitality – Natural Calm Anti-Stress Drink
I didn’t know that magnesium was so important and helps to balance out calcium in the body. It can help prevent kidney stones and other calcification issues. Natural Calm has just the right amount to have you feeling relaxed.
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Balla For Men – Tingle Formula Body Powder
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Davidson’s Organics – Coconut Vanilla Dessert Tea
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FlapJacked –  Milk Chocolate Protein Smoothie Mix
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Detox Water – Mangaloe (Mango)
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Watusee Foods – Organic Chickpeatos
Yummy! Very bold flavor,  I could only eat a few at a time, but they’re great and good for you? Win, win!
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Goddess Garden – Natural Mineral Sunscreen Lip Balm
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Honey Stinger – Cran-Apple & Walnut Snack Bar
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Curoxen – First Aid Ointment
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This came in handy when shortly after receiving the box my little man got a boo-boo!
Check out my previous months boxes and make sure to subscribe to get your FREE #Dailygoodiebox next month!
Previous Unboxings;

Daily Goodie Box June Unboxing

Posted in Product Reviews by

One of my new favorite things is getting my free DailyGoodieBox in the mail monthly.  It’s the excitement of not knowing what is going to be in that months box that keeps me on edge!

Even more exciting is getting to share these wonderful goodies with you guys and tell you how to get your own FREE too!

Just head over to dailygoodiebox.com and sign up free.  If the box matches you’re personality/ lifestyle you’ll get one in the mail for the month!

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Another cool extra way to get a box for the month (or two 😊) is to check out their Facebook page and like it to follow and get updates on contests.  You’ll also get to see the fun boxes other people have gotten!

Drum roll please…….. And the June Daily Goodie Box contents are:

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Tiger Balm –  Pain Relieving Ointment
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Prince of Peace – Original Ginger Honey Crystals
This pack of Ginger tea came with 6, yes SIX packs of the tea crystals! I shared them with my coworkers since we are all fans of tea and it was a fun experience trying them.  Be warned,  it is VERY VERY strong of ginger. Not bad,  but I wouldn’t say great.  It was better when i added it to liptpn tea bags than on its own. I hear ginger is amazing for colds though so this is great too have handy.
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Black Forest Organic –  Gummy Bears
To be completely honest,  my kids and husband tore through these before o even got to try them,  so I assume they were good 😁. Hey… they’re gummy bears! (but healthier)..
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I wasn’t really a fan of how thick this was… similar to a milk consistency. It is protein though,  so i guess it’s gotta have some substance to it.   Maybe I was just caught off guard since I opened and chuffed it though lol… The flavor wasn’t bad and I would try it again if i saw it at the store.
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Isn’t this little bottle the cutest? My grandmother always used to warm maple syrup in the microwave for my brother and I when we would sleep over her house. This brought back so many memories and I LOVE everything about it including the bottle.
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VitaBath – Travel Size Body Wash
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BetterThanCoffee – Energy Bars
This was another item I brought to work for a snack but wound up sharing it because everyone was so interested.  I actually really liked it although it was bitter from the dark chocolate. I liked the texture and I feel like it did give me a little boost.  Not everyone was a fan,  but i want more!
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Pure Growth Organic – Snack Mix
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What do you think about the products featured in this box? Let me know your thoughts!
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Check out past month boxes of goodies I’ve gotten:

April

May

Relax Be Healthy Organic Essential Oils and Waters

Posted in Product Reviews, Self Help by

Today is June 2nd, the unofficial start of Summer in my mind.  It immediately makes me feel at ease knowing school is coming to an end for my kids and long play days in the yard await. Health has been on my mind as well since of course everyone wants to be in their best shape for the beach and water parks.

Lately I’ve been on sort of a health kick.. walking a mike a day on my lunch break at work and eating more consciously. I’ve been getting a little into essential oils and using my oil diffuser while i take a shower or a relaxing bath with a bath fizz and some eucalyptus scented Epsom salt.

It helps me to wind down from the day and just clear my mind. My kids have also used the eucalyptus to help with allergies and sinus issues, I just prop the diffuser in their room and they’re good to go after a couple hours relaxing with it filling the room with aromas.

With that being said, I want to give my opinion on a lesser known mom and pop store in my home town of Staten Island (I love saying I was born on an island because it’s true haha).

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Www.Relaxbehealthy.com sent me a few items to check out and i have to say I’m really loving them. I haven’t had much experience with essential oil water sprays but these probably take the cake of i had to guess from what i see with their essential oils.

All of their products are organic and hand made in their shop with imported products from around the world.  The items in reviewing are made from raw materials from Bulgaria and are the real deal.

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First up to the plate is the Lavender Water. It’s a 4oz misting spray and is $10.99. It has a scent of lavender just a bit lighter then the oil,  and is a super soft delicate mist.

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All natural Bulgarian organic  Lavender water:

Use to soothe skin, used for redness of soon, eczema, inflammation caused by mosquito bites (must try this!), and acne. It also helps eradicate dandruff and prevent scalp infections.

When sprayed directly only hair,  it helps make hair shiny as it conditions the hair.

You can use the water spray as deodorant for your body,  or even spray on furniture and around the home to deodorize.

There are many other different uses for lavender you can experiment with.

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Now this Rose Water is my absolute favorite.  They captured such am amazing scent I could wear it as a body must and probably will! Also $10.99 at their store, I wish you could smell it through this post,  but if you do order from them, I suggest you put this in your cart.

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All natural organic Bulgarian Rose Water:

It can help reduce the redness of irritated skin, get rid of acne, helps to maintain the skin’s PH balance, helps to hydrate the skin, helps to aid healing scars, cuts, wounds, regenerate skin tissues, dermatitis and eczema. It is a great cleanser and aids in removing oil and dirt accumulated in clogged pores, helps aging skin, wrinkles and fine lines

Extra fun uses include mood enhancer and spray the scent on your pillow to help to sleep better.

Enhance the quality of hair. Helps to rid dandruff, natural conditioner.

For dry & frizzy hair: Mix equal parts rosewater and glycerin, apply on the scalp, massage for 10-15 minutes. Let it stay for another 30 minutes and wash off with shampoo.

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Last but not least is their 20ml Lavender Oil that retails for $24.99 but is currently on sale for $21.99 At their online boutique.  This little potent bottle is much more fragrant then any other essential oil I’ve gotten and you can tell it’s just so fresh and pure. Check out my buffet below to see what i compared it to.

Today, lavender oil benefits your body in the following ways:
  • Reduces anxiety and emotional stress.
  • Heals burns and wounds.
  • Improves sleep.
  • Restores skin complexion and reduces acne.
  • Slows aging with powerful antioxidants.
  • Improves eczema and psoriasis.
  • Alleviates headaches.
Information has not been evaluated by the FDA
Check out these products and more at Relax Be Healthy.
My video review;

Top picks from the 2017 New York Baby Show with over $50 in giveaways!

Posted in Current Giveaways, Kids and Moms, Product Reviews by

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Every year,  the biggest companies get together for what is known as the NY Baby Show. 

Mommy-to-be’s and veteran moms alike scouting the venue for the hottest new items for baby and mom, and once again Momtrends has hosted some of us mom’s for a special day of pampering and mingling so that we can bring the show to you if you couldn’t attend.

There are over 100 vendors,  and with so much to see and talk about,  I’ve narrowed it down to my top 3 favorites for you.

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#1 is the Austlen stroller.  1 word – VERSATILITY! With over 30 handy configurations,  this is the future of strollers and should be at the top of every parents wish list. Check out just a few of the life altering configurations… you’ll wonder how you ever did “life” without it. (Photos via Austlen.com)

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This handy dandy stroller can hold up to 150lbs of groceries,  kids, and hey… I won’t judge if you want to take a seat😊.

Luxury does come at a steep price though… at a whopping  $849, it comes in either black or navy blue. Assuming you can afford this #1 pick,  at least you can justify it by the fact it’ll make hope life easier, and happy wife = happy life and all..

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#2 is the ergoPouch. It’s no wonder it originated in the ‘down under’. It reminds me of a kangaroo pouch mixed with a swaddle blanket. Enter to win a ergoCocoon swaddle to sleep bag valued at $34.99!

> > > ENTER NOW! < < <

We’ve all seen the swaddle at babies r’ us and various other places,  so what makes ergoPouch different? Well, they’re made from natural fibers which make them breathable and regulate temperature which are two of the most important things.  I can remember “unwrapping” my babies after they slept all night swaddled and every time they were drenched in sweat.

This also makes them perfect for any weather and eliminate the need for extra blankets.  They have sleep sacks for infants,  and even these adorable toddler sleep suits that make the transition from passed out toddler,  to sleeping cozy toddler a breeze.

Check out their neat categories, I promise you’ll want one for your sweet little one. (Photos via Ergopouch.com)

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The best part? All that cuteness will only run you between $20-$35, that is assuming you can control yourself and only buy one 😉..

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#3 is Wellements Baby Organic Gripe Water aka the organic way to very more cuddles! Enter to WIN a gift from Wellements (entries taken until 6/7).

>>> ENTER NOW <<<

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I think every new parent looks for a miracle to help their baby when that first fussy fit arrives.  Typically during te first week home from the hospital, adjusting to life and formula/breastmilk, your new baby is bound to fuss a bit. Typically,  tiny gas bubbles are the problem and they can be fixed with mylicon drops of fennel when my boys were young.

Now,  there is an organic alternative that doesn’t only help with gas,  but any uncomfort your babies belly may feel, even hiccups! (Via Wellementsbaby.com)

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Lastly,  special shout out to water wipes. We try to keep our babies butts clear,  but what if the wipes we are using are the ones causing the nasty rashes we rush to cure? Water wipes relieves the stress of that,  pure and simple.

The Piki Piki Bike

Posted in Product Reviews by

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This past week I had the opportunity to visit the 2017 NY Toy Fair in Manhattan. I loved seeing all of the new toys out for kids off all ages, especially the toys that I know my boys will love.

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One toy that caught my eye was The Piki Piki Bike. The number one reason is because in a world of bye age technology, and everything so complicated and gagetized, it is so simple. You just unbox it, and go. No instructions needed.

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I’m excited I was able to take one home from the show to review for you all and with such perfect weather this week, we rushed out of the house to give it a try.

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My 4 year old isn’t quite getting the concept of tricycle pedals when he is on flat ground, and cannot seem to propell himself forward enough to keep up during our walks, so this was amazing for him to be able to ride along side his brother who was using his scooter. It’s such a simple ride on motorcycle, you “flintstone it” with your feet and the front wheel you steer with your hands using the handle bars.

Here is what the creator of the bike has to say!

Growing up in South Africa, we played on our Piki Piki bikes all the time.

(Piki Piki is a Swahili word for “motorcycle.”)

When we came to the United States with two toddlers of our own, we couldn’t find anything like our favorite toy back home, so we decided to start making our own Piki Piki bikes right here in the USA.

Lightweight and durable, the Piki Piki Bike is the perfect first bike for smaller children who are not yet ready for tricycles, pedal bikes, or heavier balance bikes.

Our patented, three wheel design makes Piki Piki stable and easy to ride, giving toddlers (and bigger kids) a fun way to build coordination and confidence at the same time.

Plus, with Piki Piki bikes, there’s no assembly required. Just open the box and let the adventures begin!

I couldn’t agree more at the ease of this bike. It teaches the child coordination by allowing them to steer while pushing themselves forward. It’s like the big red cozy coupe we all know and love, but in motor cycle form!

We did not have a chance to put the decals on it yet since we literally ripped it out of the box and went, but we’ll be putting them on it soon so that we get the real feel.

It comes in 3 different colors, blue (as shown), red, and pink. They retail for $69.95 and can be purchased right now on Amazon with free shipping!

Features

  • FOR AGES 18 MONTHS AND UP – Perfect for both toddlers and bigger kids who are always looking for their next adventure.
  • LIGHTWEIGHT – Just 5.5 lbs/2.5kg, making it easy for toddlers to maneuver, and even easier for parents to carry.
  • NO ASSEMBLY, INSTRUCTION, OR BATTERIES REQUIRED – Just open the box and your little one will be ready to ride!
  • EASY TO STEER – The Piki Piki Bike steers like a regular bike, building confidence and coordination at the same time.
  • DURABLE – High quality construction from high impact plastic means the Piki Piki is built to last. Weight limit: up to 70 lbs/32 kg.

Continuous adult supervision required. Maximum weight is 70lbs.

Manufacturer recommends child wears age appropriate safety helmet with chinstrap securely buckled.

This bike was created by a husband and wife… Parents just like you and I. I love supporting smaller businesses and  especially when the product is such a home run! Help spread the word!

 

Have you tried this bike? If so, let me know what you think!

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*I received this product in exchange for my review. All opinions are 100% my own.

Blogger Bash 2016

Posted in Activities, Kids and Moms by

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Blogger Bash 2016 kicked off this this last week, Just 13th & 14th. What exactly is Blogger Bash? Basically just what it sounds like. An event where bloggers an vloggers. new and old, come together to see the new technology and products that brands have to offer. This is packed into 2 fun filled days, literally PACKED days with an Agenda filling pages not just 1 page.

As you may remember, I posted from last year, and we had a blast there! Last year it was at one of the NYC Piers, and it was in a large area inside. This year it was on a huge Yacht!

Being on the Yacht in NYC on the Hudson brought something special… besides motion sickness lol! It was beautiful to be able to navigate the levels of the ship (there were 4 if you include the top deck!) Each level was themed out each day, and day 1 was Sweet Suite.

This is one even I cannot miss! Having young boys, and with Christmas less then 6 months away, I need to know the latest and greatest coming out. Funny to say, I actually enjoy it myself, playing with the toys and learning about the latest technology. Did you know they have 3D drawing tools for children? Me neither until sweet suite. Of course now I’m on a mission to add these to the list of toys Santa will be bringing this year so that I can play with it too LOL!

My sister and I got there a couple hours after it started, but we were pleasantly surprised that everything was still in full swing. It was much simpler then I thought getting there, we took the Train from NJ, and were able to walk from Penn Station to the Pier 81 Yacht in just a half our. We got a great workout too and ahem… were able to play Pokemon since it’s all the craze (hint, you HAVE to check out all of the Pokestops in Time Square!)

After Sweet Suite, we went back home, and were ready to get some sleep before making the trip all over again the next day. Day 2 we were in for a real treat! Each level, once again was themed out. There were time slots in which the rooms were switched, and they included Kate & Mim Mim hosted breakfast, complete with character setup and behind the scenes information. We didn’t make the breakfast, but it seemed fantastic!

There was Baby Palooza set up, which I am sad to have missed also, but since I don’t have any infants, I wasn’t in a rush to make it there. It looked like it was super brand packed this year thought with brands likes 4Moms at the top of the list. I opted to get right into talking to the brands since that’s the biggest bang for my buck. Having all of these brands in the same space, just tables apart was the icing on the cake (did I mention talking to them while I literally ate cake? hint hint, Sprinkles cupcakes were one of the brands and OMG that Red Velvet, I’m Drooling now). My  favorite brands that I got to chat with were Kohler, did you know that they have a toilet that basically runs itself? No touch, not nothing… Not even wiping if you don’t want to lol. Coming from a  Home Depot background, I thought the new innovative technology they have is just awesome. The price point is not unfortunatly… There was Little Bites, Entemanns, Picture Keepers, Sprinkles Cupcakes, of course Hasbro – YES this was a favorite with the new Pie Face Dual coming out this year! There were brands nothing to do with toys, just brands brands brands! It was so overwhelming that I couldn’t get to visit every stand, 3 levels of brands there had to be over 500! Taking cards and giving cards, making brand connections and friendships with PR’s.

Peanuts hosted the lunch like they did last year. They have a brand new cartoon series on Cartoon Network keeping Snoopy and the gang relevant. They gave such cute SWAG bags that included Snoopy figurines that my 4 year old went nuts for when I got home. The lunch was amazing, Salmon, Chicken Marsala, an amazing sides. Mimosas on deck, literally!

To end things before I had to leave, Snooki and Jwow did an appearance and interview and I had front row seats. I’ve always watched them since the Jersey shore days (no judgement please!) an it was awesome to see them in person. Snooki is much smaller then I imagined!

If you have the chance to get a Blogger Bash 2017 ticket, my advice.. DO IT!