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2D or 3D Frame Review

Posted by Brande on March 16, 2011
in Baby Products, Family Stuff, Fun Stuff, Gift Ideas

Faith and Family Reviews received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While we consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, our reviews are our honest opinion and thoughts of the product.

Z-Access Display Frame made by the Lewibelle Company developed this product. Upon visiting their website at www.displayit3d.com, they have 7 different colors. The have 2 styles of frames 6″ x 4″ Frame with Base and the one I’m reviewing a pink 6″ x 4″ “Rotating Frame-Within-A-Frame”. It is a wood frame with film insert so, it stretches. It has two (2) “U” shaped clamps to keep the frame together. According to the instructions enclosed, “The 6″ x 4″ frame size will normally display items with volumes up to thirty-seven (37) cubic inches. This volume relates to an item size of up to 5″ x 3″ x 2.5′.” It can hold an object up to three (3) pounds. They go on to state that the films are tear resistant and the films can be replaces. However, I wouldn’t be poking at it with anything sharp.

My Review:

The instructions are understandable and the frames opens and closes with ease. All you need to do is turn the inside frame (Picture 1) and pull off the two (2) “U” shaped clamps (Picture 2), put your object inside, and put the “U” clamps back on. Slide on the base, and your all set.

Picture 1

Picture 2

The hardest problem I had was trying to decide what to put in it. Finally, I selected one of my daughter shoes she had as a newborn. Picture 3 shows the frame with shoe head on. Picture 4 shows the frame from the side, you can see the shoe “sticking” out.

Picture 3

Picture 4

I removed the shoe to see how the film stretched. It did a little, but not enough to where I couldn’t put something else in it. I would suspect if you were to put a baseball in it for an extended time, it would stretch further.

I love it and have gotten many compliments on it. I’m buying this frame for the next baby shower I attend. Check out their site at www.displayit3d.com. This is a great gift for a sports fan also!

Opinions are my own.

{2 comments}

Tail Wags Review

Posted by Brande on March 12, 2011
in Family Stuff, Fun Stuff, Safety, Sports

Name the first thing that comes to your mind when I say Tail Wags. If you said helmet covers, your right! Tail Wags Helmet Covers, Inc. was started by Karyn Climans in January of 2006. Straight from the Tail Wags site, here’s Karyn’s Story.

http://www.tail-wags.com

“Years ago, Karyn suffered a serious ski accident. She was lucky to be wearing her ski helmet because it saved her life! The foremost goal of her company is to help prevent unnecessary injuries and it is her passion for safety awareness along with her imaginative flair, which are the key ingredients for Tail Wags’ success.”

“Initially working out of her basement, Karyn started Tail Wags with 6 different helmet covers: the Red Devil, Beaver, Leopard, Bunny Rabbit, Zebra and Raccoon. These are still some of her best sellers! Today, there are some 40 animal characters to choose from and Tail Wags are sold both online and in stores throughout North America and overseas.”

My biggest question was how do you come up with the company name of Tail Wags and sell helmet covers? Here’s the answer I got from http://www.tail-wags.com

“The company was named Tail Wags in order to celebrate the swinging action of the helmet cover’s tail while the wearer is out riding, skating, skiing – being active, and having fun!”

Makes sense to me!

I have to admit, the first time I went on the site. I giggled. It’s something new and different. More importantly, I’ll do whatever it takes to keep my daughter safe.

I received the Fairy Princess helmet cover for my daughter. I opened the package and my daughter immediately put it on her head without her bike helmet. (I wish I had my camera close). She loves playing dress up and if she’ll keep her bike helmet on her head being a Fairy Princess…well, Karyn did her job! Thank you Karyn! Here’s a picture of ours. (I tried to get a picture my daughter with it on and she just wasn’t in the mood today.) I’ll post it another day!

The helmet cover is micro-fleece. It needs to be hand washed and laid flat to dry. The cover stretches nicely and is snug to the bike helmet. My only concern with this particular cover (Fairy Princess) is the “jewels” on the crown. I was picking at them, and they seem secure on the crown. I’m not sure if they are big enough to cause a choking hazard, but as always be careful. All in all, I would recommend it, especially if your child doesn’t like their “normal” helmet.

Tail Wags Helmet Covers come in Adults and Childrens sizes. So, the whole family can join in on the fun!

Check out their site at http://www.tail-wags.com

All Comments are my own opinion.

{One comment}

Movie Review Monday: DreamWorks – MEGAMIND

Posted by Brande on March 7, 2011
in DVDs & CDs, Family Stuff, Fun Stuff, Movie Review Monday, Movies

Last week, I purchased Megamind at our local supermarket. The only reason I bought it was because I printed a $5.00 coupon off the web and it was on sale. I was a little skeptical, but thought I’d give it a try. I wasn’t sure if my daughter would enjoy looking at a blue bad alien guy with a big head. I was wrong about that and the whole story. I can hear it now, Oh Mom! Anyway, my family and I finally sat down to watch Megamind on Friday night. It had moments where it was a little slow, but surprisingly I enjoyed it. Especially the soundtrack! It has original music by Hans Zimmer & Lorne Balf. Other favorites were Bad to the Bone, Crazy Train, and A Little Less Conversation (the remix). I’m ready to buy it on i-Tunes, I enjoyed it so much. I’m not always the biggest Will Ferrel fan, he’s kind of like Jim Carey. He can either be great or REALLY annoying. Picking Will Ferrell was a great choice for the Megamind character, he has so many “voices” that he can change into. I was laughing because the character that Jonah Hill (Hal / Tighten) did the voice of (to me) almost looked like him. Mostly, if your is into a family friendly movie night this is a good current movie. Most of the ratings I’ve read are giving it 7 out of 10 or 3 stars. Here’s the story direct from the MEGAMIND website: (www.megamind.com)

Megamind is the most brilliant super-villain the world has ever known… and the least successful. Over the years, he has tried to conquer Metro City in every imaginable way — Each attempt, a colossal failure thanks to the caped superhero known as “Metro Man,” until the day Megamind actually defeats him in the throes of one of his botched evil plans. Suddenly, the fate of Metro City is threatened when a new villain arrives and chaos runs rampant, leaving everyone to wonder: Can the world’s biggest “mind” actually be the one to save the day?

I’ll let you watch the movie to see if Megamind he saves the day! And…..get’s the girl?????

{2 comments}

Funky Monkey Fruit Snacks

Posted by html404 on February 25, 2011
in All Natural Products, Food and Treats

Funky Monkey Snacks are truly funky fruit snacks that are all natural and just fruit. Freeze dried fruit to be exact. Our family enjoyed these snacks. Each of these snacks had their own unique taste. I think I can honestly say that I do not think we have tasted anything quite like them. In a good, funky way. There is no other way to describe it. Here are the flavors for you to decide for yourself:

Purple Funk (banana with acai)

Applemon (apple with cinnamon)

MangOJ (mango with orange juice)

Pink Pineapple (pineapple with guava)

Bananamon (banana with cinnamon)

Jivealime (pineapple with lime)
Carnaval Mix (pineapple, banana, apple, papaya)

Pretty clever, huh?

The only thing is these packages only contain .42 ounces of fruit. Not very much and not very filling when you have a crew of growing little people. But these would definitely serve as a traveling treat, since we like to get convenient little snacks like these for our road trips. It is something new and fun.

Funky Monkey Snacks are 100% fruit, 95% organic, all natural, raw food and gluten free, GMO free, peanut/tree nut free and Kosher. No preservatives, Mom! Gotta love that.

The .42 oz bags are sold in a box of 12 for $15.48. 1 oz bags are sold in a box of 12 for about $30.00

For more information visit www.FunkyMonkeySnacks.com

{3 comments}

Simply To Impress

Posted by html404 on February 20, 2011
in Baby Products, Pregnancy and Birth

Faith and Family Reviews received the following samples in exchange for writing a review. While we consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, our reviews are our honest opinion and thoughts of the product.

Looking for a different way to announce the coming of your new baby? Or perhaps birthday invitations or party announcements? Simply to Impress has a wide variety of quality customizable cards for every occasion.

The paper stock used is sturdy card stock with different textures. The designs are fun and catchy. I would be careful of the photo used because just a couple seem to have a blurry look to them.

Prices vary depending on the paper you choose. The options are photo-style paper, which is cheaper and double-sided premium card stock, which is more expensive. Envelopes are included or may be pre-ordered separately. Shipping is within 2-3 business days.

Here are a few of the samples that I received. I love the first one and wish I had known about it when baby go-go (no not the doll, but my six month old who is on the go, he was formerly known as, Sir Eats Alot, which he still does 🙂 )

Cover Shot Blue

Blue Initial

Climbing Rose

Just Tickled Pink

Doesn’t it make you want to have a baby? 😉 Not quite, huh? Gotta love the baby photos though.

There is a sale on just until tomorrow for 20% off all orders.

{One comment}

The Search

Posted by html404 on January 22, 2011
in Books

The Search is the third in the Lancaster Country Secrets books, The Choice and The Waiting are the others in this series written by Suzanne Woods Fisher.

I have thoroughly enjoyed Suzanne’s books. As I have stated before, I am intrigued as many others are of the Amish and their lifestyle. In The Search the characters vary from predictable to very unpredictable and humorous, especially Grandma Bertha :-). Her escapades were deliberate and with a purpose, however, she dearly loved her family. And I loved the name of Bertha’s family farm – Rose Hill Farm.

Bertha “tricks” her granddaughter Betsy into visiting for the summer. But as I stated in the previous paragraph, Bertha had her reasons for the trickery. During Betsy’s visit, Bertha teaches Betsy many new things and Betsy learns to love her Grandmother. Betsy’s life is also changed because of a family secret.

This book does an exceptional job of dealing the issue of family secrets, the aftermath of them, as well as the love and forgiveness that may be found when dealing with the hurtful feelings secrets may cause. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28.

No matter how hard the “all things” are, it is always important to remember that God is over all and in all that happens to us. This is a very good reminder. I can think of many things that I wish never could have happened. It takes faith to believe that God is working things out for our greater good when circumstances seem to indicate otherwise. This is the message I took away from this book.

The Search is available now in stores everywhere and to celebrate Suzanne is hosting The Search iPad Giveaway! See details below:

One Grand Prize winner will receive an iPad Prize Package worth over $500 and includes:

* A brand new iPad (16KB with Wi-Fi)
* Signed copies of all three Lancaster Country Secrets books (The Choice, The Waiting, & The Search)

To enter, simply click on the icons below to fill out the entry form/s, then tell 5 or more friends about the contest. Oh, and enter soon! Winner will be announced on February 3rd at Suzanne’s Everything is Coming Up Roses Facebook Party. (Did you know The Search takes place on a rose farm?)

Enter via E-mail Enter via Facebook Enter via Twitter

Win an iPad from Suzanne Woods Fisher!

{2 comments}

Book Review ~ Out of the Spin Cycle: Devotions to Lighten Your Mother Load

Posted by Professor on January 11, 2011
in Books

Out of the Spin Cycle: Devotions to Lighten Your Mother Load

This is a great devotional sure to “Lighten your Mother Load”. I found encouragement in this book, as it adds humor and faith to everyday goings and doings! One of the things I like is that the chapters are short (one 2-3 pages). If you do not think you have time to sit down and read the entire book…do not worry you do not have to ~ sit down and read it as it was intended as a devotional, read only one chapter per day and you will feel quite blessed and fulfilled! Believe me, I am a busy mom and I found that reading this a bit everyday was not only a good way to read the book but a good way to reflect on what the chapter was trying to tell me, and focus on that tidbit throughout the day! The messages of grace and encouragement in this book are endless, so if you get a chance I highly recommend picking up a copy!

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Children’s Book Review ~ Moon Dreams

Posted by Professor on January 10, 2011
in Books, Family Stuff, Uncategorized

Moon Dreams is a delightful children’s story with beautiful illustrations! The story takes the reader through the mind of “Luna” and her ponderings about where the moon “goes” to when it is daytime! I like that the book lets children think about where does the moon really go when it is daytime? Why we only see the moon at nighttime? It even lets older children realize that even during the day the moon is still there somewhere! This really is a delightful book…and although the author does not present the reader with aspects of faith. I feel that this is a good sounding board book to have a discussion (after reading) with the children. The last page quotes “ Luna knew know that the moon was always there, far away in space, watching over her…” my family had a great conversation about God and how he watches over our family. Although this is not a religious book per say I was able to incorporate thoughts of God and his loving peacefulness into a discussion after the reading of the book!

{One comment}

ARM & HAMMER™ DIAPER PAIL BY MUNCHKIN

Posted by Professor on December 24, 2010
in Baby Products

Faith and Family Reviews received the following product in exchange for writing a review, thanks to Munchkin. While we consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, our reviews are our honest opinion and thoughts of the product.

Natural baking soda absorbs and eliminates odors

I received this item to review (use with my 2 year old) and must say that I was a bit hesitant to use the product. I have used diaper pails before and the odor is unbearable. However, the munchkin diaper pail is another story. Through the innovative use of baking soda the diaper smell seems to dissipate leaving only clean air! I do have to divulge that we only leave the diapers in the product for 3 days before disposing …so I cannot advocate the freshness lasting for more than 3 days. Some people leave diapers in their diaper pails much longer… but I digress! The bags are easy to load and the system tightly seals the bags and locks the odors away. The secret is the Arm & Hammer baking soda cartridge that absorbs the odors and dispenses natural baking soda each time the lid is closed. A full cartridge is supposed to last 90 days and each bag holds up to 25 diapers. When the bag is full you simply snap, seal, and toss! But like I stated I have never had more than 10 diapers in the bag before it has been tossed. The product comes fully assembles and comes with 3 refill bags. I though this was great because I will not have to run out to the store right away when I finish the first cartridge! All in all a great product for busy families! You can find out more about this product at http://www.munchkin.com/products/detail.html?pID=1331

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Quick Shower Gym Class Wipes ~ Review

Posted by Professor on December 23, 2010
in Personal Care Products

I received these wipes to review and at first glance had no idea what they were for…upon reading the wipes I read that they “stop the stink”! These were designed for use by children and teens after gym class or sports practice, since they rarely shower after either activity. This is an interesting and well thought out concept. The wipes are a large (10×12) moistened, single use, thick disposable towel (similar to a wet nap but much larger). Overall the concept is wonderful although I did find one deterrent to the product, the scent. I wish these came in different scents because the fragrance is quite manly. I can definitely see a young man or boy using these but not a female. The scent is not feminine at all and this was a deterrent to my use. If you have a son or are a young man wanting to “stop the stink” I highly recommend Quick Shower wipes. They are relatively inexpensive and you can find out more information here http://qwikshower.com at their website!

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