Faith and Family Reviews - Product reviews you can trust!

Product Review: Natural Vines Licorice

Posted by Bobbie Gould on August 15, 2010
in All Natural Products

I received the following product in exchange for writing a review, while I consider it a privilege to receive free product to review this is my honest opinion and thoughts of the product.

natural vines licorice

We had the privilege of receiving two packages of Natural Vines Licorice in the mail yesterday. Yummy!

Natural Vines (TM) brand licorice is a new line of premium gourmet licorice. It is made with only natural flavors and colors from natural sources. It is sweetened with molasses (the black licorice) and pure cane sugar. Natural Vines contains no trans or saturated fats, no high fructose corn syrup or preservatives, zero cholesterol and are very low in sodium. Natural vines is also a soft, chewy licorice.

My entire family really liked the red licorice, which is strawberry flavored. That was our favorite of the two. Although the black licorice left something to be desired, but hey, I’d eat the nine pieces to get 15% of my daily recommended iron! The licorice is very soft and chewy. Not at all tough to chew.

Personally, I found that the red licorice left a funny after-taste that I cannot quite describe, but none of the children mentioned experiencing it. It wasn’t necessarily bad, but it wasn’t good either. What a contradiction, I know, but I still ate the licorice and liked it. I just wish I knew why it did that to me because it wasn’t anything I ate before the licorice because both times I had some I had not eaten since the last meal. Only our 6 year old and our 2 year old liked the black licorice.

Natural Vines comes in a convenient 8 oz. resealable bag. Which is nice since you don’t need twist ties or resealable bags to restore them. This licorice is such a new product that it just became available in stores this month. Check the retailers page of Natural Vines Licorice to find a store near you carrying this all natural treat.

We love it that more companies are offering all natural snacks like Natural Vines. We love to buy all natural products and we recommend Natural Vines as a tasty, all natural snack/treat.

{No comments}

Product Review: Soft Soap

Posted by Bobbie Gould on August 14, 2010
in Personal Care Products

I received the following product in exchange for writing a review, while I consider it a privilege to receive free product to review this is my honest opinion and thoughts of the product.

Softsoap brand recently introduced three new body washes: Nutri Serums Mineral Extracts, Body Butter Mega Moisture Vanilla and Black Orchid & Velvet Hibiscus (Not available until August). Each retail for approximately $3.50-$4.50.

I had the privilege of receiving the Nutri Serums Mineral Extracts and Body Butter Mega Moisture Vanilla. Both smell heavenly. After one of my daughters used the Nutri Serums Mineral Extracts, I couldn’t help but notice and comment on how nice she smelled!

My older daughter really liked the fragrance of both body washes and thought it made her skin feel really soft. Her only disappointment was that these two products were not all natural, organic products. She almost seems more conscious of the ingredients of personal care products and food than my husband and I. I think that is a good thing though.

I really like the smell of the new Soft soap body washes, I thought that the Body Butter Mega Moisture was pretty thick to rub into the skin. This is not a bad thing but if you are in a hurry that may be a problem! However, The Heavenly Vanilla did seem to help with my peeling arms. That is due to working in the garden so much in the spring and early summer, so my arms got burned and the dead skin was peeling, but it became more like dry flakes after using the Body Butter Mega Moisture. The flakes are still visible but have diminished after using the Butter Mega Moisture Heavenly Vanilla so, I am going to keep using it! I absolutely love the vanilla scent!

{No comments}

Back to School Product Guide: Technology/Electronics Part 2

Posted by html404 on August 13, 2010
in Product Guides 2010, School, Technology/Electronics

backtoschooltechnologyandelectronics

1.) Sony E-Reader- Pocket Edition this cute little e-reader is perfect for students who want books without the hassle of carrying them around. Perfect for college and high school students. The pocket edition comes in 3 colros, rose, navy blue, and silver. The Reader Pocket Edition™ lets you access up to 350 of your favorite books from anywhere. Its elegant, lightweight design is small enough to slip into a purse or jacket pocket, and features a 5″ display with E Ink® Vizplex paper-like screen technology for easy reading, even in direct sunlight. For added versatility, it supports multiple file formats including ePub and PDF, offering access to more books from more places, including the Reader™ Store and over one million free public domain titles from Google Books. ($169 now on sale for $149)

PRS300RC

2.) Cram IPOD APP- You can study The Way You Want. Studying for an exam is now easy, simple, and fun with Cram. Study with flashcards on your iPhone or iPod Touch and use multiple-choice for practice of the material. When your test is over, Cram grades and records your test performance so you can track your progress. Cram is only $4.99 ( the price of a pack of paper flashcards) on the iPhone and iPod Touch and is available for download in the Apple iTunes AppStore. Its so much more fun, cheaper, and greener than paper notecards. Cram is a must-have for students, because most students live and die by their iPhone and iPod Touch and what better way to study that on the device that is with you all the time. Cram is for students in middle school through grad school.

iphoneIcon1

3.) Living Green- Solar Goose Light – The Jumbo, a heavy duty solar powered rechargeable LED Flexible Tube Light with a Built-in 5.6V Cell Phone Charger. Leave the flashlight by a window for charging and it will always be ready when you need it. In addition to a reading light, the accessories provided with the Jumbo include an extension cord and 10 adaptors to charge cell phones and other PDA devices. Simply place the Solar Goose® flash light in direct sunlight and connect to mobile device (phone/GPS /IPOD) to charge. The Solar Goose® Jumbo Light is made with of high quality recycled aluminum, is very lightweight, durable and the flexible neck accessory makes it a great “on the go” reading light. It is also the perfect companion for kids in college, travelers, campers,and boat owners. Its flexible neck makes it easy to inspect limited access areas that are hard to reach such as engines or electronics. The solar flashlight can provide up to 6 hours of continuous use on a full solar charge. ($59.95)

A review of this product will be featured in the next week or two after we’ve had sufficient time to review and test it.

Jumbo

4.) Switch2Health Exercise Watch- For every 60 minutes of activity, users earn a special reward code that they upload to http://www.s2h.com for points. They earn and accumulate these points towards free Nintendo Wiis, Apple iPod Nanos and iTunes, DVDs, movie tickets, gift cards and more! The S2H REPLAY retails for only $19.95 and students can earn over $200 in rewards each year just for exercising. It is available to purchase online at S2H.COM, Sears, Kmart and Amazon.

replay_right

Thanks for sticking with us for the Back To School Product Guide 2010! Come back this afternoon for more of Faith and Family Reviews as well as a new giveaway! 🙂

{2 comments}

Back to School Product Guide: Technology/Electronics Part 1

Posted by html404 on August 13, 2010
in Product Guides 2010, Technology/Electronics

backtoschooltechnologyandelectronics

Today we will be featuring the Technology and Electronics part of our Back to School Product Guide. We think that many of these are very cool and useful to the whole family. So parents and children be sure to check them out!

1.) V-Moda Headphones- Going back to school in the fall can always be a stressful time. V-MODA’s Crossfade LP over-ear headphone is not only a perfect fashion-forward accessory for any stylish student on the run, but is practical too. Engineered with the help of world-class DJ’s, Crossfade LP offers impeccable sound, comfort and durability while allowing users to make and answer phone calls with a built-in, hands free microphone and three-button remote control. These headphones work with the latest iPhone 3GS, iPod, iPad and MacBook. They come with a one-year V-MODA premier warranty and Replay Replacement Program – 50% off lifetime replacement guarantee ($249.99) Comes in 5 cool colors.

We will be featuring a product review of this item next week. We need a bit more time to test it.

v-moda

2.) Notebook- MSI’s sleek U135 netbook (MSRP $349.99, 2.4lbs.) is not limited by its compact size; in fact, it offers massive hard drive capacity, perfect for the media-loving and ambitious student. Here are a few reasons why it’s great for students this back-to-school season: It’s compact and lightweight, meaning that it travels well so students can study and do homework while on-the-go, It’s available in silver, black, blue and red, so kids can make a statement with their netbook, it offers approximately 7.5 hours of battery life, so students don’t have to worry about their power supply dying and it runs the slick Windows 7. With the U135 in their backpack, students can confidently tackle school projects, studying and research on the go or while at home, and still enjoy their multimedia and social networking hobbies.

notebook

3.) Computer Screen Wipes– These adorable screen wipes are fun screen with a zest of lemon fragrance and a chamois will clean and reduce static on all computer monitors, laptops and LCD screens. Easy to grasp, non scratching, no mess reusable again and again. They have a calming scent as you get a whiff of lemon zest and chamois emitting from their tummies and cute addition on any desk. And you don’t need to use your plush screen wipe with other cleaning agents. Just wipe any screen and reduce the static and remove the dust. Check out their nine fun animal designs: Pig, Horse, Giraffe, Tiger, Elephant, Duck, Gorilla, Bunny, and Schnauzer Dog. ($10.00 each)

We will be featuring a review for this product once they arrive and we have tested and tried them. Check back later…

screen_wipe_bw_horse_us_sml

screen_wipe_schnauzer_uk_sml

4.) Nu Shield- This product is a screen protector for cameras, laptops, hand held devices and more! This screen allows daylight readability of the screen, installs easily in seconds and lasts indefinitely. Tough, durable film protects against scratches and gouges. Super thin with a pleasant feel anti-reflective film hides fingerprints. Filters out 99% of UBV light. This product is perfect for college and high school students who love to be outdoors but don’t want the glare on there technology products.

We have a review to post about this product, which will probably be featured next week or the week after. We need time to test and try it!

Dayvue_film_inside_small

Come back this afternoon at 12:00 PM for part 2!

{2 comments}

Back to School Product Guide: Eco-Friendly Backpacks

Posted by Bobbie Gould on August 12, 2010
in Eco Friendly Products, Product Guides 2010, School

backtoschoolecofriendlybutton

1.)Vyandelle- Bog Pockets Reliving the classic book bag with a new twist – a perfect carry all bag. Made with certified 100% PET trim on the exterior and reclaimed billboard vinyl and 100% recycled PET on the inside. Includes 2″ heavy duty 3 color adjustable strap and four plastic feet for a perfect standing bag. Two front pockets with inside pockets for gadgets, ipods and MP3s. A larger pocket behind the front two pockets, and then a roomy compartment in the main body as well as a laptop protector padded sleeve. Exterior pocket on the back and on sides. $39.99

billboardinabag

2.) Terra Cycle- Yack Pack This backpack stands out in a crowd because every billboard bag is one of-a-kind. Find one that fits your unique personality! This backpack features an integrated protective sleeve for laptop computers with screens up to 15.6″, adjustable straps, and its vinyl material can stand up to everyday wear-and-tear and is also water resistant. Specific billboard is subject to variability. A great recycled product!

yackpack

4.) Hemp Sisters- Deluxe Hemp Backpack with Laptop Storage riple-stitched construction and heavy duty 17 oz hemp canvas give this backpack superior durability and strength. With its overall dimensions of 18 in. high by 13 in. wide and 9 in. deep (front to back), its six zippered compartments and nine pockets (as well as twin cargo straps and bottle pockets on each side), there’s room for all your gear. The back and bottom of the pack, as well as the shoulder straps, are padded for extra comfort. Additionally, the primary storage compartment boasts an additional padded panel secured by a velcro tab that will safely and securely accommodate most laptop computers. Whether it’s from class to class or track to trail, this backpack will get you where you need to go! ($57.99)

hempbackpack

5.) Four Peas Chocolate and Lime Polka Dot Toddler Backpack- This adorable backpack is great for toddlers and preschoolers. Perfect for daycare or preschool. Toddler Backpacks are made with 600 denier plus nylon, and completely PVC free, and sturdy. The new toddler backpacks are 12.50″ tall X 10.5 inches wide by 5.5″ deep and are perfect for children 3 and over. They contain a zipper 3/4 around bag with a pocket on the front that is 5″ tall and a 3/4″ gusset with zipper. There are also 1 in. wide adjustable, padded shoulder straps and a padded carry handle on top. These backpacks are toddler sized and not intended for school books.

fourpeasbackpack

Happy Shopping!

{No comments}

Back to School Product Guide: Eco-Friendly Fashion Products

Posted by html404 on August 12, 2010
in Eco Friendly Products, Fashion, Product Guides 2010

backtoschoolecofriendlybutton

Eco-Friendly Fashion Product

1.) Five ACCESSORIES- Messenger Bag this multi purpose bag is wonderful for school! A great laptop, book bag,overnight bag, gym bag, bicycle bag, beach bag a great bag for any high school student! Perfect for boys and girls. Meant to be worn cross body or over one shoulder, the bag closes in front with a big, sturdy buckle. Adjustable strap drop to 57”, with bag dimensions of 15.5” x 15” x 4.5. Interior pockets keeps everything organized. ($75)

messangerbag

2.) Global Goods- Green Hand Embroidered Bag carry the hope and determination of strong Peruvian women on your shoulder this season while being original and fashion-forward. This embroidered bag showcases traditional Peruvian design and is stitched with sheep wool. High quality leather accents this purse in warm olive and orange tones. The bag features a Fully lined, 100% cotton fabric, a Magnetic closure, a Inside Pocket, Real Leather straps and top detail. The Size: 12” x 16” x 5” base. Full strap length 19 ½”.

olive peruvian bag

3.) Charm Factory Charm Bracelet– We chose this company because we thought it was cool they have over 4,000 charms to choose from! You can pick the charms you want online pick a chain and they will make it for you! You can pick as many charms as you want. With charms from animals, to sports, to fashion accessories! These would be perfect for any fashion loving young woman. They have a variety of prices.

silverheartbracelet
amethystcharmbracelet

Almost every product is made in the USA. They are a green company and all their charms are nickel and lead free. Charm Factory products do not contain cadmium. The jump rings attached to pewter charms do contain a small amount of nickel.

5.) Global Goods- The Lightweight Gauze Scarf is a perfectly versatile accessory. The open weave of the gauze makes the scarf perfect for summer nights and can also be warm enough for those chilly fall evenings. You can even wear it as a sarong for those summer beach outings! The gauze scarf is hand-woven on a traditional foot loom in Guatemala.

Purple-Cotton-Gauze-Scarf

Come back tomorrow for our Back To School Product Guide 2010: Technology and Electronics Feature!

{No comments}

Product Review: Eco Jot!

Posted by Bobbie Gould on August 12, 2010
in Eco Friendly Products

I received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While I consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, my review is my honest opinion and thoughts of the product.

I received the “Happiness Is A Form” journal from Eco Jot to review and really, really liked it! It was very nice as it didn’t make my pen skip like some journals and the pages do not come out easily. The binding is really nice and the pages are not too thin but they are not to thick either. I liked the cover design it was cute! It was very colorful and since I like (okay LOVE) bright things that was a bonus feature The journal itself retails for $15-16.

Some pictures of the journal:

There are two cool things about Eco Jot

1. They have this policy called “Buy 1 We Give 1″ so each time you buy a product they will send a product to Africa. ( I think!)

2. And the other cool thing is that they are all Eco-Friendly! They even don’t use chlorine bleach and they recycle. How cool is that? Eco Jot has a lot of cool products so take a look at them!

Check out their blog Jot and Dot and check them out on Facebook.

{One comment}

Thrifty Thursday- Local Beaches

Posted by Bobbie Gould on August 12, 2010
in Thrifty Thursday

thriftythursdaysbutton

We recently found a local beach in our small town five minutes from us! And best of all it’s free! The beach is only a couple years old. Normally the beaches in our area were to disgusting and dirty for my liking. And the other beach right across from us required us to pay. So we were excited when we visited it that it was clean excepting some geese that left their mark on the grass and path. (shudder) It’s really nice as the area that is designated for swimming is under 5 ft. So all of my children are relatively safe. (excepting the younger two) They have set up a nice picnic area and a pavilion, with a men’s and woman’s bathroom. The pavilion is air conditioned and complete with a indoor rest area, and men and woman’s showers. I thought that I would show you some pictures from our fun day! We will defiantly be going back. My children would LOVE to go every day. 😉

Family Pictures August 2010, Some from July, 2010 111

Family Pictures August 2010, Some from July, 2010 109

Family Pictures August 2010, Some from July, 2010 122

Family Pictures August 2010, Some from July, 2010 133

Although not all local beaches will be free it’s worth a shot to check them out!

{2 comments}

Back to School Product Guide: Eco-Friendly Lunch Box Products

Posted by Bobbie Gould on August 12, 2010
in Eco Friendly Products, Product Guides 2010

backtoschoolecofriendlybutton

Eco-Friendly Lunch Box Products (Yes, some of these are repeats from the other day but we thought these where worth mentioning again.)

1.) Reduce- Water Week Kids Water Bottles ($17.99) WaterWeek™ offers the ONLY true solution to end the costly and wasteful purchasing of bottled water without giving up convenience. Just fill, chill & go! They are: BPA free, 10oz capacity, Saves consumers an average of $500 per year!, Includes fridge tray that slides neatly into your fridge, Dishwasher and freezer safe, This size is perfect for school lunches. Choose from 3 sets: girls, boys, and sports.

58_large_kids-waterweek-large

Reduce Everyday has a special running on their Facebook page for $5.00 off any of their water bottle sets. Go here to learn more.

We will also be featuring a review of these too. I’ll add the link here once we have it ready.

2.) Easy Lunch Boxes– Check out these great back to school lunch boxes! They’re BPA-free, SAFE and environmentally friendly, too! You’ll find it easy to ‘go green’ by using EasyLunchboxes for a waste-free lunch. You can buy a set of 4 lunch boxes for $13.95 and a lunch box cooler for $7.95

BlackBagTiny

Containers4PackSmall

We will be posting a review of the Easy Lunch Boxes at a later date, so stay tuned!

3.) Pack A Lunch- Caterpillar Waste-Free Lunch Kit cut back on lunchtime trash by packing your little one’s mid-day meal in a Kids Konserve lunch bag (www.kidskonserve.com) made from recycled plastic bottles. Reusable, waste-free lunch kit includes recycled cotton sack, cloth napkin, 304 food-grade stainless steel beverage bottle, food kozy and two 304 food-grade stainless steel food containers. Lunch Sack is 7″ W x 10.5″ T x 4.5″.

The Kids Konserve Resident Chef is a new monthly feature that challenges chefs across the country to design recipes specifically tailored for a Kids Konserve reusable, waste-free product. You don’t want to miss these recipes! http://www.kidskonserve.com/resident_chef.asp.

Also, on August 1, Kids Konserve and Annie’s kicks off their “Being Green is Better” campaign. Visit Annies.com to win a FREE Kids Konserve Reusable Lunch Sack.

And check out this 15% Back to School coupon code for all. Enter coupon code: “school” valid through August.

packalunchkit

4.) Living Green- Green Little Lunch Pack includes products from New Wave Enviro. It comes with a stainless steel water or juice bottle, a stainless steel food tin, and a lunch back made from 100% sustainable bamboo. ($22.95)

Rayon and bamboo lunch bag kit

5.) Terra Cycle- Round Drink Pouch Lunchbox this traditional lunch box is made with a twist, because it’s made from upcycled drink pouches. This insulated dual compartment lunch box allows you to keep your food and drink separated so your drink pouch stays cool and refreshing, while your food stays crisp and fresh. Specific wrapper is subject to variability. ($8.00)

terracyclelunchbox

Check back at 12:00 PM today for our feature of Eco-Friendly Fashion Products.

{One comment}

A Backpack Made of Billboard Material

Posted by html404 on August 12, 2010
in Eco Friendly Products, Product Guides 2010

I received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While I consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, my review is my honest opinion and thoughts of this product.

About Terracycle

The goal of TerraCycle and Yak Pak is to reduce waste and the use of all our natural resources, all the while creating great products for consumers to enjoy. Their business practices are sustainable.

Terra Cycle also gives back to charity.

Yak Pak Backpack – Retail $23.99

The Yak Pak is made of upcycled, repurposed billboard material. It is super durable, it feels really thick, just think of the material billboards are made of. It is also water resistant and comes with a lifetime warranty. Can’t get better than that, eh?

Their definition of upcycled – “The practice of taking something that is disposable and transforming it into something of greater use adn value.”

Their definition of repurposed – “To use or convert for use in another format or product.”

Our Review

We love hearing about innovative companies and the way they use or in this case reuse trash. One of my clients does this and it is such a wonderful way to create new products out of things we would normally just discard and fill landfills with.

The Yak Pak is just as they describe. I was surprised to learn that billboards were made out of such a thick material, but once I thought about it I remembered a sign we had made five years ago and realized that billboards would have to be durable with the weather elements that they have to endure.

What else can I say? I have written so many reviews this week and especially today that I fear that I am going to sound redundant soon. But we really like the Yak Pak. We gave it to our son for his school supplies and he’s thrilled with it. Time will tell how durable it is compared to other backpacks we have in the house, as we have a few canvas style ones and then the Disney one our daughter received.

{No comments}

« Older Entries Recent Entries »