REVIEW: Aqua Notes Waterproof Notepad

Ever had a great idea while in the shower but by the time you got out and got dressed, you had forgotten what it was?

What about relaxing in the bath and you want to doodle or do puzzles but you are afraid of dropping the book in the water or every time you put your hand in the water you have to dry it off before you can write again?

If so, you will want to take note of this product. Aqua Notes is a WATERPROOF notepad that you can write on while wet, even UNDER WATER.

Check out the video, seriously:

Isn’t that the coolest? Not only do they make a notepad but they recently introduced a wordsearch or maze for tub time. I was able to try both out and had lots of fun purposely getting them wet and writing to see if it would work. It’s so cool!

I apologize for the quality of the above photo. These are the ones I am testing out in my shower. The paper feels like a piece of thin plastic but you can actually write on it with pencil. You can rip the page out when you are done, whether it’s to bring it with you to the store or to your computer desk or bulletin board. I’ve had mine up for over a week and the suction cups have not given out at all, they are still firmly stuck where I put them.

The word search has 34 puzzles on different topics and is recommended for ages 7+.

If you are thinking that aqua notes must not be environmentally friendly, you are wrong! The notepads are recyclable and non-toxic. Soy based ink and wind energy are used in the printing process.

Each notepad is only $7.00, a real bargain I think!

AquaNotes is a sponsor for my Mother’s Day Giveaway. You still have a few days left to enter, it’s open till May 18.

*Disclosure: I received the product(s) mentioned above free of charge by the company or PR representative for evaluation purposes. No other compensation was provided. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

REVIEW: Clipa Handbag Helper / Purse Hook #gifts4mom

Introducing the Clipa.

I’ve never bothered with a purse hook/clip before because my mom had one and she always forgot to use it and when she did remember, it didn’t work on every type of table.

That all changed when I was offered the Clipa to try out. Honestly I figured I’d try it out and then probably never use it again. I was WRONG! I use it all the time and I find places to use it even when I don’t need to JUST to show everyone how cool it is.

Highlights:

• It goes ON the bag, not IN the bag so you won’t lose it and you can quickly move it from purse to purse if you are the kind of person who changes purses all the time (ahem… mom…)
• It doubles as a bracelet. Yup a bracelet. Go somewhere and forget your bling? Want to add another row to your bangles? Clipa works here too.
• Can be used almost anywhere: door, office cubicle walls, movie theaters, rails, walls, fences, sinks, shopping carts.
• Not just for purses! Use with your backpacks, diaper bags and more because….
• It holds up to 45lbs! I’m seriously thinking of having my 38lb daughter hang off of it to test it out.
• Tested for 10 YEARS of use.

What Do I Like The Best?

When you want to pick your purse up again, all you have to do is grab your purse and pull. The Clipa automatically comes off the surface and clips back onto your purse. I tested this MULTIPLE TIMES! (it’s fun!)

The Clipa comes in different colours and styles. I received the Chloe which is plain silver ($19) but there are also other choices including polished hematite, polished or brushed gold zirconium, iridescent multicolour titanium, black sparkle, ruby red and pink Clipa for a Cure.

10% of the sale of a Clipa for a Cure goes to The Breast Cancer Foundation.

You can also get them with crystals embedded in them for even more of a jewellery look.  (see first picture) Each Clipa comes packaged in a box as shown below which was a nice touch.

You can check out the Clipa Blog or follow on Twitter and Facebook. You can also enter to win one in my Mother's Day Giveaway which ends 5/18.

Check out the video to see it in action:

*Disclosure: I received the product(s) mentioned above free of charge by the company or PR representative for evaluation purposes. No other compensation was provided. See my Disclosure Policy for more information. 

From You Flowers–Mother’s Day Gift Idea

When was the last time you gave your mother flowers? With all the latest high tech gadgets and gift ideas, I think we’ve forgotten about something as simple as flowers. Getting fresh cut flowers is always a nice touch and if you want to give something that will last, you can always give something else with it but at least they will have something to brighten up their house.

fromyouflowers.com has Mother’s Day Flowers as well as flowers for other occasions.

The prices are quite competitive and they offer Same Day Delivery if you order by 3pm which I think is amazing.  Also they deliver to 160 different countries! How many companies can say that, especially for something like flowers.

Keep them in mind for your next holiday.

*Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. No other compensation was provided. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

REVIEW: Brugo Mug - Temperature Controlled Hot Beverage Travel Mug

Do you drink a lot of hot beverages like Coffee, Tea or even Hot Chocolate? Do you burn your tongue on the first sip and then half way through have to dump the rest because it's gone cold? Not anymore!

The Brugo Mug is a uniquely designed mug that controls the temperature of your hot drink so that each sip is the perfect temperature.

There is a special chamber at the top of the cup and when you have it set to tip/sip, you can tip the cup to put a bit of the drink into the chamber, then swirl a few times to cool it, and then sip it! The more you swirl, the cooler the sip will be. Then when the rest of the drink is cool enough (less than half left), you can set it to sip and just sip normally.

There are three settings on the lid:

1. Lock - Makes the cup spill proof, lock it when say it's on your desk and you aren't drinking from it or it's in your cup holder in the car.
2. Sip - You use this when your drink is less than half and cooled enough that it won't burn you anymore. This makes it act like a regular mug.
3. Tip and Cool - What makes this mug unique - allows the drink to enter the special cooling chamber.

The cups are well designed, heavy enough to not tip over easy but not so heavy it hurts to hold it. They come in a wide variety of colours and even in some muted darker colours in the executive collection.

See how it works:





I don't drink coffee or tea but I tried it with Hot Chocolate. It took me a little while to get the hang of how much to tip and how much to swirl to get the desired temperature of drink but I figured it out. At one point when the drink was about half full, I figured I didn't need to swirl anymore because I had forgotten about my drink for about 20 minutes. So I switched to regular sip and took a drink and burned my mouth! I'm not used to a drink staying so hot for so long!

If you drink a hot beverage every now and again and usually always in a house or building, you may not need the Brugo but this is definitely great for those who drink coffee while in the car or on the go in any other way or who love their drinks very hot. My mother loves her tea hot so she has to drink it really fast or it will cool down and she won't like it. I will be giving her my Brugo Mug so she can enjoy her tea and still drink it hot.

The Brugo Mug would make an AWESOME gift for a coffee or tea lover in your life. A belated Christmas gift, birthday gift, upcoming Mother's or Father's Day gift, or just an anyday gift!

Check out Brugo Mug on Facebook and Twitter.

Check out the website for specials like 25% off when you buy 2 or more and Free Standard Shipping on orders over $75 (these specials are Canadian but you can click to your countries website to find your own specials)

*Disclosure: I received the product(s) mentioned above free of charge by the company or PR representative for evaluation purposes. No other compensation was provided. See my Disclosure Policy for more information. 

REVIEW: Rachel Rene Bath & Body (Christmas Gift Guide)

Rachel Rene Bath and Body is a business started by a mom (Christine) when she discovered her knack for homemade products after making a milk bath for her daughter (Rene.)

She sells such products as bath bombs, lotions, handmade soap, body polish, body mousse and body mists, plus she has a men's line and gift sets and she can do wholesale orders too and large orders such as for a Bridal Shower.

I was sent a few products to try out, here are my thoughts.


Bath Bombs

I have not had a chance to try the Bath Bomb yet (what mom has time for a bath!?) but it's a very large size compared to what I was expecting so I'm sure it would be great in a bath. Some small ones often feel like they aren't even there in a full bath, but this one wouldn't have that problem. It smelled very strongly too so it should be just the right strength of fragrance in the water.

Body Mousse

The Body Mousse is HEAVENLY. If you have extremly dry or itchy skin, this is the ultimate moisturizer. It was like caking my skin in butter but it wasn't too greasy afterwards. It just took a few rubbings to have it soaked all the way in. The one I tried was Oatmeal, Milk & Honey and it has a pleasant, but not overpowering smell in the jar and on your skin for a while after application.


Body Polish

Body Polish is for use in the shower. It's a grainy scrub used to exfoliate with. It's great for sloughing off that dead skin, especially on those rough patches such as your elbows and knees.  I have always loved using these types of sloughing products in the shower but they often leave you feeling grainy, greasy or just not quite clean. RR Body Polish is designed to leave you refreshed, smelling nice and clean.

Lip Butter

Lip Butter is just a fancy way of saying lip balm. I was sent the Margarita fragrance and let me just say, YUMMY! I am not a drinker but this lip butter smells DELICIOUS! I could smell it all day. It goes on smooth and lasts a while and you can STILL SMELL IT when it's on your lips! MMMM. If you like lip balm, you will LOVE the Rachel Rene Lip butter. I wonder if the other scents smell as good as this one! Lip butters are available in tubes or pots.

Handmade Soap

I'm not a soap person. I usually use body wash. However I know many people love the look of handmade soaps. They can add whimsy to your bathroom. I mean just LOOK at the options! They are so pretty, some look good enough to eat! (BUT DON'T!)

You can find Rachel Rene Bath and Body all over the web at her main website and store, Facebook, Twitter and her blog.

COUPON CODE: 15% off your order within the next 2 weeks with code "Callista".

*Disclosure: I received the product(s) mentioned above free of charge by the company or PR representative for evaluation purposes. No other compensation was provided. See my Disclosure Policy for more information. 

REVIEW/GIVEAWAY: Milk Nursing Wear

It's possible to breastfeed in any shirt of course and with practice you can be pretty discreet when nursing but it's nice to have a shirt designed for nursing, at least for when you are will be nursing in public. Even if you are able to keep most of your breast covered during feeding, often your side is hanging out.

Milk Nursing Wear sells fashionable tops designed for nursing. The company was started when Elisa was looking for nursing wear and didn't like the unattractive styles that was available. The company prides itself on excellent customer service and dedication to moms and women entrepreneurs.

Their products are available in a few US States and a few other countries but as of yet isn't available in stores in Canada. However you can order online. See list of stores.

In addition to nursing shirts, Milk also sells nursing pajamas, nursing bras and some other fun accessories.

I received the Empire Scoop Neck Nursing Top to test out. It lifts up at the breast while a second layer slides down to allow access to the breast. Check out the photos to see how.

The shirt is comfortable. I don't usually wear fitted shirts, opting for box t-shirts. I felt very pretty in the shirt, and could see myself wearing it even when I'm done nursing. The thin layer is only on the breast section so the shirt wouldn't be to warm, even in the summer.

The colour didn't run when I washed it and the shirt didn't shrink (two common problems.)

Visit Fresh Milk: Blog, Milk on Facebook and Twitter.

GIVEAWAY

Milk Nursing Wear has offered one of my readers a $40 GC to use at the online store.

NOTE: Rafflecopter has changed how it's form works. You can log in via facebook or with your email so you won't have to enter your name and email each time. If you have any problems, let me know via comments or email callista83@cogeco.ca and I'll try to get it figured out.

A copy of the giveaway rules are below and on the rafflecopter form. Entering the giveaway means you have read and agree to the rules.

GIVEAWAY RULES:

One Person Per Household. Open Worldwide 18+. Giveaway open until December 30, 2011 @ 11:59 PM EST. Odds of winning depend on number of valid entries received. Duplicate (accidental or not) entries will be deleted before a winner is picked and winner's entries WILL BE verified. Winner will be selected using rafflecopter's random.org on December 31, 2011 and will be contacted by email. Winner will have 4 days (I'm giving you more since it's New Years) to claim their prize or their prize is forfeit and another winner will be chosen. Contest Void Where Prohibited. This giveaway is not associated, nor sponsored by Facebook. We hereby release Facebook of any liability.

Click Read More if you can't see the widget.

GIVEAWAY: 12 Days of Gifts Galore - $460 in Prizes Split in Two Winners (WW) #12DaysGalore

Welcome to 12 Days of Gifts Galore Giveaway Hop hosted by Tales From the Nursery, Formula Mom, and Mama on a Green Misson. There's over $5,000 in prizes offered to help you get the gifts you need this holiday season. After you are done entering our giveaway you'll want to check out everyone else's AND enter for a chance to win one of three GRAND prizes sponsored by Kudzoom! Each blog you stop and enter at will be another entry!

I have seven sponsors for this event which will make up 2 prize packs.

Prize Pack #1 - $200 - Year Subscription to Reading Kingdom - Open Worldwide

"The Reading Kingdom is more than a phonics program. It’s an online reading program for children ages 4 to 10 that teaches six skills needed for reading and writing success. Created by Dr. Marion Blank, one of the world's top experts in literacy, the reading system is beloved by parents and has helped thousands of kids to learn to read."  - Read My Review Here

Prize Pack #2 - ($240 to $260) - Gifts for Parents and Children - Open US/CAN (For you or use as a gift - if there is something your family can't use, share with a friend)

Mumoocie Memory Foam Body Pillow - $80 - Read My Review Here

Unique Design Good for Those Who Don't Like to Sleep Alone (Kids OR Adults)

PaperJamz Guitar - $40 - Review Coming Soon

Play the Guitar Like a Pro! 8+

Live Call with Santa (and CD) from Santa Speaking - $37.90 -  $59.90 - Spotlight Coming Soon

Your child will get a personalized call from Santa himself and a CD recording of the call to hear again and again and hang on the tree. Value depends on when you schedule the call and how many children you have. See the spotlight post for details.

Mommy MD Guides (Pregnancy/Birth and First Year) by Jennifer Reich - $26  - Read Review Here

My Very Merry Christmas Personalized Book by I See Me - $25 - Review Coming Soon

Lovable Labels Holly Jolly Gift Pack - Winner's Choice of Christmas Jewels or Santa's Pick - $25 - Review Coming Soon

To enter, please use the rafflecopter form below. If you don't know how to use it, see this rafflecopter guide. A copy of the giveaway rules are below and on the rafflecopter form. Entering the giveaway means you have read and agree to the rules. If you have any problems, email me callista83@cogeco.ca

NOTE: Only the first entry is mandatory. However there is a bonus 25 entries if you do all the single entries. The list of entries is fairly long because I wanted to give love to my sponsors. Entries are grouped by type/frequency.

GIVEAWAY RULES:
One Person Per Household. Prize Pack #1 Open Worldwide 18+, Prize Pack #2 Open to US/Canada 18+. Giveaway open until December 6, 2011 @ 11:59 PM EST. Odds of winning depend on number of valid entries received. Duplicate (accidental or not) entries will be deleted before a winner is picked and winner's entries will be verified. Winner will be selected using random.org on December 7, 2011 and will be contacted by email. Winner will have 3 days to claim their prize or their prize is forfeit and another winner will be chosen. For Prize Pack #1, I will ask for permission to forward your email to them and they will give you your year subscription. For Prize Pack #2, I will ask for permission to share your email address with Santa Speaking, I See Me Books and Lovable Labels so they can coordinate the details of your prize. I will provide your mailing address to Mumoocie, Paper Jamz and Mommy MD Guides. Contest Void Where Prohibited. This giveaway is not associated, nor sponsored by Facebook. We hereby release Facebook of any liability.

Click Read More if you can't see the widget.

REVIEW: Smart Mom Jewerly/Teething Bling

Liam playing with Bangle
(c) 2011 Kathleen Garber

I love this idea! How many babies grab on to your jewelry and try to chew on it? Now they can do that with special jewelry designed to be safe for babies to chew on, but still fashionable for mom.

I especially love the bangles. I'm not a big jewelry person but the bangles can safely be given to the baby as a toy as well. While the necklace is for mom to wear only and is not safe to just give to the baby on his or her own, the bangles are.

They are the right size for my 3 month old to grab onto and suck on and it wont fit over his head, or twist and catch his finger or hand.  It feels good on his gums and he likes to play with it.

Teething Bling Necklace

Although I'm not a big jewelry wearer, the necklaces are just the kind of jewelry I do wear occasionally. I'm not interested in chains or diamonds. I like cords and something simple. It's perfect for me.

The necklace has a breakaway clasp so that if by chance baby gets it wrapped around it's arm while playing with it (around your neck), the necklace should come apart so the baby's circulation isn't cut off.

I really love the idea of baby friendly jewelry.

I'd like to quote the FAQ for some important information you should know:

Teething Bling® is made from a commonly-used, medical-grade, food-safe silicone.  It's the same material found in many teething toys and other baby products, such as the 'coated' infant spoons we all use. 

Is it safe?
Yes. Teething Bling^® contains no harmful chemicals: no phthalates, BPAs, PVCs, lead or latex.  Our products are CPSIA compliant, carry the European CE mark for safety and are FDA approved.  Pendants also come with a breakaway clasp as an added safety feature. We remind users to never put a pendant ON a baby, and never leave your child unattended with jewelry of any kind. 

*Disclosure: I received the product(s) mentioned above free of charge by the company or PR representative for evaluation purposes. No other compensation was provided. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.