Salad Cutter Bowl Review

60 Second Salad shows step-by-step instructions right on the box.

The Salad Cutter Bowl arrived nicely packaged. It is larger than I expected.

Easily cut heads of lettuce. I tried cutting up other vegetables (Peppers, Onions) using this product and found it a bit difficult. It produces a coarse chop: perfect for lettuce and cabbage!

The bowl doubles as a strainer: you can rinse your veggies after they are chopped up or before.

Important: when using the Salad Cutter you will still need to exercise caution and be aware of where you put your hands and fingers. Choosing the correct knife for the job will make cutting up your salad vegetables much easier and safer.

Disclaimer: I received this product at a discount price in order to facilitate my review. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated in any other way. I am in no way affiliated with the seller.

If you would like to check out the product I reviewed you can find it on Amazon

Affordable Fashion Jewelry

Looking for a simple and affordable gift for the upcoming holiday season? I recommend this diverse array of heart pendants!

-Nice colors: 12 assorted pendants
-.78 inch pendant
-Affordable gift/jewelry supplies
-Simple yet elegant

Disclosure: All opinions are 100% my own. I am not affiliated with the seller.

Want to browse or purchase these pendants? Find them here on Amazon

Review: LakiKid Weighted Lap Blanket

I review products from several websites. I've been an ambassador for a number of brands and products and participated in several discussion panels including Remington, Spectrum Brands, and Mattel to name a few. 

My experience with founder Jason Hsieh and LakiKid has been on par with big name brands!

With LakiKid you can expect:

• Exceptional Customer Service
• High Quality
• Products Made in the USA
• Free Shipping

Benefits of Weighted Sensory Lap Pad for Kids & Adults

SUITABLE FOR KIDS WITH AUTISM, ADHD, SENSORY PROCESSING DISORDER - 

Weighted lap pad can assist with aggression, attention, homework issues, anxiety, focusing, sensory seeking, trouble at school and more!

About the Product:

VERSATILITY – 

The plastic pellet filled lap pads can be used as a warming and/or cooling pad when warmed in the dryer or cooled in the freezer. 

EASY TO CLEAN - 

Sensory lap pads are machine washable and dryable - Gentle cycle highly recommended

NATURAL SOLUTION FOR KIDS WITH THE WIGGLES - 

Helps kids stay calm and still during test-taking, classwork, homework and more! Kids love the soothing, deep pressure these lap blankets provide.

DESIGNED AND ASSEMBLED IN USA - 

LakiBargain Lap Pads are made of polyester fleece and filled with plastic pellets. All lap pads are assembled in Illinois.

Is your child a wiggle worm? Does your child have difficulty staying put in a chair? 

Weighted lap pads are often incorporated into learning environments in which students need sensory feedback. Weighted lap pads may help diffuse tension, decrease restlessness and assist with focus. 

Easily Cleaned

Sensory lap pads are machine washable and dryable - Please use gentle cycle.

Which size should I choose?

For Pre-school aged kids Size Small or Medium is recommended 
For Young elementary aged kids Size Large is recommended

Sizing

Small - 9 x 13 inches; 2 lbs.
Medium - 13 x 13 inches; 3 lbs.
Large - 13 x 19 inches; 4 lbs.
Bear Sensory Blanket - 13 x 13 inches; 3 lbs.

12 x 12 inches; 3 lbs Sensory Blanket

Dual Purpose

These plastic pellet filled lap pads can also be used as a warming/cooling pad when warmed in the dryer or cooled in the freezer.

Designed and Made in the USA

Products are made of polyester fleece and filled with plastic pellets. All of our lap pad are assembled in Illinois, USA. Solid color and simple design is ideal for promoting calm without distraction. 
Free shipping to all 50 states in the USA. Products typically ship within 3-5 Business Days.

Founder Jason Hsieh says, they "are actively creating more additional products as they are building [their] brand."

LakiKid Fidget Foot Band can help kids with ADHD focus in the classroom with minimal interruption

Interested in LakiKid Sensory Products? Visit LakiKid!

Disclaimer: All opinions are my own. I was not compensated in any other way.

Give a Gift that Makes Memories

Exploring the Outdoors

My daughter just turned 6 in October. We live in rural Maine. Where I live, you can go outside and look up at the sky on a clear night and see all the stars. You can identify the constellations. Sometimes we can see the planets, satellites, asteroids, comets. Unless it's a cloudy night we can almost always see the moon and the stars. It's really breath-taking!

When she was born, I was lucky enough to meet one of the nurses who took care of me and my twin sister back in the 80s. As new parents, like most other parents we were so nervous. She told us there were 3 things children really needed, "Feeling secure or safe, love, and basic necessities."

Growing up we didn't always have a lot. We learned to appreciate what we had. To be humble: that no matter your situation there was always someone who was worse off. I tried taking some pictures for you, unfortunately, none of them came out: just a black screen :(

This is a fairly accurate depiction of the night sky where I live. Unfortunately none of the pictures I took came out: just a black screen. Source: Night Photography

It's the Simple Things in Life

It's the simple pleasures in life we share that will last a lifetime. During the holidays we sometimes go overboard on buying presents or the "things" but it's the feelings; the emotions associated with those things and the people. Family. Loved ones we're surrounded by that will last a lifetime.

Stargazing, nature watching are both experiences our family shares together.

GeoSafari Jr. My First Telescope

• A Parents’ Choice Approved Award Winner (2016)

• National Parenting Product Award (NAPPA) winner (2016)

• Teacher's Choice Preschool Award Winner (2016)

• Ideal tool for preschoolers interested in space and the moon
• Encourages exploration and discovery
• Provides hands-on experience with a scientific tool
• Introduces the wonders of space
• Perfect for STEM learning

My First Telescope is made for ease of use.

This is what I loved about the Geosafari Jr. My First Telescope:

• No focusing, so it's user-friendly.
• Easy open tripod
• Lightweight and easy to carry
• I liked the eyepiece even though you can't adjust the focus and this telescope is essentially a nicely made magnifying glass that looks like a telescope.
• The concept is to get kiddos excited about the outdoors 
• It helps kids develop their imaginations

This product is recommended for ages 4 and up. My daughter is 6 and this has definitely been one of her favorites. She loves that she can feel grown up, "Let me go get my telescope, so I can look at the stars!"

Folks, I'm sorry to disappoint you; but, I've tried it... I can't see my neighbor's porch light, let alone the stars with this product. It's essentially a magnifier and the website says this too.

But the bottom line is that doesn't matter! Like I said before, it's the simple things in life. Making memories. Feeling a part of the family. Being loved. Looking at the stars.

Find the Award-Winning GeoSafari Jr. Telescope at Educational Insights or visit Educational Insights for more great products!

Disclaimer: I received this product in order to facilitate my honest and unbiased review. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated in any other way.

Ocean Wonders Build & Spin Toy Is Durable and Age Appropriate

Learning Resources

Learning Resources has a reputation they can be proud of.

"Parents have trusted our award-winning, innovative toys and games for more than 30 years."

Our products are loved by kids, designed by educators, built to last, and backed by our commitment to safety.

Ocean Wonders Build & Spin Toy by Learning Resources comes beautifully packaged.

Ocean Wonders Build & Spin Toy

About the Product

Recommended Age: 2+ years

Splash into early building fun with this Ocean Wonders Build & Spin Toy!

• Oversized chunky pieces are made for little hands and ease of building
• Cute character pieces are made of soft plastic and wipe clean easily
• Pieces click into board for endless combinations and stay put until the next playtime

Product Features

17-Piece set includes:

• Gear board
• 8 Gears
• 7 Character pieces
• Handle

This was the perfect gift for my nephew whose 2nd birthday party was just this past weekend! Once he figured out that it came apart. Taking it apart and putting it back together was his favorite part! 

My nephew loved his new toy and once he figured it out that it came apart... it got even better!

I have to say it made me cringe a little... But, he sure put it to the test... whacking the pieces down with a plastic toy hammer he received as another gift! 

I would definitely recommend this product to parents, grandparents, educators or anyone else who lives or works with little ones.

• It's a nice, attractive toy that helps with hand eye coordination
• Very Durable
• Easily cleaned
• Bright
• Helps children with their motor skills

Find Ocean Wonders Build & Spin Toy at Learning Resouces online.

Disclaimer: I received this product in order to facilitate my honest and unbiased review. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated in any other way.

 
 
• Sale

Once Upon A Craft

I reviewed the Gingerbread Man.

Once Upon a Craft features 8 craft options.

The other options include:

• The Ugly Duckling
• The Princess and the Pea
• Jack and the Beanstalk
• The Elves and the Shoemaker
• The Frog Prince
• Rapunzel
• Twelve Dancing Princesses

Each product package comes with a storybook and the materials to make the craft. This product is recommended for ages 4 and up.

Watch as your child brings their favorite story to life: putting together a simple craft. Share a story with them. Praise your child as they retell the story in their own words with the craft they made on their own!

For the price; it's a great product. The kiddos get something they can keep: the book. They also get something to entertain themselves or an activity/project to complete with Mom, Dad, Grammy or Grampa or someone special- the craft.

Once Upon a Craft The Gingerbread Man

The Product

It's a quick craft but the story can be retold with the use of the craft and story. This was actually a better product in its function than I expected because it aids children in their learning of how to retell stories and building memories.

My only qualm with the series is for me personally, I would like to see more offerings that are gender neutral. It's pretty obvious as to which products are marketed to boys and which are marketed to girls. You really only have to look at the packaging.

My daughter's completed Gingerbread man.

Once Upon a Craft would make a great standalone gift or stocking stuffer! If you would like to check out the product I reviewed or purchase it for your kiddo visit Educational Insights!

Disclaimer: I received this product in order to facilitate my honest and unbiased review. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated in any other way.

#Luxolite Headlamp Review

The Luxolite comes packaged neatly in a small display box, batteries and carabiner clip included. The band on the headlamp adjusts to fit smaller or larger and is a bit stretchy to give a comfortable fit.

The light can flip to point downward towards the ground or to see where you are walking. I thought being able to aim the light was a nice feature. I also liked the different buttons for red and white lights and different signals- SOS, strobe, low and high.

This unit requires 3 AAA batteries
LuxoLite Headlamp comes with a carabiner clip and 3 AAA batteries ready to install.

• Battery life is an average of 30 hours
• 168 Lumens maximum shines up to 300 Feet 
• EASY TO USE with Separate Pressure Switches for RED and WHITE Light
• HI SUPER BRIGHT spotlight pierces the darkness at 168 lumens for The Distance of a Football Field! While I haven't tried this out... this is what Luxolite claims. In the pitch dark I would think it would be possible.
• ADAPT Brightness to your lighting needs HI, MED, LO + flashing SOS and INCREASE BATTERY LIFE from 30 hrs at HI up to 120 hrs at LO
  KEEP YOUR NIGHT VISION with steady red led lights or GET NOTICED using flashing strobe
• LIGHTWEIGHT (only 3 oz)
• Either have the lamp shining upright or swivel beam angle down towards the ground!
• WATERPROOF RATING IPX6 (vs IPX4 by others), CE and RoHS certified
   

This is the one headlamp you can use for any situation: running, jogging, hiking, backpacking, camping, exploring, hunting, fishing, reading, emergency situations, you name it!
You can find the product I reviewed at: https://luxolite.headlampluxolite.com/home

Disclaimer: I received a discounted product in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated in any other way. I am not affiliated with the seller.

Sturdy Metal Flag Stand + American Flag

The ground was frozen at the time this photo was taken, so it was placed in my raised garden bed.

This Flag Stand was easy to assemble and is small but attractive at almost 3 feet tall.
It is meant for potted plants or in the garden. I would like to see a larger version made available, too.

FEATURES:

Large Display Stand: 32 inches tall, 15 inches wide, & made of sturdy, rust-free one-piece wrought iron that is powder-coated and will not break or bend.

Sturdy Design: Secures any flag with a rubber stopper, bottom flag clip, and double 5.25-inch spiked posts for support.

Removable Flag: Depicting the red, white, and blue, the fade resistant 12-by-18 inch 150D polyester flag can be easily removed, washed, and replaced with any other flag of the same size.

Weatherproof: The stand and flag will withstand strong winds, rains, bright sun, and inclement weather without rusting or tearing.

Kit includes:
1 Metal Stand – 32x15 inches
1 American Flag – 12x18 inches
1 Flower shaped Rubber Stopper
1 Anti-Wind Clip
1 Instructions

Complete Set - Get a beautiful American flag and a 32-inch tall, sturdy wrought iron garden stake.

Classic Design - With the iconic flag removable, the stand has an "h" bracket spike for strength.

Special Features - Rubber stopper & anti-wind clip keep flag steady on the stand even when windy.

High-Quality Material - Fade Resistant polyester flag & 8mm black wrought iron with a coated finish.

2 Year Warranty - If not completely satisfied, you may contact the company in order to rectify the issue immediately.

Disclaimer: I received this product in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. All opinions are my own.

#Gsharp Guitar Strap #Review

I was so excited to be approved to review Gsharp's Guitar Strap! This strap will fit adults and children. I actually got this for my daughter's Acoustic Guitar we found at Goodwill. It fits great and looks even better!

She thinks she's so cool now with her Gsharp strap and Guitar Pic Keychain!

I was very impressed with the quality and craftsmanship of the Gsharp Guitar Strap. It can be used for both bass and acoustic guitars.

It looks nice with the Metal Pic Guard Embossed on the strap.

With the 90 day return policy and added leather guitar pick holder with metal pick, it makes for an even sweeter deal!

Features

 

• Gsharp's Guitar Strap features genuine leather ends with 100% cotton for an elegant look, maximum strength and comfort.

• Extends up to 60 inches (5 ft long)

• Cotton is a heavy-duty braided cotton

• This Gsharp Guitar Strap includes a cord in case your guitar does not have a pin.

• The design includes a metal pic guard embossed with the Gsharp logo for a sophisticated look.

FREE BONUS! Gsharp's Strap comes with a Leather Pick Holder Key-chain and engraved metal pic.

90 DAYS WARRANTY: Shop RISK FREE with a Money-back Guarantee!

Disclaimer: I received this product for testing purposes, in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated in any other way.

Don't Let Periods Get in Your Way!

Have you heard of a Menstrual Cup?

Features

• FDA Approved 
• The Vida Cup is Eco-Friendly. Think of all the feminine hygiene products we can keep out of landfills!
• The Vida Cup is made out of 100% Medical Grade Silicone 
• Easy size options
• Can be used up to 12 hours at a time!
• Can be used while swimming and during any other activity!

I had the opportunity to review the Vida Cup. I was curious about the idea of a menstrual cup but had never used one before. I was surprised to find how comfortable and easy to use the Vida Cup was.

There are 2 sizes: one size for women who have given birth vaginally and those who have not.

The included pamphlet shows you how to fold the cup lengthwise before insertion.

*You can use water-based lubricant to aid in insertion, if needed.*

Once you've inserted The Vida Cup, it will open up. If it doesn't, no worries! Simply rotate the cup by the stem to help it open and secure the cup in place.

It is recommended you simply wash the Vida Cup with soap and water to sterilize and sanitize.

Disclosure: I received this product in order to facilitate my review. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated in any other way.

Have you used a menstrual cup? What are your thoughts?

Suprises Coming Soon!

A big surprise from FiveJoy is coming soon!

I am excited to see my daughter's reaction and to share her reaction with all of you when it gets here!

Honesty and the Power of Social Media

It's amazing what honesty and the power of social media can do!
I checked my email and read for yourselves the email I received this morning from FiveJoy regarding their product.

Screenshot of email from FiveJoy Co-Founder/CEO, Jennifer

My Response to FiveJoy and their CEO/Co-Founder

Hello Jennifer!

I appreciate your response and hope you follow through this time. My 5 year old daughter and I would be very appreciative! She will be over the moon if and when a new one arrives!

You can blame mistakes on various processes, email and/or whatever else. My point is, no matter where the fault lies, in Business, Retail or E-Commerce the customer or consumer is what matters. By the way, it would be nice if you took the time to spell my name correctly. Thank you!

Kind Regards,
Danielle Papsis

I'll let you all know when I receive the replacement FiveJoy Teepee as Jennifer said in this latest email. I do hope they follow through.
 
Have you had a similar experience? I want to hear from you! What did you do to remedy the situation? If you are dining at a restaurant will you say something if your order comes and is not as you requested?

AYL 900 Lumens CREE LED Tactical Flashlight #Review

AYL Flashlight Extended

Features:

• Weather Resistant Anodized Aluminum Alloy Body - Industrial Grade, Most Versatile Light Available!
• Bulbs can last for more than 100,000 hours. 
• Powered by 3AAA batteries or Rechargeable battery 18650 (batteries not included).
• 5 Modes. High, Medium, Low Beam, Strobe and an SOS function. 
• Zoom-able to use anywhere. Focus the beam where you need to see.
• Water Resistant. Highest water resistant level of IPX-6. Works in heavy rain or snow.
• Easy Operation. Either click button to switch modes, OR Lightly tap the button to switch modes quickly!

This AYL Flashlight features 5 Lighting Modes and a handy clip so you will know right where it is!

This flashlight is a little larger than I had imagined. One of my favorite features is the belt clip. My Fiancee is a Plumber's Apprentice and always has a "side-arm" as he calls it or a multi-tool and a quality, compact LED flashlight.

The AYL LED CREE XML T6 Flashlight stands out as a convenient lighting source; with a design that allows versatility for use in different scenarios. Whether you are a tradesman, homeowner, renter or just want a versatile flashlight for emergency situations this product is for you. Many folks like my Fiancee will be less likely to lose such tools if they can attach to their pants, belt, et cetera as opposed to being placed in a pouch or holster on their side.

Disclaimer: I received this product in order to facilitate my honest and unbiased review. I was not compensated in any other way. All opinions are my own.

Help Ease Tension Headaches

I suffer from tension headaches. I sometimes grind my teeth or find myself even clenching my teeth during the day. Meditation and relaxation work best when practiced consistently and regularly so that it becomes second nature. Personally, it's something I have to work on. When I considered reviewing Dr. Rogo's Scalp Massager I thought, "Why not?! I'll give it a try."

I had seen similar products in stores not knowing what they were. I thought I would investigate it, for myself.

 

Dr. Rogo Scalp Massager for Men & Women

This is a massager that fits in your hand. It is supposed to simulate a real scalp massage with its flexible fingers that knead the scalp skin. I can say I've never had a professional scalp massage but occasionally I will ask my fiancee to rub my head like this. Let me tell you when I have a bad tension headache it feels so nice, those big hands are good for something!
 

Dr. Rogo's product claims to "Promote hair growth." Honestly, I'm okay if this claim isn't true. My hair is very thick and long already. This scalp massager boosts circulation to the hair follicles to increase hair growth. Also alleviating tension and stress to help you relax.

 

While I can't attest to the part about hair growth, I have to say I was pleasantly surprised that this little tool that reminds me of a something born of a kitchen whisk actually helps alleviate tension headaches naturally!
 

It's simple and easy to use. Just hold the ergonomic handle on the scalp massager tool and press the massage fingers against your skin! The uniquely designed tool does the rest! It's built to last, small and compact. You can fit it in your purse or a small bag or backpack.
 

If you're not completely satisfied return your scalp massager within 30 days of your purchase and receive a full refund!
 

Interested in the product I reviewed? You can check it out here.

 
Disclaimer: I received this product for testing purposes, in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated in any other way.

#FiveJoy Spaceship Teepee #Review Coming soon!

FiveJoy Spaceship Teepee

Do your kids make blanket forts out of pillows, couch cushions, towels, or whatever else they can think of? If you answered "yes," this is sure to be a product review we can both appreciate!

#Review Gnome Workshop Bluetooth Foldable Selfie Stick

Gnome Selfie Stick is available in blue, gold, pink and green.

Pros:

• Easy setup
• Compact design
• Fits in a purse or bag for quick & easy storage
• Simple to operate 

Cons:

• Basic selfie stick 

Check Out this Selfie Stick Here!

Here's how to use The Gnome Selfie Stick:

1. Plug the included charging cable into the bottom of the selfie stick and the other end into a USB port to charge.

2. Once charged, unplug the cord and turn on the Bluetooth for your device you wish to pair the selfie stick with and the power button on the selfie stick.
(You may need to go into the settings on your device and select the selfie stick to pair the two.)

3. Place your device in the top or "head" of the selfie stick

4. Unfold the "head" of the Selfie Stick to the desired position and tighten the knob to the desired angle.

5. Extend the stick to the desired length.

6. Press the shutter button to take photos when you are ready.

Note: You will need to thread the wrist strap through the hole at the bottom of the selfie stick, if you wish to have the wrist strap attached.

Disclaimer: I received this product in order to facilitate my honest and unbiased review. I was not compensated in any other way. All opinions are my own.

Guess the Animal Faces: Animal Identification Book #Review

You can find "Guess the Animal Faces" Here!

Guess the Animal Faces: Animal Identification Book for Kids by Dr. Lisa Rusczyk is one of the You Are Loved Series. The author is a Stay-At-Home Mom to two daughters and holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership.

The book is supposed to be viewed in landscape view. It was a cute, quite lengthy picture book. It is available as an e-book via Kindle or by using a Kindle App. I chose to install the Kindle App on my iPhone and view it that way. I would encourage the use of a tablet, if available or computer to ensure the pictures are large enough.

This playful picture book is geared towards a pre-reading audience. Mom and Dad or whomever can read and play along to help baby or their toddler find and guess the corresponding and appropriate animals.

In the first half of Guess the Animal Faces, cartoon pictures are provided where toddlers are encouraged to guess what the animal is, on the next page there is a realistic photo with a response.

First you see a cartoon animal to which you are supposed to guess what it is.

Then you are provided with a realistic photo with a caption such as "Koala".

To be honest, I'm not sure I would have recognized the cartoon camel. I have seen alpacas and llamas; but, perhaps a toddler would guess this correctly.

Photos from "Guess the Animal Faces" with a photo of a Bactrian Camel.

It's interesting to see how mainstream exotic animals have become, even in children's books. My family and I can relate. My father and stepmother own quite a menagerie. My daughter is the second generation to grow up around a wide variety of animals including a hybrid camel named Caesar (Bactrian and Dromedary cross).

Visiting Caesar the Camel on a winter day.

It's nice to remind parents and teachers to use positive reinforcement as illustrated below. It is used to praise the child for a job well done and to build confidence and self-esteem.

In the second half of the book kids are encouraged to find the animal from a larger compilation of animals from a grid. This aides in hand and eye coordination and gets the child to interact whether it's with an oral response or by pointing out the picture.

I would have liked to have seen all of the animals in the grid represented in the book or left out of the grid. You will see some animals are not mentioned but show up in the grid.

Language and interaction are so important in ages birth to 3 years old! So much growth can happen. It is best to nurture learning in any way you can. Of course parents can discuss with their children much further about the animals in the book, for example: where might this animal live? What do you think they like to eat? My personal favorite has always been "What sound does this animal make?" You can talk about colors. The possibilities are endless.

Disclaimer: I received this product for free in order to facilitate my honest and unbiased review. I was not compensated in any other way. All opinions are my own.